Buccaneers vs. Lions: NFL prop bets backed by betting data

Many Lions fans got to witness the first playoff win of their life. While the joy of victory is great, the task at hand is not complete. We have three more rounds of playoffs which makes for plenty of NFL betting.

Detroit’s focus shifts to the upcoming challenge posed by Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions boast one of the best offenses in the NFL and the formidable Bucs defense will be tasked with stopping them. Here are the best prop bets for the Divisional Round game from the top Michigan sportsbooks.

• The Lions rank 23rd in the league allowing a hefty 23.2 points per game. The Ravens, Chiefs, 49ers, Bills and Bucs (all in the playoffs) make up the top five for the fewest points against.
• Detroit’s defense allows 253.4 passing yards per game (30th).
• If the Bucs are up in this game it will likely be due to Mayfield exposing weaknesses in Detroit’s defense. If the Bucs fall behind the favored Lions (-6.5), Mayfield will definitely have to throw the ball more to catch up. Whether leading or trailing, Mayfield should use his arm and help us hit our prop.

• Detroit is fifth in the league in first-half scoring. The Lions average 15.1 points in the first half of their games.
• The Lions first-half scoring increases at home to 16.2 points.
• Tampa Bay is 22nd in the NFL in first-half scoring, averaging 9.9 points before halftime.
• The Lions (-6.5) are favored to win this game.
• The Lions have led at halftime in 13 of their games this season. That is one game better than their regular season 12-5 record.

This bet shifts the moneyline odds from -275 to +100. The even odds come at a price, the Lions have to lead at halftime and win the game. With the odds already in Detroit’s favor and a one-game better first-half record, we like the value of this prop.

Bet $5 and get $158 in bonus bets at BetMGM Sportsbookwhen you use the promo code MLIVEMGM.

For our last prop, we like Jahmyr Gibbs to score twice at 7-to-1 odds. This bet is harder to hit, so place units accordingly. Here’s why we like this prop:

• Gibbs has become a staple in the Lions offense. The rookie from Alabama had 12 touchdowns in the regular season and another score against the Rams in the Wild Card Round
• The running back has six touchdowns in his last six games.
• He has shown he can be a great pass-catcher, differentiating him from the Lions other running back, David Montgomery.
• Gibbs’ speed can bring a change of pace to the gritty Lions offense. He can burn past defenders on an outside run or make a move in space after catching the ball.
• He is tied with Montgomery for the best odds to be an anytime touchdown scorer.

We particularly like making this bet at Caesars Sportsbooksince they offer a $1,000 first bet when you sign up with code SLMLIVE1000. A $1,000 bet on Gibbs would pay out $8,000. If the bet did not hit, you’d get your stake back as a bonus bet.

All your sportsbooks, all your bets, all in one app. That’s PropShop. It’s never been easier to sync and swipe through your accounts for easy bankroll management, live bet tracking, odds comparison, personalized betting insights and more. Click the link below to get started and start winning.

Think you know Lions football? Play the MLive.com Prop Bet Showdown for a chance to win prizes!

Sidelines Group provides MLive with original sports betting, lottery and casino content including odds, analysis, predictions and reviews to educate bettors. Please bet responsibly.