Feel-good stories continue in the NFL Playoffs through the Lions vs. Buccaneers Divisional Round matchup.
Both teams try to make the most of their season, which they started as pure underdogs.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers upset the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wildcard Round, while the Detroit Lions came out on top in the grind-it-out game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The win in the wildcard was the Lions' first since 1992. They are having their best season yet after finishing 12-5 to take the NFC North after the eliminations.
As for the Buccaneers, there is not much expectation from them after entering a new era without Tom Brady, who gave them a short but very productive stint.
The Lions and Buccaneers hope to continue their sensational run, but only one will reach the NFC Championship.
The game will kick off on Sunday, January 21, at 3:00 PM ET at the Ford Field Stadium in Michigan.
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Fans not in the venue can catch the game through NBC Sports.
Lions vs. Buccaneers Divisional Round Odds, Spread, Betting Lines
The Lions played an inspired game against the Rams at home in the Wildcard round. They will continue to have that advantage, and this time, by a large handicap.
Spread: Lions (-6.5), Buccaneers (+6.5)
Moneyline: Lions (-275); Buccaneers (+220)
Over/under: 48.5
Lions vs. Buccaneers Divisional Round Preview
The Lions owned their upcoming opponents in their last three games. However, that should not be an assurance that the result will be the same come the divisional round.
In those three games, Detroit put up 116 points against Tampa Bay's 106.
This will be their second meeting this season, and it has some spicy storylines.
Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson shaded Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield, saying his QB could do better and that Tampa Bay's receivers would excel if they had a good quarterback.
"He's a good player," Mayfield said in response. "But yeah, he's just got to do a little more film study."
Like his Lions counterpart Jared Goff, Mayfield is an unheralded QB this season. They do not dominate the headlines but are getting the job done.
Lions should be extra wary of Mayfield, who has been playing with a chip on his shoulder.
He threw 337 yards and three TDs in last week's 32-9 victory over the favorites Philadelphia. Not even Brady achieved that feat, as he became the first Bucs QB to achieve such statistics in a playoff game.
The home team must also be wary of the Bucs' defensive game, especially against the run, as they currently own the league-best yards rushing per game allowed at 95.3.
The Bucs have extra motivation against the Lions, and in the NFL playoffs, the dominance shown in the eliminations hardly matters.
"To me, it's like we're on a revenge tour at this point," said cornerback Zyon McCollum. "Beating the Eagles and then facing the Lions, who we lost to earlier in the year, this is everything we would want."
Lions vs. Buccaneers Divisional Round Pick
The Bucs will cover the spread. They can even win this game through their defensive scheme.
Final Score: Detroit Lions 27-34 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Related article: 49ers vs. Packers Divisional Round Odds, Spread, Betting Lines, Pick and Preview
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