After clinching the team’s fifth consecutive playoff berth on the final day of the regular season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play at home this Sunday night against the same team they defeated in Week 1: the Washington Commanders.
After clinching the team’s fifth consecutive playoff berth on the final day of the regular season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play at home this Sunday night against the same team they defeated in Week 1: the Washington Commanders.
The playoff matchup
Commanders
Tampa Bay beat Washington 37-20 in the season opener, but the Commanders have improved since then, finishing the regular season at 12-5 with wins over teams like the Philadelphia Eagles.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was drafted second overall by the Commanders in 2024 after winning the Heisman Trophy at USC in 2023, has stepped up to lead the offense. He finished the regular season completing 69% of his passes for more than 3,500 yards and 25 passing touchdowns versus nine interceptions.
Daniels is a dual threat, as well, rushing for 891 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season.
Washington also has a formidable defense, ranked ninth overall by FOX Sports.
Buccaneers
Of course, the Bucs present a tough challenge on their home field, just as they did in Week 1.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield had a career year with 41 touchdown passes and a 106.8 passer rating.
Rookie running back Bucky Irving has also come into his own, totaling 1,122 rushing yards while averaging 5.4 yards per carry to dramatically improve the team’s ground game from last season.
It was a landmark year for wide receiver Mike Evans, too, reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th straight season, tying Jerry Rice for the all-time record.
The Bucs defense, though, has struggled at times while dealing with key injuries, especially in the secondary. FOX Sports ranks the Bucs defense at 21st overall in the NFL.
Sunday night’s game kicks off at 8 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium.
