Game story
In Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season on 2024-09-15, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the Detroit Lions, pulling away with a 20–16 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Goff (Detroit Lions) paced the passing game, with -13.17 total EPA, and -4.0% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.62 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-38.1% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Detroit Lions changed the game: (1:01) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle to 26-J.Gibbs to TB 6 for 5 yards (3-J.Whitehead, 29-C.Izien) [0-Y.Diaby].
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 6 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Detroit Lions | 3 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Godwin · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +9.62 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.20 EPA/play
- 2 J. Fox · Detroit Lions · Passing · +3.64 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.64 EPA/play
- 3 S. Vaki · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +3.64 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.64 EPA/play
- 4 A.St. Brown · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +3.11 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
- 5 B. Mayfield · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +2.00 total EPA · 28 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 6 B. Mayfield · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +1.80 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.90 EPA/play
- 7 J. Gibbs · Detroit Lions · Rushing · +1.56 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
- 8 J. Williams · Detroit Lions · Rushing · +0.88 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.88 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Godwin — TB · Receiving
C. Godwin posted the highest total EPA (+9.62) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +1.20 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.06 EPA) came from Detroit Lions: (11:31) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep right intended for 9-J.Williams INTERCEPTED by 27-Z.McCollum at DET 48. 27-Z.McCollum to DET 44 for 4 yards (14-A.St. Brown).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Godwin (B. Mayfield pass)
- Detroit Lions — D. Montgomery
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — B. Mayfield
Field goals
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. McLaughlin
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. McLaughlin
- Detroit Lions — J. Bates
- Detroit Lions — J. Bates
- Detroit Lions — J. Bates
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 6–3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the DET 12 (Q1 56:34) — (11:34) 4-C.McLaughlin 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Camarda.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the DET 37 (Q1 54:05) — (9:05) 4-C.McLaughlin 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Camarda.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the TB 3 (Q1 52:16) — (7:16) 39-J.Bates 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 13–3. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the TB 17 (Q2 42:51) — (12:51) 39-J.Bates 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DET 41 (Q2 39:15) — (9:15) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep left to 14-C.Godwin for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DET 15 (Q2 39:08) — 4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Camarda..
The third quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 10–7. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the TB 13 (Q3 26:57) — (11:57) 39-J.Bates 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q3 18:32) — (3:32) 5-D.Montgomery up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q3 18:26) — 39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DET 11 (Q3 15:42) — (:42) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield up the middle for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q3 15:34) — 4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Camarda..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 1:01) — (1:01) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle to 26-J.Gibbs to TB 6 for 5 yards (3-J.Whitehead, 29-C.Izien) [0-Y.Diaby].
- Detroit Lions (Q4 1:23) — (1:23) 26-J.Gibbs left end pushed ob at TB 13 for 23 yards (29-C.Izien).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:42) — (:42) 5-J.Camarda punts 43 yards to DET 47, Center-86-E.Deckers. 11-K.Raymond to TB 44 for 9 yards (41-K.Kieft).
- Detroit Lions (Q4 7:41) — (7:41) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle intended for 17-T.Patrick INTERCEPTED by 29-C.Izien [95-C.Brewer] at TB 9. 29-C.Izien to TB 26 for 17 yards (9-J.Williams).
- Detroit Lions (Q4 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass incomplete short left to 85-T.Kennedy [0-Y.Diaby].
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 56:31) — (11:31) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep right intended for 9-J.Williams INTERCEPTED by 27-Z.McCollum at DET 48. 27-Z.McCollum to DET 44 for 4 yards (14-A.St. Brown).
- Detroit Lions (Q4 7:41) — (7:41) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle intended for 17-T.Patrick INTERCEPTED by 29-C.Izien [95-C.Brewer] at TB 9. 29-C.Izien to TB 26 for 17 yards (9-J.Williams).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 39:15) — (9:15) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep left to 14-C.Godwin for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Detroit Lions (Q2 38:11) — (8:11) (Punt formation) 3-J.Fox pass short middle to 33-S.Vaki to DET 37 for 17 yards (8-S.Dennis).
Quarterback report card
J.Goff led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Goff (Detroit Lions) · 57 dropbacks · 59.6% completion · -4.0% CPOE · -0.23 EPA/play · -13.17 total EPA
- B.Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 28 dropbacks · 42.9% completion · -7.9% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +2.00 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.019 | -0.082 |
| Offensive success rate | 46.0% | 45.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.071 | -0.164 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.184 | +0.117 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.082 | +0.019 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.0% | 54.0% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Tampa Bay Buccaneers generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.02 vs -0.08), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Detroit Lions: 11 drives, -8.16 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 11 drives, -1.18 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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.
- C. Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Goff (DET) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- B. Mayfield (TB) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q1 56:34 · DET 12 · Score 3-0
(11:34) 4-C.McLaughlin 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Camarda. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q1 54:05 · DET 37 · Score 6-0
(9:05) 4-C.McLaughlin 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Camarda. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q1 52:16 · TB 3 · Score 6-3
(7:16) 39-J.Bates 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 42:51 · TB 17 · Score 6-6
(12:51) 39-J.Bates 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 39:15 · DET 41 · Score 12-6
(9:15) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep left to 14-C.Godwin for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+7) — Q2 39:08 · DET 15 · Score 13-6
4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Camarda. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q3 26:57 · TB 13 · Score 13-9
(11:57) 39-J.Bates 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 18:32 · TB 1 · Score 13-15
(3:32) 5-D.Montgomery up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 18:26 · TB 15 · Score 13-16
39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 15:42 · DET 11 · Score 19-16
(:42) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield up the middle for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 15:34 · DET 15 · Score 20-16
4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Camarda.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Detroit Lions 20-16 in Week 2, 2024 on 2024-09-15.
What was the final score of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20, Detroit Lions 16 (TB 20-16 DET) in Week 2, 2024 on 2024-09-15.
What was the score by quarter in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
Q1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6, Detroit Lions 3; Q2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13, Detroit Lions 3; Q3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7, Detroit Lions 10; Final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20, Detroit Lions 16.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Godwin (B. Mayfield pass) (Q2 39:15) Detroit Lions touchdown — D. Montgomery (Q3 18:32) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — B. Mayfield (Q3 15:42) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. McLaughlin (Q1 56:34, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. McLaughlin (Q1 54:05, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Bates (Q1 52:16, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Bates (Q2 42:51, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Bates (Q3 26:57, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
J. Goff (Detroit Lions), 59.6% completion, -4.0% CPOE, -0.23 EPA per dropback, -13.17 total passing EPA. B. Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 42.9% completion, -7.9% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +2.00 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
C. Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +9.62 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.06 EPA): (11:31) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep right intended for 9-J.Williams INTERCEPTED by 27-Z.McCollum at DET 48. 27-Z.McCollum to DET 44 for 4 yards (14-A.St. Brown).. The biggest win-probability swing was -38.1%.
Was Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 20-16 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 1-0 Now 2-0 W
Detroit Lions
Entered 1-0 Now 1-1 L
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