Lions learn next opponent, will face Buccaneers in divisional round Sunday

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions didn't care who was coming to town next, but now they know. The team will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round of the playoffs at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The Buccaneers took care of business Monday night, topping the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, 32-9.

This will be a rematch for the Lions, who went on the road and beat the Buccaneers in Week 6. The game was notable for the Lions because they played the contest with a depleted backfield. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs missed the matchup with a hamstring strain and David Montgomery was driven from the game in the first half with a rib injury.

Quarterback Jared Goff stepped up to carry the Lions, throwing for a season-high 353 yards and two touchdowns in the victory, while the team's defense limited Tampa Bay to two field goals and forced six punts.

Prior to the wild-card win over the Eagles, the Buccaneers held on to win a mediocre NFC South division in the first season following the retirement of legendary quarterback Tom Brady. Former No. 1 pick Baker Mayfield stepped in as a replacement, delivering one of the best seasons of his six-year career by completing 64.3% of his passes for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The Buccaneers got off to a hot start in 2023, winning three of their first four games, before dropping four straight, including the defeat at the hands of the Lions. They were able to rebound to close the campaign, winning five of their final six to claim the division with a 9-8 record. They bested the New Orleans Saints because of a tiebreaker.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

Divisional round

Buccaneers at Lions

▶ Kickoff: 3 p.m., Sunday, Ford Field

▶ TV/radio: NBC/97.1

▶ Line: Lions by 6

▶ Records: Tampa Bay (10-8), Detroit (13-5)