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Buccaneers’ keys to victory over Lions in Week 14

By David Harrison

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 03: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 3, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 03: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 3, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after a sack against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 17-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after a sack against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 17-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The Buccaneers are 3-2 at home, and finish the year with three more at home in their last four games.

Even when they do travel, it’s to Charlotte, North Carolina. Cross-country trip it isn’t.

A lot is made about playing at home or on the road, so the team needs to take advantage.

However, the Lions currently have a better record on the road than they do at home. So, it isn’t going to be easy.

Facing a team who travels well, when you own an offense which seems to do better on the road, isn’t exactly a recipe for success.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before. Getting off to a fast start is crucial.

Tampa’s offense has scored less than twenty points in three of their five home games to this point. This is not how you defend your home.

On the flip side, the defense has allowed more than twenty at home just once. In Week 4 against the New York Giants. Ironically, a win.

On the flip side, Matthew Stafford and his swollen hand has only been held under the 20-point threshold once on the road this year. Not surprisingly, it was a loss for Detroit.

So, something is going to give. Either the Lions will uncharacteristically score few points on the road, or the Buccaneers defense will give up more than their used to at home.

Hopefully, it’s the first option, but if head coach Dirk Koetter can’t get his offense to put some points up in Raymond James Stadium, it isn’t going to matter.

Next: Clinton McDonald: Buccaneers Man of the Year

These are my three keys to a Buccaneers win this weekend. What are yours?

Comment below, on Facebook, or find me on Twitter to discuss this any anything else which may come to mind.

Thanks for reading!

"Check out the full Buccaneers vs Lions preview episode of the Locked on Bucs Podcast!"

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