Due to the Charlie Kirk Memorial Event scheduled at Ford Field on the same day, the NFL has officially adjusted the kickoff time for the Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers matchup.

As they look to bounce back from a recent loss, the Detroit Lions (4–2) will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5–1) at Ford Field on Monday, October 20, 2025.

How to Watch Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Venue: Ford Field

Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Streaming (in-market viewers): Fubo (Stream now)

TV: ESPN • ABC • ESPN DEPORTES

Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub

Detroit vs. Tampa Bay Odds

Spread: Detroit -5.5 (-110), Tampa Bay +5.5 (-110)

Favorite Moneyline: Detroit -250

Underdog Moneyline: Tampa Bay +210

Total: 52.5

Total Over Odds: -115

Total Under Odds: -105

Odds provided by BetMGM.

Injuries

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 8.0 more points per game (31.8) this season than the Buccaneers have allowed (23.8). Detroit’s defense has surrendered 319.5 yards per game, just 34.2 fewer yards than Tampa Bay’s offense averages (353.7 yards per game). The Buccaneers gain 6.0 yards per play, while Detroit allows 5.7 yards. The Buccaneers have allowed 23.8 points per game, nearly identical to the 23.7 points per game scored by the Lions.

Detroit’s offense has limited opponents to 353.7 yards per game, which is 34.2 more yards than the 319.5-yard average produced by Tampa Bay’s defense. Tampa Bay gains 5.7 yards per play, while Detroit allows 6.0 yards. Lions Rookie WR Jackson Meeks Becomes Instant Hero After Breakout in Comeback Win vs Chiefs

The Lions’ preseason may have looked like another flat night in Kansas City, but one rookie wide receiver made sure it ended with a surge of Honolulu blue-and-silver pride. By the final whistle, the story was no longer about the Chiefs’ defense, but about a young pass-catcher who turned the game upside down.

Fans had seen the Chiefs control the pace for three quarters, leaning on their front seven and keeping Detroit’s offense stagnant. For a moment, it felt like another preseason lesson in frustration, where execution lagged and depth questions loomed larger than answers.

Then came Jackson Meeks. The seventh-round draft pick wide receiver seized his moment in the fourth quarter, hauling in five catches for 89 yards, including a diving 28-yard touchdown grab that tied the score at 24–24. His 17.8 yards per catch told the story of a player who refused to be denied.

“Wearing the Honolulu blue means you’re never allowed to quit. The Lions’ spirit is fighting until the very last second — and today, we proved it with an unbelievable comeback,”

Meeks said, capturing the heart of the moment.

Head coach Dan Campbell echoed the praise: “Jackson’s showing he’s a playmaker. That touchdown was huge.”

For Detroit, the comeback wasn’t just about salvaging a preseason game — it was about discovering depth and resilience when it mattered most.

The touchdown itself drew praise beyond the locker room. ESPN described his 28-yard score as “diving in” through defenders, while local outlet @PrideOfDetroit posted on X: “Jackson Meeks is a name to watch!” For a player fighting uphill as a late-round pick, the recognition is validation.

Meeks’ performance wasn’t a one-off either. Just a week earlier against the Bears, he caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown, showing consistency that has quickly caught the coaching staff’s attention. Back-to-back standout outings in August don’t happen by accident.

At this point, Meeks looks nearly assured of a practice squad spot, with real potential to push for the WR5 role on the active roster. His mix of speed, hands, and ability to contribute on punt returns makes him a valuable piece for Detroit’s depth.

In a preseason marked by injuries and questions, Meeks has emerged as an instant hero in the eyes of fans. The Lions may have earned the comeback win, but more importantly, they may have discovered another weapon to carry into the 2025 season.