Follow Bucs vs Lions live updates from Monday Night Football at Ford Field in Detroit in NFL Week 7.
Lions QB Jared Goff on his respect for Baker Mayfield’s journey
Jared Goff compared Baker Mayfield’s journey through the NFL to his own, calling his Monday Night Football opponent a good friend.
It’s Monday night at Ford Field, and the Detroit Lions are hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1) for a showdown of two of the NFC’s top teams in Detroit.
The Monday Night Football game is kicked off at 7 p.m. ET, with the TV channel broadcast available on ABC and ESPN, and the streaming link available on Fubo (free trial). The Lions have a 14-3 lead at halftime.
This is the first of two Week 7 Monday Night Football games, with the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle set to kick off at 10 p.m. ET.
Watch Lions-Buccaneers on Fubo
The Lions are coming off a 30-17 loss to the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday, ending a four-game winning streak that vaulted them among the best teams in the NFL.
The Bucs, meanwhile, own the best record in the NFC at 5-1, and led by their MVP candidate quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Both teams have major injuries.
The Bucs are missing top talent on offense with wide receiver Chris Godwin and running back Bucky Irving out. The Lions are down starting safeties Kerby Joseph (knee injury) and Brian Branch (suspension), as well as starting cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed, significantly hampering their secondary.
The winner of this game will be in a prime position for a top playoff seed in the NFC, giving this greater-than-usual stakes for a midseason matchup.
Follow along for Bucs vs Lions live score updates and highlights all night long.
Lions vs Bucs live updates for Monday Night Football
Lions quarterback Jared Goff is thoroughly outplaying his counterpart Baker Mayfield, who has only 47 yards on 9-of-16 passing so far tonight.
Here are the first half statlines from key Lions players so far.
QB Jared Goff: 13-of-19, 183 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT.RB Jahmyr Gibbs: 11 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD.WR Amon-Ra St. Brown: 5 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD.LB Jack Campbell: 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack.DB Rock Ya-Sin: 3 tackles, 2 passes defended.
HALFTIME: Lions 14, Bucs 3
Bucs’ kicker Chase McLaughlin converted a 53-yard field goal to put Tampa Bay on the scoreboard as the first half expired, with the Lions still up by two scores.
But the Lions should probably be up by a lot more, missing many opportunities on offense despite a sterling performance from the defense. Detroit will kick off to start the third quarter.
With about 30 seconds left in the first half and the ball near midfield, Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw an interception to Bucs’ cornerback Jamel Dean.
After the missed field goal on the previous possession and a failure to take advantage of the Maulet interception, the Lions waste two scoring opportunities.
Lions corner back Arthur Maulet got his hands on a pass intended for Bucs’ tight end Cade Otton, wrestled it away and didn’t let go. It was initially called a 4-yard completion, but upon review was ruled as an interception for Maulet.
It’s the cornerback’s first interception as a Lion.
Lions running back Craig Reynolds has been listed as questionable with a hamstring injury as the first half approaches its conclusion. We await updates on his status.
Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans has been ruled out of the game with a concussion and shoulder injury, per the team.
On Tampa Bay’s first play on the drive, a 4-yard pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield to receiver Sterling Shepard was wiped out when cornerback Amik Robertson punched the ball out of Shepard’s grasp, forcing a fumble.
Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson recovered, giving the Lions the ball on Tampa’s 41-yard line.
Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams appeared to make his first catch of the night on a 14-yard connection from quarterback Jared Goff. Unfortunately for the Lions, it was called back on a pass interference call on Williams.
Two incompletions later, the Bucs forced a punt.
Bucs’ quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted a long pass to receiver Mike Evans in the middle of the second quarter, who stayed on the field for several minutes following a drop. He was able to stand up and walk off the field slowly with the help of trainers.
We await updates on the nature and extent of his injury.
2Q, 5:51: Lions 14, Bucs 0
Consecutive Detroit penalties, one on a false start from left tackle Taylor Decker and another on a block-in-the-pack penalty from Kalif Raymond set the Lions back to their own 6-yard line. An 8-yard catch from Raymond set up a 3rd-and-6 pass attempt, which fell incomplete to Raymond.
But an illegal contact play on Bucs’ cornerback Jamel Dean gave the Lions new life, and they immediately took advantage.
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was given the handoff on the next play and sprinted through a hole up the middle, rattling off a 78-yard touchdown run. It’s Gibbs’ fifth rushing touchdown of the season (and sixth overall touchdown), and also marked the longest run of his career.
