Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – NFL Wild Card Preview – Jan 12, 2025
The Washington Commanders travel to Raymond James Stadium to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC Wild Card matchup on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. Washington (12-5) enters on a five-game winning streak, while Tampa Bay (10-7) comes in after winning six of their last seven games. This is a rematch of their Week 1 game, where the Buccaneers won 37-20 in Tampa.
Both teams bring exciting offenses to the postseason. Washington is led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has impressed with his dual-threat capabilities. Tampa Bay, led by Baker Mayfield, boasts one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses, setting the stage for a high-energy playoff showdown.
Washington Commanders Preview – Can Daniels Deliver in the Playoffs?
Washington’s offense has been strong all season, ranking seventh in total yards per game (369.6) and fifth in scoring (28.5 points per game). Jayden Daniels has been a dynamic presence, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 891 rushing yards and six scores. Brian Robinson leads a ground attack that ranks third in the league at 154.1 rushing yards per game.
On defense, Washington ranks in the top 10 against the run, allowing just 97.8 yards per game. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen anchor a solid defensive front that looks to disrupt Tampa Bay’s offense. However, injuries in the secondary, including Marshon Lattimore’s hamstring issue, could pose challenges against the Buccaneers’ strong passing attack.
Washington has not won a playoff game since 2005. The team hopes to reverse that trend with a balanced offensive attack and a defense capable of creating key stops in critical moments.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview – Mayfield’s Playoff Push
Tampa Bay’s offense ranks fourth in scoring (29.5 points per game), fueled by Baker Mayfield’s career-best 41 touchdown passes and rookie Bucky Irving’s 1,122 rushing yards. Mayfield’s chemistry with wideouts Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan provides big-play potential, while Irving adds balance with his tough running style.
The Buccaneers’ defense has been up and down, allowing 341.8 yards per game. However, they excel against the run, ranking fourth in the league and giving up just 97.8 rushing yards per game. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr.’s expected return bolsters their secondary, though they’ll need to improve against a versatile Washington offense.
Tampa Bay is no stranger to the playoffs, making their fifth consecutive appearance. Mayfield will look to build on last season’s experience, where the Buccaneers advanced to the divisional round before falling to the Detroit Lions.
Betting Prediction
Tampa Bay is a 3-point favorite, with the total set at 50.5 points. Both teams feature high-powered offenses, suggesting the game could lean toward the over. The Buccaneers’ home-field advantage and Mayfield’s experience give them a slight edge.
Expect a close contest, with Tampa Bay narrowly covering the spread. Washington’s strong rushing attack could keep it competitive, but the Buccaneers’ ability to finish drives should be the difference.
Pick: Tampa Bay -3, Over 50.5
