Buccaneers at Lions: Bold predictions for Week 16

The Buccaneers are in Detroit to face a struggling Lions team. Tampa Bay improved to 9-5 after beating the Atlanta Falcons last week 31-27.

The Bucs had stellar performances all around last week following a very slow start. But after picking things up in the second half, they cam away with a win and David hit on his bold prediction the Buccaneers will not turn the ball over in route to a victory.

Who will hit on their bold predictions for Week 16?

David: Michael Thomas is on injured reserve so he can’t play until the playoffs arrive. For the Saints, that’s probably an acceptable fate. What wouldn’t be acceptable would be to lose the division race after fighting for the number one seed just two weeks ago. If the Saints lose to the Minnesota Vikings, that’s the exact scenario Sean Payton’s team would be facing entering Week 17. Of course, that is, if the Bucs take care of business in Detroit on Saturday. My bold prediction is, the Buccaneers get help from the Vikings, beat the Lions, and enter Week 17 rooting for the Panthers who can then hand Tampa Bay a prime shot at winning the NFC South.

Jason: Defense has to step up this week. The defensive line failed to add a sack to the box score, and left it all up to Devin White to do so. Jason Pierre-Paul didn’t get a tackle at all against the Falcons. Shaquil Barrett only had 2. They know what’s at stake, so I think they’ll turn it around in glorious fashion. The Bucs find a way to get 6 sacks and two turnovers. One forced fumble and one interception.

James: Oof. There are some angry Bucs after the Pro Bowl announcements. The most notable snubs betting Lavonte David and Devin White. Going up against a lackluster Detroit offense provides another opportunity for the best linebacker duo in the NFL to shine. My bold prediction is that White will have yet another multi-sack game while David is responsible for two takeaways - one being a forced fumble, the other being an interception.

Evan: By now, it’s clear that slow starts are a part of Tampa Bay’s DNA. The Bucs average just a tad over 13 points per game in the first half. Well, they are going to double that this week. The Bucs know that they can clinch a playoff spot with a win and that will result in a fast start. For one week, the Bucs will look good in the first half. 26 points in the first 30 minutes. Mark it down.

Bailey: Sean Murphy-Bunting has had a rough go of it in recent games, especially last week against Matt Ryan and the Falcons. For much of the first half, Atlanta was picking on him specifically and he just didn’t have an answer. But this week, the second-year corner bounces back in his native Michigan. Just like he did last year in his first visit to Detroit as a pro, the Central Michigan product picks off a pass and returns it for six.

Editor’s Pick by Gil Arcia: For the second consecutive week, I think David is on to something. But, I don’t like when there are outside influences that are requesting to be relied upon. In his case for the Bucs, it’s the Vikings and Panthers that are being called upon to help Tampa Bay. They need to just get to the playoffs. So with that said, I’m going with Bailey’s prediction this week. SMB has to turn things around and why not do it in Detroit? Go getcha some, young man.