Sunday's playoff slate will close in Raymond James Stadium. There, the Washington Commanders (12-5; 10-6-1 ATS) are visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7; 10-7-0 ATS) with title hopes on the line. Washington opened their season in Tampa, a game that the Bucs took 37-20. These franchises also met in the playoffs a few years ago, a matchup that the Buccaneers won 31-23. Each side ended the regular season on a heater. This battle kicks off at 8:00 p.m. EST. Who will put themselves one step closer to immortality? The NFL playoffs are here! Take a look at our Commanders vs. Buccaneers prediction and if you want to maximize your profits, choose the Best Pro Football Handicappers.
The NFL playoffs are here! Take a look at our Commanders vs. Buccaneers prediction.
Washington's Season-Ending Winning Streak
The Commanders won their final five games, including last Sunday's 23-19 win against the Cowboys. Their efforts earned them the NFC's sixth seed. 2024 was a magical season in the nation's capital, sparked by rookie QB Jayden Daniels. He piloted the Commanders to the fifth-most points per game. Washington gained the fourth-most rushing yards and the third-most yards per carry this season. Daniels was the squad's leading rusher. As a passer, Daniels finished sixth in completion percentage and 11th in passer rating. It led him to 3,568 passing yards. Washington ended the season with the eighth-fewest giveaways. The flaw in this offense is that they finished 25th in sacks allowed (50). Regardless, this rookie-led group can see how much they've grown from Week 1 on Sunday night.
Defensively, the Commanders did enough to compete most weeks. There are concerns, but Washington was 13th in yards allowed and 18th in scoring. Through the air, Washington faced the second-fewest attempts. They surrendered the fourth-fewest passing yards but were 16th in yards per attempt. Washington's front seven racked up 43 sacks (11th). On the ground, 2024 was rough for the Commanders. This defense finished 28th in yards per carry and 30th in rushing yards allowed. Washington also struggled to force turnovers. Only six (non-playoff) teams finished with fewer takeaways than the Commanders. Can they hold the Bucs to fewer than 37 points in this trip?
Key Injuries - Jamison Crowder (questionable)
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Tampa Bay Takes the Division
It wasn't easy, but the Buccaneers wrapped up the NFC South with an eight-point win over the Saints. This team has won six of seven (the lone loss was by two points), and Sunday will be their third consecutive week at home. Tampa is also built through an explosive offense, as they finished third in yards and fourth in scoring. Unlike the past few seasons, the 2024 Bucs weren't last in rushing. Rather, rookie running back Bucky Irving (1,122 rushing yards) burst onto the scene, guiding Tampa to the fourth-most rush yards. They averaged the third-most yards per carry. Then, there's QB Baker Mayfield, who finished top-five in passing TDs (2nd), passing yards (3rd), completion percentage (3rd), and passer rating (4th). He finished seventh in yards per attempt. The main knock on Mayfield's campaign is that he tossed 16 picks, the primary reason Tampa had 23 giveaways (21st). He also took all 40 sacks (15th) that the offensive line allowed this season. Is this offense ready for postseason football?
On the other side of the ball, the Bucs ended 2024 ranked 16th in scoring and 18th in yards allowed. However, their strengths (and weaknesses) are opposite Washington's. Tampa Bay surrendered the fourth-fewest rushing yards and 10th-fewest yards per carry. Against the pass, only two teams allowed more yards. One saving grace is that the Bucs faced the second-most attempts and ranked 17th in yards allowed per pass attempt. This defense collected 46 sacks (6th) and 18 takeaways (16th). Most importantly, Tampa held four of their final five foes under 20 points. Will they have answers for Washington again?
Key Injuries - Cade Otton (questionable); Logan Hall (questionable); Jamel Dean (questionable); Mike Edwards (questionable); Antoine Winfield Jr. (questionable)
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Best Bets for Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
Washington's inability to stop the run will doom them in the postseason. The Bucs have a top-five rushing attack and will use that to control the game at home. Mayfield diced up the Commanders in Week 1, completing 80.0% of his passes for four TDs, zero interceptions, and 289 passing yards. He'll be fine when he drops back.
Daniels may be a challenge, but the Bucs have film on him. They're a top-10 run defense that will force Daniels to beat them with his arm. Washington's shaky pass protection makes that a poor plan against Tampa's pass rush. Playing from behind will be Washington's downfall. Take the hosting Bucs to beat the spread when they advance.
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
These teams are solid defensively but two of the most dangerous offenses in the league. Washington finished the season fifth in scoring. Tampa Bay was fourth. Just like the Week 1 clash, expect the over to hit on Sunday night.
The Buccaneers scored more than 25 points in seven of their nine home games. They should run all over Washington this Sunday. The Commanders are averaging 30.2 points during this five-game winning streak. Daniels has a lot more experience than he did in Week 1, so Washington's offense should fare better this time around. Bet on this game having way more than 50 points.
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