Bucs’ quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted five passes on the drive but completed only two, as Detroit’s makeshift secondary has done well holding down Tampa Bay’s passing game. The Buccaneers stalled at midfield and punted once again, setting the Lions up on their own 13-yard line.
Facing pressure on a first-down play-action pass, Lions quarterback Jared Goff dumped it off to running back David Montgomery, who followed his blockers for a 15-yard gain to start the drive. A running play for negative yardage from Montgomery and a 5-yard penalty on Penei Sewell forced a 2nd-and-17, but Goff found Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 12-yard gain to make it 3rd-and-5 from Detroit’s 34.
A sack from linebacker SirVocea Dennis ended the drive, however, with the Lions punting for the first time this game.
Starting the quarter from their own 17-yard line, a 23-yard pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield to wide receiver Mike Evans marked Tampa Bay’s first succesful first down of the game.
Three plays later on a 3rd-and-3, Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill knocked down a Mayfield pass at the line of scrimmage, forcing a fourth down and third-straight putn. The Lions will start with the ball on their own 14-yard line.
End 1Q: Lions 7, Bucs 0
The Lions are up by a touchdown at the end of the first quarter, but it could have been much more. A strip sack fumble in Bucs’ territory and a failed fourth-down attempt on the Tampa Bay 15-yard line ended Detroit’s second and third drive of the quarter, keeping Tampa Bay within one score.
The Bucs offense, meanwhile, did not get a single first down in the quarter and have gained only 15 yards to Detroit’s 160.
Starting the drive from their own 14-yard line, the Lions moved methodically down the field, with a 16-yard pass from quarterback Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown and another 24-yard pass from Goff to running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
The Lions found themselves in a 4th-and-2 on the Tampa Bay 15-yard line, and went for it with a route to rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the end zone. The pass sailed over TeSlaa’s head, however, and the Lions turned the ball over on downs.
While attending a Detroit Red Wings game, Amon-Ra St. Brown telegraphed exactly what his touchdown celebration would look like. He kept his word.
Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes got his hand on a 2nd-and-15 Baker Mayfield pass, but it still ended up in hands of tight end Cade Otton for an 8-yard gain.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield tried again with a third-down screen pass to running back Rachaad White, but linebacker Jack Campbell broke through and tackled White for a loss. The Lions force another three-and-out, and will start on their own 14-yard line following a punt.
It was receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown who ended the previous drive in a touchdown, and it was St. Brown who started this drive, finding space on the left side of the field for a 24-yard pass to bring the Lions to Tampa Bay’s 41-yard line.
Unfortunately for the Lions, that’s basically all the offense they would get on the drive.
The Bucs forced a 3rd-and-4 soon after, and a fumble from quarterback Jared Goff (forced on a strip sack from linebacker Yaya Diaby) was recovered by Buccaneers’ defensive lineman Elijah Roberts, giving Tampa Bay the ball back on their own 40-yard line.
The Lions defense forced a three-and-out on the Bucs’ opening drive, applying steady pressure to MVP candidate Baker Mayfield. The Ford Field crowd gets an assist, as that opening drive was as loud as the stadium has been all season.
The Bucs punt, and the Lions will begin on their own 35-yard line.
1Q, 11:59: Lions 7, Bucs 0
On the Lions’ second play from scrimmage, Detroit quarterback Jared Goff swung a pass out to running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who juked a defender and ran down the right side of the field for a 30-yard gain.
An illegal contact call on 3rd-and-6 from Bucs’ cornerback Jacob Parrish gave the Lions new life on the Tampa 30-yard line, and Goff found Lions wide receiver two plays later for a 27-yard touchdown pass. It’s St. Brown’s seventh touchdown reception of the season, which leads all players.
Lions will receive the ball to start the game.
Though almost assuredly just a part of his warmup routine and not a new skill he’ll show off during games, Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson was filmed making a nifty one-handed catch pregame.
This does not mean he will be available in the secondary, however, as much as the Lions need help with all of their injuries to cornerbacks and safeties.
Detroit natives Tim Robinson and Sam Richardson are at Ford Field to support the home team.
Robinson and Richardson were the creators and stars of the sitcom “Detroiters,” with the former Saturday Night Live player Robinson gaining popularity with the Netflix hit “I Think You Should Leave.”
Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond led the wide receivers and running backs out for pregame warmups, giving the Ford Field crowd an early taste of the alternate black uniforms.
With safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch both out for tonight’s game, second-year player Thomas Harper is getting his first start for the Lions tonight.
