The NFL kicks off its season with an exciting lineup of Week 1 games, featuring a notable clash between the Washington Commanders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Washington struggled last season, finishing with a 4-13 record, which led them to select Jayden Daniels as their new quarterback with the second overall pick in the draft. In contrast, Tampa Bay clinched the NFC South title with a 9-8 record, dominating Philadelphia in the Divisional Round before falling to the Lions. These two teams last faced each other in 2021, when the former Washington Football Team secured a 29-19 victory. The game is set to begin at 4:25 PM EST at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, where the Buccaneers are favored by 3.5 points. Fans can catch the action regionally on FOX.
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Washington Commanders Seek Fresh Start
The Washington Commanders are attempting to turn the tide after a disappointing season, ending with a 4-13 record. This has resulted in three consecutive playoff misses, prompting the team to invest in rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Daniels shared his approach to his debut game, stating, “It’s just about going out there and playing football. Once that ball is snapped, the moment fades away, and I need to focus on executing and helping the team win.”
Daniels will likely rely heavily on wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who led the team last season with 1,002 receiving yards and contributed four touchdowns. The receiving corps is in flux, especially after Curtis Samuel’s departure to Buffalo and Jahan Dotson’s move to the Eagles. Luke McCaffery, the younger sibling of NFL star Christian McCaffery, was drafted in the third round and is poised to make his mark. The addition of veteran tight end Zach Ertz could bolster the passing game, though his performance at 33 years old will be closely monitored. Running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. will compete for lead rushing duties, with Ekeler bringing experience at just 29 years old.
With a defensive-minded head coach in Dan Quinn, the Commanders will need a strong defense to support their young offensive players. Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is a key player, showcasing his skills with 5.5 sacks last season while excelling at run defense. The team also brought in veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, who, despite being 34, still provides essential leadership. However, the secondary lacks elite talent, with safety Quan Martin being the only player returning with multiple interceptions (two) from last season.
Injury Report:
Questionable: QB Marcus Mariota (chest), DT Jer’Zhan Newton (foot).
Buccaneers Eyeing Another Division Title
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the reigning NFC South champions. While the division may not be the strongest in the league, winning it guarantees a playoff berth. Last season, Tampa Bay capitalized on this advantage, finishing with a 9-8 record and reaching the postseason. Their playoff journey included a stunning 32-9 victory over the Eagles as 3.5-point underdogs. This year, the team is back under head coach Todd Bowles, with Baker Mayfield at the helm as quarterback.
Mayfield narrowly surpassed 4,000 passing yards last season, throwing 28 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He averaged 237.9 passing yards per game but has transitioned to a more traditional pocket passer, averaging fewer than 10 rushing yards per game. The Buccaneers welcome back two 1,000-yard receivers: Mike Evans, who has achieved this milestone every year since 2014, and Chris Godwin, who added 1,024 yards last season. Evans is particularly valuable in the red zone, securing 13 touchdowns compared to Godwin’s two. Rachaad White is expected to lead the ground game after rushing for 990 yards last year, with rookie Bucky Irvin adding depth as a fourth-round draft pick from Oregon.
The Buccaneers maintain continuity in their defense, returning key players like linebacker Lavonte David and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. David led the team with 134 tackles last season, while Winfield contributed 122 tackles and six sacks. Yaya Diaby was impressive with 7.5 sacks, and Winfield also led the team with three interceptions. Veteran defensive tackle Vita Vea will be crucial in stifling the opponents’ rushing attack.
Injury Report:
Questionable: WR Trey Palmer (concussion), DE Logan Hall.
Out: RB Chase Edmunds is on injured reserve due to a season-ending knee injury sustained during the preseason.
Best Bets for Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers will enter this matchup as home favorites, and they are expected to control the game effectively. While Jayden Daniels showcased impressive stats at LSU, the transition to the NFL presents unique challenges. He will need to demonstrate the ability to read defenses and manage the pocket, especially against a formidable Todd Bowles-led defense. The Buccaneers possess elite talent across their roster, and Lavonte David will likely keep a close eye on the rookie quarterback. Antoine Winfield Jr. is known for his versatility, having excelled in both pass coverage and blitzing, finishing last season with six sacks and three interceptions. With most of the offensive unit returning, including Mayfield, Evans, Godwin, and White, Tampa Bay’s continuity is likely to pay off in Week 1.
Tampa Bay is favored to cover the spread.
