Predictions Summary Projections by Position Projection Team Boxes

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Prediction: TB 3, DET 27 (Line: DET by 10)

UPDATE: Reggie Bush is expected back, again, and will get the start. But he’s been ineffective when he has played and Joique Bell remains the one with fantasy value. Theo Riddick will take a step backwards with Bush back.

The 2-10 Buccaneers head to Detroit where the 8-4 Lions and 5-1 this year and still in contention for the NFC North. A lack of offense by Tampa Bay should be enough to ensure that this is not a trap game. The Buccaneers won 24-21 in Detroit last year.

The Bucs nearly caught the Bengals napping last week but could not seal the deal. The remaining schedule is tough aside from a chance to win in Carolina for week 15. The season is closing out with some minor strides have been made in the offense – Mike Evans is as good as billed – but no doubt the quarterback spot will be considered for a change and likely the annual hunt for a running back will continue when what they need the most is upgrades across the offensive line that has limited them every week.

QUARTERBACK : While the Bucs almost beat the Bengals, Josh McCown turned in his worst game of the year with only 15 of 29 completions for 190 yards and no scores. McCown can step up to a couple of scores and even high yardage but only in games against the worst of secondaries. That wasn’t the case last week or this week.

RUNNING BACK : Doug Martin comes off his season best game when he gained 58 yards on 18 carries and scored for only the second time all year. Charles Sims has been a non-event since he showed up a month ago and he only managed six yards on his five runs though he added four catches for 49 yards. Bobby Rainey still gets a few touches per week as well and this backfield has been a fantasy wasteland all year.

WIDE RECEIVER : The stats were low this week thanks to the Bengals defense but Mike Evans has been getting stronger down the stretch and was on a four game scoring streak until last Sunday. He already has three 100+ yard games and remains a must start each week if only from his potential. Vincent Jackson hasn’t scored since week four but usually turns in decent yardage and can produce a good game so long as the secondary is weak. He’s no difference maker but he can still take advantage of a good opportunity.

TIGHT END : No fantasy value yet for Austin Sefarian-Jenkins who was inactive with a bad back last week. He’s been a nonfactor in all road games and his two touchdowns this year were both at home. There is no need to project for a Buccaneers tight end this year.

MATCH TO THE DEFENSE: The Lions defense has been top notch all year and especially against the pass where visitors do well enough to get one score. This will be the toughest matchup of the year for the Bucs and the Lions are in a playoff hunt and sure to be focused. None of the rushing elements have any fantasy value here where the Lions have yet to give up more than 50 rush yards to backs far better than anyone on the Bucs. Evans is a start consideration if only in the hopes that late game trash time could result in yardage and the chance for a score.

The Lions had no problems with the Bears last week and there is little reason why they should not be 11-4 going into the season finale in Green Bay where a win would almost certainly take the division since the Lions already won the first meeting back in week three. Fortunately the three teams between now and the last game are the Bucs, Vikes and Bears again and that should mean major fantasy points,

QUARTERBACK : After two bad games away from home, Matthew Stafford was back to form when he passed for 390 yards and two scores on the visiting Bears for Thanksgiving. Stafford was on a nice streak of two touchdown games until being shutdown in Arizona and New England. The good news is that Stafford is always better at home.

RUNNING BACK : Reggie Bush was inactive again last week because of his ankle and his status will depend on how it goes this week. In his place Theo Riddick plays the third down role with moderate receiving yards. Joique Bell enjoyed the best game of the year on Thanksgiving when he ran for 91 yards and two scores on 23 carries. That bodes very well with a light schedule for the next three weeks. Bell has been the only real weapon in this backfield for the year.

WIDE RECEIVER : This has clearly been Golden Tate’s year and he was able to reel in eight catches for 89 yards versus the Bears but Calvin Johnson finally paid off for fantasy owners with 11 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns just like was expected every week of the year. And yet, it was only the third game with a score for Johnson and those games were the only time he topped 100 yards. Tate already broke 100 yards five times and almost never has a bad game. With what should be an easier schedule for the next three weeks and Calvin Johnson healthy, the upside is huge in this unit.

TIGHT END : No fantasy value.

MATCH TO THE DEFENSE: The Buccaneers on the road always allow a couple of scores to the better offenses and the passing yardage tends to be high as well – Four of the six away games for them ended up with 280+ passing yards allowed. The Bucs are better against the run but still five up scores and decent yardage especially away from home. This is one of the better matchups of the year so stick with Stafford, Bell, Tate and Johnson as fantasy starts with major upside this week.

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