On Sunday evening, the NFL playoff picture will sharpen as the Washington Commanders (12-5; 10-6-1 ATS) square off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7; 10-7-0 ATS) at Raymond James Stadium. This matchup carries weight, as both teams eye a deeper playoff run. Their previous encounter this season ended with a 37-20 victory for the Buccaneers, while history shows they also clashed in the playoffs a few years back, which resulted in a 31-23 win for Tampa Bay. Both franchises have shown strong finishes to the regular season, building anticipation for a thrilling contest set to kick off at 8:00 p.m. EST. Who will take a step forward on the road to glory?
The NFL playoffs are officially underway! Dive into our analysis of the Commanders vs. Buccaneers matchup.
Commanders Ride a Winning Wave
The Commanders concluded their regular season on a high note, securing victories in their last five games, including a nail-biting 23-19 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys. This impressive streak helped them clinch the NFC’s sixth seed. The 2024 season has been remarkable for Washington, largely thanks to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has led the team to the fifth-highest scoring average in the league. The Commanders also ranked fourth in rushing yards and third in yards per carry. Notably, Daniels emerged as both the team’s leading passer and rusher, amassing 3,568 passing yards while clinching sixth in completion percentage and 11th in passer rating.
Despite the offensive success, there are concerns. Washington’s offensive line allowed 50 sacks, ranking them 25th in that category. Defensively, the Commanders held their ground well enough to remain competitive, finishing 13th in yards allowed and 18th in scoring. They faced the second-fewest passing attempts and gave up the fourth-fewest passing yards, but struggled to create turnovers, landing them 28th in yards per carry allowed and 30th in rushing yards surrendered. The question remains: can they limit the Buccaneers to under 37 points?
Key Injuries – Jamison Crowder (questionable)
Buccaneers Claim the NFC South
In a hard-fought battle, the Buccaneers secured the NFC South title with an eight-point win against the New Orleans Saints. They enter this playoff matchup on a strong note, winning six of their last seven games. Sunday marks their third consecutive home game, which could provide a significant advantage. Tampa Bay’s explosive offense finished third in total yards and fourth in scoring, showcasing a balanced attack that includes rookie running back Bucky Irving, who rushed for 1,122 yards, helping the team rank fourth in rushing yards.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield has also made waves this season, ranking among the top five in several passing categories, including touchdowns and yards. However, he threw 16 interceptions, contributing to the team’s 23 total giveaways. On the defensive side, the Buccaneers ranked 16th in scoring and 18th in yards allowed but excelled against the run, allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards. Conversely, they struggled against the pass, ranking near the bottom in passing yards allowed, which could be a point of concern against Washington’s offense. Will they continue their strong defensive performance against a revitalized Commanders team?
Key Injuries – Cade Otton (questionable); Logan Hall (questionable); Jamel Dean (questionable); Mike Edwards (questionable); Antoine Winfield Jr. (questionable)
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