The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will roll into Ford Field on Monday night knowing that they have a chance to firmly plant their flag in the ground against the Detroit Lions.
Yes, the 5-1 Buccaneers are seen as a playoff team, but more than that? Many are skeptical. Whereas the Lions are genuine Super Bowl contenders, so this game has a lot of the line for Tampa Bay, not only for its internal confidence, but for how the team will be viewed in the Super Bowl conversation.
A monster NFC clash awaits, and for quarterback Baker Mayfield, he knows the importance of Monday's game and the plan on how his team can get what would be a season-defining win.
“Each week is extremely important, don't get me wrong, but anytime you're playing the teams that are always considered as playoff teams, the teams that are at the top of your conference, it's important as a measuring stick for confidence,” Mayfield said.
“How good can we execute and do the little things right against great teams? You don't have to go above and beyond, but you have to do your job and do it at a high level. Had a home test last week, got a really good away test this week, and especially with all the noise that we're expecting.”
More: Buccaneers reveal 'very encouraging' Mike Evans injury update
Buccaneers have a chance to consolidate Super Bowl aspirations
As things stand through six weeks, the Buccaneers have been one of the most consistent teams in football, but one thing they lack is a win over a genuine contender. Having played just one, the Philadelphia Eagles, and losing 31-25, the Buccaneers get another shot with the Lions, and this one has to be taken.
Am I saying win? No, but that would be the ideal scenario, but go toe-to-toe with Detroit in its building and prove that you can hang with one of the best teams in football...with a daunting injury list too.
The Buccaneers won the last time they were at Ford Field, winning 20-16 in Week 2 of 2024, so the stadium has fond memories for Mayfield and Co., but that will count for little on Monday night.
Tampa Bay has a chance to put itself right in the thick of the Super Bowl conversation with a win, and it has the firepower to take down Detroit.
But can the Buccaneers do it?
More Buccaneers news:
- Mike Evans injury update is great news for Buccaneers WR's Week 7 availability | Sporting News
- Buccaneers coach gives glowing Sterling Shepard scouting report | Sporting News
- Buccaneers 'fortunate' for Tez Johnson amid WR injury crisis | Sporting News
- Buccaneers' Mike Evans has new injury return timeline revealed for Week 7 | Sporting News