Two of the best teams in the league will face off in what could be a preview of the 2026 NFC Championship Game when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6) go on the road to play the Detroit Lions (-6). This is one of two games being played tonight, with the Houston Texans vs. the Seattle Seahawks scheduled for 10:00 p.m. EDT.

The Bucs have been on a tear, with five wins in their first six games. What's even more impressive is that they've been doing this with injuries to several key contributors. Wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Emeka Egbuka have all had to miss some time this season. That has also been the case for running back Bucky Irving and All-Pro offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs. Thankfully, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter Mike Evans is expected to play, while Emeka Egbuka "has a real chance" of being able to go.

"It's possible. It's not definite," Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters while speaking about Egbuka. "It's gonna go all the way up until game time. He wants to play, but that depends on how he feels and how he looks."

Regardless of whether Egbuka availability, Tampa has the daunting task of going on the road to face the Lions in Detroit, where they're 9-3 since the start of last season.

“When it comes to their (Detroit’s) mentality, how they play, you have to match that intensity and try and set the precedent early on,” said Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. “I think our guys are up to that challenge. I think that's kind of what we're trying to embody as well.”

Though the Lions are near the top of the conference in terms of record, they have had their own issues with players not being available. Detroit is dealing with injuries to its starting safety and three cornerbacks. Add safety Brian Branch's one-game suspension, and the Lions head into Monday night undermanned in the secondary. Unsurprisingly, head coach Dan Campbell is not using injuries as an excuse for how his team should perform.

“We just got to play our best football with what we've got right now and get these guys lined up to where they can know what they’ve got to do and they can play fast,” Campbell explained during an October 17th interview. “They know they’ve got to hold the line for us, and it's all about finding a way to win with what we've got in this building, and we've got enough.”

The good news is that it sounds like Detroit will be getting back a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who tore his ACL in Week 15 last season, has a chance to make his 2025-26 debut tonight.

"It's going to be great. It's going to be so good to have him back," Detroit star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson said while talking about McNeill's possibly making his return to the field. "I know he can't wait to be back, and it's going to be fun to watch."

In all likelihood, the result of this game will go a long way in determining who earns the number-one seed in the 2026 NFC Playoff Picture. Dan Campbell knows what is on the line tonight and how a victory can change the trajectory of this season.

“This will be a big win for us,” he said. “I think, just to get back to winning after coming off a loss, that's always going to be big. But it's a conference opponent. I do think this will have implications down the road.”

Prediction for Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions (-6)

With so many injuries in Detroit's secondary and Baker Mayfield playing like an MVP candidate, Tampa pulls out a gutsy victory on the road.

Prediction: Buccaneers 29 - 27 Lions

How to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions (-6)

Buccaneers @ Lions starts at 7 p.m. EDT at Ford Field. You can watch it on ABC or ESPN, or stream it via the ESPN app.

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