Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, October 20, 2025, 7:00 PM ET
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Network: ABC
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield: START, QB1
Is Baker Mayfield the early-season favorite for MVP? How could he not be? After already being down Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, and Chris Godwin, he tragically lost Emeka Egbuka in Week 6. Yet, he still threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns , leading the Bucs to the win. His arm is holding the entire offense together with a string and duct tape! His situation is a risk—he’s likely down his top four receivers for a period of time. But he’s done enough to still be considered a borderline QB1 while they’re out, and a near must-start when his receivers start to return.
Running Back
Bucky Irving
Rachaad White: START, RB2
Sean Tucker: SIT
While Bucky Irving is on the shelf, Rachaad White is at worst a volume-based RB2. Although he faces a tough matchup against the Lions, who allow the fifth fewest points to the position, his workload and high scoring potential keep White a near must-start in all leagues.
Wide Receiver
Mike Evans: START, WR1*
Emeka Egbuka
Chris Godwin Jr.
Tez Johnson: FLEX, WR5
Sterling Shepard: START, WR3
Mike Evans has a chance to return this week, but had yet to practice at the time of writing. Considering the team will be without Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin, Mike Evans is locked in as a WR1 if he’s able to return. With or without Evans, Sterling Shepard is a solid WR3 in what should be a high-scoring affair. Tez Johnson is the only other Bucs receiver I’d be willing to gamble on, and he’s nothing more than a dollar scratcher you’re hoping to hit a million on.
Tight End
Cade Otton: STREAMER
Cade Otton is averaging five targets per game over his last three and has an opportunity for more with all the wide receiver injuries plaguing the Bucs.
Defense/Special Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: SIT
I’m not starting a defense in a game with an implied total over 50 points.
Detroit Lions
Quarterback
Jared Goff: START, QB1
Jared Goff.
At Home.
The implied game total is over 50 points.
Top 10 fantasy matchup.
What do you think?
Running Back
Jahmyr Gibbs: START, RB1
David Montgomery: START, RB2
You don’t need me to tell you to start Jahmyr Gibbs, but did you know he grew up in the same North Georgia area that produced country music superstar Kane Brown? David Montgomery nearly had a passing touchdown in a second straight game, but I love his chances of finishing inside the top 20 running backs this week against Tampa Bay, who’ve given up a rushing touchdown in three straight. Nearly 68% of Montgomery’s runs are a zone concept, which the Bucs give up an additional 1.5 yards per carry versus a man/gap concept.
Wide Receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown: START, THE WR1
Jameson Williams: START, WR2
You don’t need me to tell you to start Amon-Ra St. Brown, but did you know he shares a hometown (Anaheim, CA) with pop music icon Gwen Stefani? Jameson Williams scored his second touchdown of the season against the Chiefs and had his second-highest yardage total of 2025 as well. He’s a volatile start, but a risk worth taking with what could be a shootout with an implied game total over 50 points.
Tight End
Sam LaPorta: START, TE1
Sam LaPorta has come on strong over the past two weeks, catching five passes on six targets and a touchdown in each game. He’s seen no fewer than four targets in a game this season and is locked in as a TE1 regardless of matchup.
Defense/Special Teams
Detroit Lions: STREAMER
The Lions defense is tied for the third most sacks with 19.