NFL expert picks and predictions for Buccaneers vs. Lions

It's been a phenomenal start to the season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but things will be put to the test on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

When the game was scheduled this offseason, the only notable thing about it ended up being the return of the Buccaneers creamsicle jerseys. For the first time since 2012 the Bucs will be donning their classic throwbacks, but that has been pushed to the backburner on the list of reasons Week 6 is a big one for Tampa Bay.

Both the Lions and Bucs are meeting as first place teams, and are giving us what very well could be a playoff preview. In fact, this is only the seventh time the two teams are meeting when they both have winning records, but all eyes will be on the Bucs side to see if the team is as good as it's seemed so far this year.

Tampa Bay is 3-1 and in control of the NFC South -- for now -- which is better than anyone expected from them this offseason. Most NFL experts have eased off their stances that the Bucs won't be a good team this year, but not many are riding with them into Sunday's game.

NFL expert predictions for Buccaneers vs. Lions in Week 6

While things are going well for the Bucs, they're opening as home underdogs against a pretty impressive Lions team. It's not a huge surprise, as Detroit is not only coming into Sunday's game as a first place team but they look like one of the best teams in the entire NFL.

Detroit has wins over the Chiefs and Falcons, and nearly beat the Seahawks in a game that went to overtime. That loss to Seattle is the only one the Lions have suffered all season, and most NFL experts don't thing that will change this Sunday in Tampa Bay.

Here's how NFL experts around the league picked today's Bucs-Lions game:

The Ringer: Lions
The Athletic: Lions (5), Buccaneers (2)
The 33rd Team: Lions

ESPN

Almost everyone on the digital side of things over at ESPN thinks the Lions will win, but some of the most notable experts broke rank. Seth Wickersham, Jeremey Fowler, and Lindsey Thirly are all rolling with the Bucs this afternoon.

Sports Illustrated/MMQB

Nobody at MMQB ha the courage to ride with Baker and Bucs, with the Lions getting a clean sweep across the board.

CBS Sports

Pete Prisco and Dave Ricards were the only two experts over at CBS brave enough to pick the Bucs in Week 6. Prisco has been lowkey riding with the Bucs all offseason, as he was one of the only experts to get in on the ground floor of what Tampa Bay has built so far this season.

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