Checking in with Detroit Lions fans for our latest SB Nation Reacts survey: What is the most likely outcome of the Lions vs. Bucs?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Detroit Lions fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Each week, in our SB Nation Reacts Survey, we will provide readers with a question or two specifically geared toward Detroit Lions fans, with an article exploring the results later in the week. This week we have two questions, the first being a recurring weekly question, and the second designed for Week 2:
1. Are you confident the Lions are headed in the right direction? (weekly)
2. What is the most likely outcome of the Lions vs. Bucs?
In our weekly survey, the season kicked off with a bang, as 99% of fans believed the Lions were headed in the right direction , Following the Lions’ overtime win over the Rams, I’m curious to see if this percentage fluctuates.
Locally, a portion of the fan base appears to be very disappointed in the game’s results. Yes, the Rams are a playoff-caliber team, but they were dealing with a lot of injuries and the Lions didn’t appear to take full advantage. There is also the unusual reduction in production from Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jared Goff, which has resulted in even more worries.
Nationally, things are quite the opposite. The national narrative is that the Lions overcame a difficult Rams team and did what playoff teams do: win tough games, even when you’re not at your best. The national reactions have all been positive , morning shows are discussing if Ford Field is the most difficult place to play in the NFL , and the Lions are a consensus top-5 team in this week’s Power Rankings , landing at No. 2 in half of them.
In our second survey question—What is the most likely outcome of the Lions vs. Bucs?—we have given fans three outcomes to choose from:
- Lions win and cover the spread
- Lions win but don’t cover
- Bucs beat the Lions
According to the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook , the Lions opened the Week as 6.5 point favorites , but the betting line moved to Lions -7 points on Tuesday (this is the betting line to use for the survey).
The Bucs are coming off a convincing 37-20 win over the Commanders, but have a new offensive coordinator and are dealing with multiple injuries on defense—so much so that they needed a safety to play outside corner last game. Still, a full touchdown spread is a big number for a team that went to the Divisional round of the playoffs last year before falling to the Lions.
Alright, it’s time to vote in the polls below and keep an eye out later in the week for the results.