Game story
In Week 14 of the 2017 NFL season on 2017-12-10, the Detroit Lions took care of business against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pulling away with a 24–21 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) paced the passing game, with +10.43 total EPA, and +13.0% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.43 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+23.8% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Detroit Lions changed the game: (:25) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 21 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Stafford · Detroit Lions · Passing · +10.43 total EPA · 49 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 2 M. Jones · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +6.27 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.57 EPA/play
- 3 C. Godwin · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.55 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.76 EPA/play
- 4 G. Tate · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.84 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 5 A. Humphries · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.82 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.94 EPA/play
- 6 D. Fells · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.12 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.12 EPA/play
- 7 P. Barber · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +1.63 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
- 8 F. Martino · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +1.57 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.57 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Stafford — DET · Passing
M. Stafford posted the highest total EPA (+10.43) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Detroit Lions's efficiency. Across 49 counted snaps, they averaged +0.21 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.42 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (6:14) 3-J.Winston sacked at DET 45 for -5 yards (40-J.Davis). FUMBLES (40-J.Davis) [40-J.Davis], RECOVERED by DET-59-T.Whitehead at DET 48. 59-T.Whitehead to TB 49 for 3 yards (76-D.Smith). FUMBLES (76-D.Smith), RECOVER
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Detroit Lions — T. Riddick
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — D. Martin
- Detroit Lions — G. Tate (M. Stafford pass)
- Detroit Lions — T. Riddick
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — O. Howard (J. Winston pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — L. Wester (J. Winston pass)
Field goals
- Detroit Lions — M. Prater
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the TB 2 (Q1 53:10); Detroit Lions added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 53:05); Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q1 47:55) — (2:55) 22-D.Martin right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q1 47:51) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The second quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 7–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the TB 5 (Q2 37:41) — (7:41) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 15-G.Tate for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q2 37:36) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin..
The third quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 7–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the TB 18 (Q3 18:18) — (3:18) (Shotgun) 25-T.Riddick left tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q3 18:11) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 14–3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DET 2 (Q4 13:47) — (13:47) 3-J.Winston pass short right to 80-O.Howard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q4 13:41) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DET 2 (Q4 8:10) — (8:10) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 3-J.Winston pass short left to 66-L.Wester for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-A.Spence].; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q4 8:05) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the TB 28 (Q4 0:25) — (:25) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 0:25) — (:25) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 33:41) — (3:41) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 22-D.Martin left end to DET 25 for -2 yards (27-G.Quin). FUMBLES (27-G.Quin), RECOVERED by DET-31-D.Hayden at DET 24. 31-D.Hayden to DET 24 for no gain (13-
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 9:01) — (9:01) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass incomplete deep right to 13-M.Evans [93-D.Freeney]. PENALTY on DET-31-D.Hayden, Defensive Pass Interference, 40 yards, enforced at TB 42 - No Play.
- Detroit Lions (Q2 38:25) — (8:25) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep middle to 11-M.Jones to TB 5 for 38 yards (29-R.Smith).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 21:14) — (6:14) 3-J.Winston sacked at DET 45 for -5 yards (40-J.Davis). FUMBLES (40-J.Davis) [40-J.Davis], RECOVERED by DET-59-T.Whitehead at DET 48. 59-T.Whitehead to TB 49 for 3 yards (76-D.Smith). FUMBLES (
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 21:14) — (6:14) 3-J.Winston sacked at DET 45 for -5 yards (40-J.Davis). FUMBLES (40-J.Davis) [40-J.Davis], RECOVERED by DET-59-T.Whitehead at DET 48. 59-T.Whitehead to TB 49 for 3 yards (76-D.Smith). FUMBLES (
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 26:54) — (11:54) 3-J.Winston pass deep middle intended for 80-O.Howard INTERCEPTED by 28-Q.Diggs at DET 35. 28-Q.Diggs to DET 47 for 12 yards (80-O.Howard).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 33:41) — (3:41) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 22-D.Martin left end to DET 25 for -2 yards (27-G.Quin). FUMBLES (27-G.Quin), RECOVERED by DET-31-D.Hayden at DET 24. 31-D.Hayden to DET 24 for no gain (13-
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 41:04) — (11:04) (No Huddle) 3-J.Winston pass short right intended for 11-D.Jackson INTERCEPTED by 23-D.Slay at TB 48. 23-D.Slay ran ob at TB 46 for 2 yards.
Quarterback report card
M.Stafford led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M.Stafford (Detroit Lions) · 49 dropbacks · 73.5% completion · +13.0% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +10.43 total EPA
- J.Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 44 dropbacks · 59.1% completion · +7.8% CPOE · -0.01 EPA/play · -0.29 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Detroit Lions | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.023 | -0.043 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.0% | 46.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.213 | -0.007 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.308 | -0.023 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.043 | -0.023 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.6% | 53.0% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Detroit Lions generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.02 vs -0.04), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Detroit Lions: 12 drives, +1.95 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 13 drives, -3.61 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Detroit Lions leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- M. Stafford (DET) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- J. Winston (TB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q1 53:10 · TB 2 · Score 6-0
(8:10) (Shotgun) 25-T.Riddick up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q1 53:05 · TB 15 · Score 7-0
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. PENALTY on TB-91-R.Ayers Jr., Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 47:55 · DET 1 · Score 7-6
(2:55) 22-D.Martin right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 47:51 · DET 15 · Score 7-7
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 37:41 · TB 5 · Score 13-7
(7:41) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 15-G.Tate for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 37:36 · TB 15 · Score 14-7
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 18:18 · TB 18 · Score 20-7
(3:18) (Shotgun) 25-T.Riddick left tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 18:11 · TB 15 · Score 21-7
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 13:47 · DET 2 · Score 21-13
(13:47) 3-J.Winston pass short right to 80-O.Howard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 13:41 · DET 15 · Score 21-14
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 8:10 · DET 2 · Score 21-20
(8:10) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 3-J.Winston pass short left to 66-L.Wester for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-A.Spence]. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 8:05 · DET 15 · Score 21-21
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q4 0:25 · TB 28 · Score 24-21
(:25) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Detroit Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-21 in Week 14, 2017 on 2017-12-10.
What was the final score of Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The final score was Detroit Lions 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21 (DET 24-21 TB) in Week 14, 2017 on 2017-12-10.
What was the score by quarter in Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: Detroit Lions 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q2: Detroit Lions 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q3: Detroit Lions 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q4: Detroit Lions 3, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14; Final: Detroit Lions 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Detroit Lions touchdown — T. Riddick (Q1 53:10) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — D. Martin (Q1 47:55) Detroit Lions touchdown — G. Tate (M. Stafford pass) (Q2 37:41) Detroit Lions touchdown — T. Riddick (Q3 18:18) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — O. Howard (J. Winston pass) (Q4 13:47) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — L. Wester (J. Winston pass) (Q4 8:10) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q4 0:25, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
M. Stafford (Detroit Lions), 73.5% completion, +13.0% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +10.43 total passing EPA. J. Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 59.1% completion, +7.8% CPOE, -0.01 EPA per dropback, -0.29 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) led the game in total EPA with +10.43 on passing plays. across 49 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.42 EPA): (6:14) 3-J.Winston sacked at DET 45 for -5 yards (40-J.Davis). FUMBLES (40-J.Davis) [40-J.Davis], RECOVERED by DET-59-T.Whitehead at DET 48. 59-T.Whitehead to TB 49 for 3 yards (76. The biggest win-probability swing was +23.8%.
Was Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Detroit Lions won 24-21 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Detroit Lions
Entered 6-6 Now 7-6 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 4-8 Now 4-9 L
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