2024 NFL Week 2 Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions with Betting Insights

The Week 2 matchup between the Buccaneers and Lions promises to be one of the highest-scoring games on the slate. Both teams are off to strong starts, and with the Lions’ potent offense and the Buccaneers’ emerging playmakers, this contest has all the makings of a fantasy football and betting goldmine. Let’s break down the key players and matchups, along with some betting angles to consider.

High-Scoring Affair: Expect Points Galore

With the game carrying the highest total on the board, it’s clear that oddsmakers are expecting a shootout. The Lions have been involved in high-scoring games since last season, and their offensive philosophy under head coach Dan Campbell hasn’t changed. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, have surprised many with their offensive efficiency early in the 2024 season.

This game could easily turn into a back-and-forth affair, with both teams leaning heavily on their passing attacks. Tampa Bay’s defense is missing key players like Antoine Winfield Jr., which should give Detroit even more opportunities to exploit their secondary. On the flip side, Detroit’s defense, particularly its secondary, has struggled to contain opposing passing games, making this a juicy matchup for both sides.

Betting Insight: The over/under on this game is one of the highest of the week for good reason. Betting the over is a solid play, especially if you anticipate both teams continuing to air it out for the majority of the game. Additionally, live in-game betting could present opportunities if the game pace starts slow but picks up steam later.

Fantasy Football: All Hands on Deck for Buccaneers and Lions

Baker Mayfield: A Solid QB1 Option?

Mayfield has quickly moved into QB1 territory, at least for this matchup. With a favorable game script and an opposing defense that can be exploited, Mayfield is set up to deliver a strong fantasy performance. Tampa Bay will likely rely on him to keep pace with the Lions’ high-flying offense, and with weapons like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Rachaad White, Mayfield has plenty of options to work with.

If you’re streaming quarterbacks or need a Week 2 starter due to injury, Mayfield is a solid option, especially given the high-scoring potential of this game.

Tampa Bay Receivers: Mike Evans and Chris Godwin

It’s all systems go for the Buccaneers’ top two receivers. Evans and Godwin are must-starts in all fantasy formats. Evans, in particular, has been a red-zone machine for Mayfield and should see plenty of opportunities against a Lions secondary that struggled last season and hasn’t significantly improved.

Godwin remains a volume-based play, and in a game where Tampa Bay will need to throw often, he’s a strong bet to see double-digit targets. If you have either of these wideouts, get them into your lineup.

Detroit Lions: Fantasy Bonanza

On the Detroit side, every key offensive player is a start. Jared Goff has been consistently efficient, making him a low-end QB1 or a high-end QB2 depending on your league’s format. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a WR1 in this game, and he should shred Tampa Bay’s secondary without Winfield in the mix. Additionally, running back Jahmyr Gibbs will continue to be heavily involved in both the rushing and passing game, making him a strong RB2 with upside.

Fantasy Insight: For those in need of a tight end, Cade Otton of the Buccaneers could be a sneaky streaming option. He’ll be facing a Lions defense that is vulnerable over the middle, and with Mayfield likely looking to spread the ball around, Otton could see more targets than expected.

Betting on Player Props: Where to Look

Mike Evans: Targeting Touchdowns

If there’s one thing Evans does well, it’s finding the end zone. Evans has been a touchdown machine, and with Tampa Bay expected to score frequently, he’s a great candidate for an anytime touchdown scorer bet. Given his red-zone usage, you might also consider betting on Evans to score multiple touchdowns if you’re feeling bold.

Betting Insight: Look for player props on Evans’ touchdown odds and receiving yards. Given the volume of targets and scoring potential in this game, taking the over on his yardage and an anytime touchdown is a strong bet.

Amon-Ra St. Brown: Bet on Volume

St. Brown is a volume monster, and in a game where Detroit will likely need to air it out, he should easily surpass his receiving yards total. Betting the over on St. Brown’s yardage or receptions is a good play, especially against a weakened Tampa Bay secondary.

Betting Insight: St. Brown has a high floor and a high ceiling in this matchup. Betting on him to go over his receiving yards or total receptions is a solid wager, particularly in a game with so much scoring potential.

Matchup to Watch: Buccaneers’ Passing Game vs. Lions’ Secondary

The key matchup in this game will be Tampa Bay’s passing attack against Detroit’s secondary. With Winfield Jr. out, Detroit will likely look to attack the Buccaneers downfield. However, the Lions’ secondary also has its own vulnerabilities, especially against big-bodied receivers like Evans. Tampa Bay will look to exploit this throughout the game, making it a prime opportunity for fantasy and betting points alike.

Betting Insight: If you’re betting on this game, consider taking a look at both teams’ passing totals. Given the expected shootout, taking the over on passing yards for both Mayfield and Goff could pay off. Additionally, betting on either team to score 30+ points could be a good value bet.

Conclusion: Shootout City in Week 2

The Buccaneers vs. Lions matchup in Week 2 has all the makings of a high-scoring shootout, making it a prime target for fantasy football players and sports bettors. Both teams’ passing attacks should shine, and with key injuries on defense, points should be plentiful.

From a fantasy perspective, you’re starting every major player from both teams. For betting, consider taking the over on total points, player props for touchdowns and yardage, and keep an eye on live betting opportunities if the game starts slow. Whether you’re setting lineups or placing wagers, this game promises plenty of excitement.