The Detroit Lions (14-5) defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-9) 31-23 on Sunday afternoon in Detroit. The loss ends the season for the Buccaneers, while the Lions have advanced to the NFC Championship Game against San Francisco.
Through the first three quarters, every time the Lions struck the Buccaneers had an answer. The game was tied 10-10 at halftime and 17-17 going into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter Jahmyr Gibbs ran in a 31-yard touchdown before Jared Goff hit Amon-Ra St. Brown to take a two touchdown lead. The Buccaneers pulled within a score when Baker Mayfield hit Mike Evans for a 16-yard touchdown, and had another chance with the ball trailing 31-23 and two minutes to go. The Lions clinched the victory when Derrick Barnes intercepted Baker Mayfield to secure the win.
Mayfield went 26-of-41 with 349 yards passing while throwing for three touchdowns and two interceptions. For the Lions, Jared Goff threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns to earn the win.
The Buccaneers now look ahead to the offseason with a number of guys becoming free agents including wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David The Lions head to San Francisco to play the 49ers next Sunday in the NFC Championship Game.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES