Commanders vs. Buccaneers Wild Card Pick
The playoffs are here, and the matchups could not get better. A couple of rookie quarterbacks are looking to make a name for themselves, and several veterans are vying for greatness. Jayden Daniels has had an amazing rookie season, but can he follow that up with a playoff victory? He must get through Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, who already beat them this season. It should be an exciting game between two teams with clear identities. Read Commanders vs. Buccaneers wild card pick below.
Commanders vs. Buccaneers Preview
Washington Commanders
The Commanders enter the playoffs on a five-game winning streak after resting starters in week 18. The injury report is relatively clear for the Commanders this week. Wide receiver Jamison Crowder (hamstring) was limited all week and is questionable. Tight end Colson Yankoff (hamstring) practiced in full all week after his 21-day practice window was opened but will miss this week’s game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers finished the season 6-1 and won the division after beating the Saints 27-19 in the final week of the season. Mike Evans caught nine passes for 89 yards and just topped 1,000 receiving yards for the season, which marks his 11th consecutive season. Cornerback Troy Hill (knee/foot) will miss this game as he tries to return from injured reserve. Cornerback Jamel Dean (knee) practiced in full on Friday and is questionable. Safeties Mike Edwards (quadriceps) and Antoine Winfield (knee) are questionable but will likely play.
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Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head-To-Head
These teams met in the first game of the regular season, so it is only fitting that one of them will start and end their season with the same matchup. The Buccaneers won the matchup 37-20, but many things have changed. It was Jayden Daniels’ first game in the NFL, and he has grown tremendously despite having two rushing touchdowns in that game. Chris Godwin caught eight passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, but he has been out after injuring his ankle.
The Buccaneers are a pass-funnel defense. They only allow 97.8 rushing yards per game, which ranks fourth in the league. They allow the fourth most passing yards per game, at 243.9 yards per game. Jayden Daniels will have to use his arm this game, but he is much more prepared than in the regular season opener. He finished the season with 25 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions and was trusted with over 30 pass attempts per game in the second half. Terry McLaurin remains his favorite target, averaging 6.9 targets per game. Zach Ertz has also become a safety blanket for Daniels, averaging 5.4 targets per game.
Baker Mayfield had a tremendous season with 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. The running attack may be asked to do much more in this matchup, as the Commanders allow the third most rushing yards per game and third-fewest passing yards per game. Bucky Irving became a dependable player in his rookie season. He topped 1,000 yards and scored eight times, while Rachaad White added 1,006 combined yards and nine touchdowns. They will be asked to produce a lot in this matchup and should deliver.
Prediction
Over/Under
These teams are the opposite on defense, but they are middle of the pack in terms of points allowed per game. Both teams are well prepared to take advantage of their respective matchups, which makes me think this may be a shootout. Over 50.5
Spread
The Buccaneers’ schedule to end the season was extremely weak, while the Commanders were making strides as Jayden Daniels continued to grow. He has thrown 12 fourth-quarter and overtime touchdowns this season, which is the most by a rookie in NFL history. He is clutch, and I expect him to prove it this week. Commanders +3
Player Prop
The Buccaneers allow six receptions and 67.3 receiving yards per game to the tight end position. Ertz is averaging 5.4 targets per game and 9.9 yards per reception. He is making big plays when he is targeted, and Daniels will find him in this matchup. Zach Ertz Over 39.5 Receiving Yards -115