Harper joined the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted rookie before the 2024 season and saw time with the Las Vegas Raiders, playing 15 games and making five starts. The Lions claimed Harper off of waiveres on Aug. 29 and he has played in three games for Detroit, most recently against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Buccaneers are getting some extra help in their passing game today.
Wide receivers Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka are active for today’s game against the Lions. Both entered the game listed as questionable with hamstring injuries.
The rookie Egbuka has been one of MVP candidate Baker Mayfield’s top targets this season, leading the team with 27 catches and five receiving touchdowns. Evans, meanwhile, is one of the most decorated receivers in the league, making the Pro Bowl six times and hauling in 106 receiving touchdowns in his 12-year career.
The Lions have shared their inactives list, and left tackle Taylor Decker is not on it, meaning he is expected to play.
Monday’s outage of Amazon Web Services has spread through much of the internet, including online ticket retailer Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner of the NFL.
The Lions say they’ve been working with Amazon to ensure fans can still get into Ford Field for tonight’s game. With more than an hour until kickoff, fans are trickling into the stadium as usual.
The team has also provided instructions to fans in their latest update:
With the Amazon web outage still going on, the Lions are encouraging fans “to re-log in to their system as accounts are coming back on line. If you can access your tickets we highly recommend you move them into the wallet on your device” for tonight’s game
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) October 20, 2025
For the first time in the 2025 season, the Lions are going with an all-black look with a blue alternative helmet ahead of their game against the Buccaneers.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay will go with their traditional away uniforms, with white jerseys and dark grey pants.
Tampa Bay wide receiver Emeka Egbuka entered Monday listed as questionable, but is “good to go” after a pregame workout per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The rookie from Ohio State has put up big numbers so far, hauling in 27 catches over six games and recording five touchdowns. He should make a big addition for a Buccaneers’ team missing wide receiver Chris Godwin and running back Bucky Irving.
In an expected move, the Lions activated defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who is set to make his 2025 debut against the Buccaneers.
McNeill tore his ACL on Dec. 15 in a loss against the Buffalo Bills and was put on the physically unable to perform list when training camp began. His return could add a dynamic presence on Detroit’s interior line, as he recored 11½ sacks for the Lions from 2021-24.
#Lions announce roster moves:
Released Ty Summers from active roster
Signed Arthur Maulet from Practice Squad to active roster
Activated Alim McNeill
Elevated Tre Flowers and Loren Strickland from the Practice Squad pic.twitter.com/jh6bmmL8s4
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 20, 2025Lions vs Bucs channel for Monday Night Football
The Monday Night Football game in Detroit between the Lions and Bucs can be watched on both ABC and ESPN. There will be no ManningCast, however.
Lions vs Bucs streaming
Watch Monday Night Football on Fubo
Lion vs Bucs Monday Night Football announcers
With two Week 7 Monday Night Football games, ESPN is sending its A-team for the Lions-Buccaneers game.
Play-by-play: Joe Buck.Color analyst: Troy Aikman.Sideline reporters: Lisa Salters, Laura Rutledge.Lions vs Bucs odds and betting lines
The Lions are a six-point favorite for Monday Night Football against the Buccaneers.
Spread: Lions by 6 points.Over/under: 52½ points.Moneyline: Buccaneers (+230), Lions (-285).
All odds are courtesy of BetMGM as of Monday afternoon.
Lions schedule 2025Week 1: L, 27-13 at Green Bay Packers.Week 2: W, 52-21 vs Chicago Bears.Week 3: W, 38-30 at Baltimore Ravens.Week 4: W, 34-10 vs Cleveland Browns.Week 5: W, 37-24 at Cincinnati Bengals.Week 6: L, 30-17 at Kansas City Chiefs.Week 7, Monday, Oct. 20: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7 p.m., ESPN/ABC.Week 8: Bye week.Week 9, Sunday, Nov. 2: vs Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m., Fox.Week 10, Sunday, Nov. 9: at Washington Commanders, 4:25 p.m., Fox.Week 11, Sunday, Nov. 16: at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m., NBC.Week 12, Sunday, Nov. 23: vs New York Giants, 1 p.m., Fox.Week 13, Thursday, Nov. 27: vs Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m., Fox.Week 14, Thursday, Dec. 4: vs Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m., Prime Video.Week 15, Sunday, Dec. 14: at Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m., Fox.Week 16, Sunday, Dec. 21: vs Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:25 p.m., CBS.Week 17, Thursday, Dec. 25: at Minnesota Vikings, 4:30 p.m., Netflix.Week 18, Saturday/Sunday, Jan. 3-4: at Chicago Bears, TBD.Bucs schedule 2025
You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.