The Detroit Lions are everyone’s upset pick this preseason and now they will face their first opponent, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on the road. The Lions defense is the focal point of this team but the offense has potential to win games as well.
Matt Stafford must stay healthy if the Detroit Lions are going to win the NFC North and many experts are questioning his durability. The Lions will also have to work on their running game if they want to succeed this season. The Bucs will pin their hopes on their young quarterback, Josh Freeman, as well.
Detroit Lions Offense vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense
Matt Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson will face their first test right out of the box in the first game of the season. Stafford loves his No. 1 receiver but he will have to utilize the running game and his tight end if he wants to make headway against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber are the starting corners for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and although Barber is aging, he still has legitimate talent on the corner. The Bucs defense is vulnerable on the ground and it does not look like they addressed the issue since last season. This will be their first test. The Detroit Lions offense has a slight edge over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense.
Detroit Lions Defense vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offense
The Detroit Lions defense is improving every season and the one man wrecking crew up front, Ndmukong Suh, can dominate a game. The defensive line of the Lions was weak against the run last season and they look like they have addressed the issue.
LaGarrette Blount gained 1,000 yards while not rushing for a full season. This season the Buccaneers will ram Blount through the line starting with this game. Josh Freeman is no slouch under center and he has decent receivers to work with. The Detroit Lions defense has the edge over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense.
Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3: Pick Against the Spread
The Las Vegas Hilton Superbook posted Tampa Bay as a three-point favorite in their home opener against Detroit. The Buccaneers season is due for a downturn after their success in 2010. The Lions are the up and coming team and it is tough to pick against them. Take the Lions +3 over the Buccaneers.
Sources:
NFL team websites: Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Las Vegas Hilton Superbook Betting Sheet