Legendary Detroit Lions linebacker Joe Schmidt has died at the age of 92
Joe Schmidt, Hall of Fame linebacker and key figure in the Detroit Lions’ last championship title in 1957, has died at the age of 92.
The Detroit Lions enter Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season with a 1-0 record and another playoff rematch on the schedule.
The Lions host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field looking to make it 2-0 for the first time under head coach Dan Campbell. This will be the third time these two teams have met in the last calendar year. The Lions won both meetings in 2023, including a 31-23 victory in the NFC Divisional Round.
Both teams enter the matchup undefeated after starting the season with a win. The Lions had to fight through an overtime battle with the Los Angeles Rams, surviving 26-20 thanks to David Montgomery’s power running. The Bucs swept the Washington Commanders 37-20 thanks to a four-touchdown performance from Baker Mayfield.
The Lions on Sunday will honor “Mr. Detroit Lion” Joe Schmidt, the captain of the team’s last championship-winning team in 1957, who died Wednesday. His daughter told him to meet Bobby Layne in heaven and lift the Lions’ curse.
Watch Lions vs. Bucs on Fubo (Free Trial)
The Lions vs. Buccaneers game begins at 1 p.m. at Ford Field. It will be broadcast on Fox and can be streamed on Fubo (free trial). According to BetMGM, the Lions are 7½-point favorites.
Follow below for live updates from Ford Field.
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Live updates and game highlights for Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Match notes and highlights to follow.
Pre-game notes
The Lions and Buccaneers have become familiar opponents over the past year. The Lions beat Tampa Bay on the road in Week 6 last year and then won an emotionally charged playoff game to reach the franchise’s first NFC Championship Game in three decades. Aside from a few changes this year, both teams retained much of their core for the third meeting.
One of those changes was a trade that sent Carlton Davis III and picks to Detroit in exchange for a third-round pick. Davis has spent the week preparing Detroit’s defense for the Bucs’ passing attack, led by Mayfield and its two best receivers, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Mayfield had one of the best performances of any NFL quarterback in Week 1, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns, one of which came to third-round rookie wideout Jalen McMillan (Washington).
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When is the Lions vs. Buccaneers game?
- Date: Sunday, September 15th.
- Where: Detroit Metropolitan Police Department.
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET.
Which channel will broadcast the Lions vs. Buccaneers game?
Who is commentating on the Lions vs. Buccaneers game?
- Move by move: Kevin Kugler.
- analyst: Daryl Johnston.
- Sideline reporter: Laura Okmin.
Lions vs. Buccaneers will air nationally on Fox during Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. Kevin Kugler will provide game commentary and Daryl Johnston will be the analyst. Laura Okmin will be the sideline reporter.
Lions vs. Buccaneers Predictions, Tips
Jared Ramsey, Detroit Free Press: The Lions went 2-0 against the Buccaneers last year, winning 20-6 on the road in Week 6 and then 31-23 in the playoffs. The Lions managed at least 380 yards of offense in both games and poked holes in Tampa’s pass defense up the middle with Amon-Ra St. Brown, who recorded 20 catches for 201 yards and two touchdowns in those games. The Lions’ offense should be able to move the ball efficiently again despite Tampa’s strong run defense. Baker Mayfield and Tampa’s strong receiver selection (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin) will be another tough test for the secondary, but the Lions are good against the Bucs’ running attack, which has struggled in recent years. The selection: Lions 31, Buccaneers 24.
Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press: For the second week in a row, the Lions will have to play a team they just beat. Baker Mayfield and Co. are back looking to exact revenge, just like Matthew Stafford did on Sunday. The Bucs are missing some defensive backfield men, but their offense looked in top shape and highly motivated in Week 1. This will be a good test for the Lions’ revamped defense. In the meantime, the offense is starting to iron out some of its weak points. The selection: Lions 27, Bucs 23.
Lions vs. Buccaneers betting odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM on Sunday, two hours before kickoff.
- Spread: Lions with 7½.
- Over/Under: 51½ points.
- Money line: Lions -375; Buccaneers +300.
Injury report Lions vs. Buccaneers
Lions: DJ Reader is ready to make his debut with the Lions after missing Week 1 while finishing his rehab from a torn quad. The Lions invested in Reader for the next two years to be a force in the middle of the Lions’ defensive line as a nose tackle. However, their other defensive line investment, Marcus Davenport, will miss the Week 2 game against the Bucs after a productive first game. Penei Sewell was also injured against the Rams and is questionable. Jameson Williams (ankle) was questionable and is expected to play, but the team promoted veteran receiver Tim Patrick from the practice squad along with receiver Tom Kennedy.
Buccaneer: The Bucs already head into Week 2 play with a handful of injuries, particularly in the secondary, as standout safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is out. Earlier this week, the Bucs placed cornerback Bryce Hall on the injured list and safety Josh Hall is also listed as out for the game against the Lions. Offensive tackle Luke Goedeke (concussion) and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, a 2023 first-round draft pick, are also out.
Detroit Lions 2024 schedule
- Sunday, September 8: LA Rams, (W, 26-20)
- Sunday, September 15: Tampa Bay, 1
- Sunday, September 22: in Arizona, 4:25 p.m.
- Monday, September 30: Seattle, 8:15 a.m.
- October 6: Bye
- Sunday, Oct. 13: in Dallas, 4:25 p.m.
- Sunday, October 20: in Minnesota, 1
- Sunday, October 27: Tennessee, 1
- Sunday, Nov. 3: in Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.
- Sunday, November 10: in Houston, 8:20
- Sunday, November 17: Jacksonville, 1
- Sunday, November 24: in Indianapolis, 1
- Thursday, November 28: Chicago, 12:30 p.m.
- Thursday, December 5: Green Bay, 8:15 a.m.
- Sunday, December 15: Buffalo, 4:25 p.m.
- Sunday, December 22: in Chicago, 1
- Monday, December 30: in San Francisco, 8:15
- To be announced: Minnesota, to be announced
- February 9th, Super Bowl LIX: in New Orleans
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Jared Ramsey is a sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press Coverage of the city’s professional teams, the state’s two leading universities and more. Follow Jared on X @jared_ramsey22and email him at [email protected].
