The Detroit Lions triumphed in their first game of the 2024 season, albeit in a nerve-wracking fashion against the Los Angeles Rams. With a win under their belts, the Lions look ahead to their matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. Several key players are expected to step up, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jared Goff, Jameson Williams, and David Montgomery. Let's break down what the fans should anticipate this Sunday.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Redemption
Amon-Ra St. Brown had an uncharacteristically quiet game last week with only three catches for 17 yards—certainly not the start the star wide receiver hoped for. Yet, St. Brown remains unfazed. “A win is the most important thing for us to get to where we need to go, one week at a time,” he told the media earlier this week (Reisman from Pride of Detroit). However, the competitive spirit of St. Brown ensures that he is determined to have a breakout performance.
Last season, St. Brown faced the Buccaneers twice, putting up impressive numbers: 12 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown in Week 6, followed by eight catches for 77 yards and a touchdown in the Divisional Round. With Tampa Bay's secondary weakened, he has a strong chance to replicate his past success. FanDuel has his over/under set between 80 and 90 yards, but it’s predicted that he could exceed 100 yards this week (Reisman from Pride of Detroit)..
Jared Goff’s Potential Rebound
Last week was not Jared Goff’s finest hour; he managed just one touchdown and an interception. Luckily for him, the Buccaneers’ defense appears more vulnerable, especially given their struggle against Washington's rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in Week 1 (Baccouche from Pride of Detroit). This opens the door for Goff to leverage his short-game passes effectively to put up points. It wouldn't be surprising if Goff not only manages to find his rhythm but also throws 3+ touchdowns against the Bucs (Baccouche from Pride of Detroit).
Jameson Williams: A Rising Star
Jameson Williams showed flashes of brilliance in the opener, providing crucial plays when the Lions needed them most. He, along with other promising talents like Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs, should thrive against Tampa Bay’s vulnerable short defense (SI). Expect more screen passes and quick routes to take advantage of the Bucs' linebacker issues.
David Montgomery: The Ground Game Leader
David Montgomery was pivotal in last week's game, turning in a solid performance, and there’s no reason to think he won’t continue his strong play. With the potential absence of Penei Sewell, due to an ankle injury, player rotation could impact the ground game, but Montgomery's reliability should be a rock that this team leans on (Brown from Lions Wire).
These Lions’ stars have some stellar showdowns ahead against the Buccaneers, and it's clear the game could be another electrifying chapter in what promises to be an exciting season for Detroit. As fans gear up for an anticipated high-scoring affair, all eyes will be on these individuals to steer the team to another victory.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Buccaneers vs. Lions bold prediction: Jared Goff finds treasure against Tampa Bay from Hamza Baccouche, Pride Of Detroit
Lions make pair of receiver moves before Week 2 from ClutchPoints
Three players to watch in the Lions vs Bucs game in Week 2 from Russell Brown, Lions Wire
Discussion: How many yards will Amon-Ra St. Brown have vs. the Buccaneers from Jeremy Reisman, Pride Of Detroit
Key Matchups to Decide Buccaneers vs. Lions in Week 2 from Sports Illustrated