Due to the Doug Martin Memorial Event scheduled at Ford Field Stadium on the same day, the NFL has officially adjusted the kickoff time for Monday’s Lions vs. Buccaneers matchup.
Due to the Doug Martin Memorial Event scheduled at Ford Field on the same day, the NFL has officially adjusted the kickoff time for Monday’s Week 7 matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The game, originally slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET, will now kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The adjustment comes as fans and players across the league prepare to honor former Buccaneers All-Pro running back Doug Martin, who passed away unexpectedly on October 18 at age 36. The memorial event, organized by the NFL and the Buccaneers in coordination with the Lions and Ford Field staff, will take place earlier in the evening as part of a league-wide tribute to the late star.
As the Lions look to bounce back from a recent loss, Detroit (4–2) will host Tampa Bay (5–1) in a high-stakes NFC matchup under the lights at Ford Field on Monday, October 20, 2025. The Buccaneers, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, enter the contest riding a three-game winning streak, while Jared Goff and the Lions aim to reclaim momentum after a tough divisional defeat.
How to Watch Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Venue: Ford Field
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Streaming (in-market viewers): Fubo (Stream now)
TV: ESPN • ABC • ESPN DEPORTES
Tickets: Available via StubHub
Detroit vs. Tampa Bay Odds (via BetMGM)
Spread: Detroit -5.5 (-110), Tampa Bay +5.5 (-110)
Favorite Moneyline: Detroit -250
Underdog Moneyline: Tampa Bay +210
Total: 52.5
Over: -115 | Under: -105
Injury Report
Lions: Alim McNeill (DT) – questionable (groin); Marcus Davenport (DE) – questionable (ankle); Terrion Arnold (CB) – questionable (shoulder); Brian Branch (CB) – out (foot).
Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey (DT) – out (pectoral); Luke Goedeke (G) – out (foot); Jamel Dean (CB) – questionable (shoulder); Bucky Irving (RB) – doubtful (knee).
Stats to Know
The Lions have averaged 31.8 points per game this season, outpacing the Buccaneers’ defensive allowance of 23.8 points. Detroit’s defense, surrendering 319.5 yards per game, will be tested by a Tampa Bay offense that averages 353.7 yards per outing. The two teams are statistically close — Tampa Bay gains 6.0 yards per play, while Detroit allows 5.7 — setting the stage for what could be one of the most evenly matched contests of the season.
While much of the attention is on the emotional tribute to Doug Martin, Detroit fans continue to buzz about rookie wide receiver Jackson Meeks, who turned heads during the preseason. Meeks recorded five catches for 89 yards and a spectacular 28-yard touchdown in a comeback win over Kansas City. “Wearing the Honolulu blue means you’re never allowed to quit,” Meeks said afterward. “The Lions’ spirit is fighting until the very last second — and today, we proved it.”
Head coach Dan Campbell praised the young wideout, saying, “Jackson’s showing he’s a playmaker. That touchdown was huge.” After back-to-back strong outings, Meeks appears poised to secure a roster role as a depth receiver and special teams contributor. His story of resilience has quickly made him a fan favorite in Detroit.
With kickoff now set for 7:30 p.m. ET, the evening will carry both emotional weight and competitive fire. Between the league’s tribute to Doug Martin and a pivotal NFC clash at Ford Field, Monday night promises to blend remembrance, rivalry, and the relentless spirit that defines football at its core.
