The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept their streak alive in Week 18, rallying from 10 points down against the New Orleans Saints to win, 27-19, and punch their ticket to the postseason. The Buccaneers captured their fourth straight division title and are the only team in the NFC to make the playoffs in each of the last five seasons. Now they will try to make sure their 2024 endgame doesn't unfold the same way it did two years ago.
In 2022, coming off a trip to the Divisional Round of the 2021 playoffs, the Buccaneers opened their regular season with a commanding win over the Dallas Cowboys of the NFC East. Four months and five days later, they met the Cowboys again, this time in the Wild Card Round of the 2022 playoffs, in a prime time game at Raymond James Stadium.
The 2024 Buccaneers opened their season with a runaway win over the Washington Commanders of the NFC East, a 37-20 Week One decision, also at Raymond James Stadium. Now the Commanders are coming back in search of the same sort of revenge – and playoff advancement – the Cowboys earned in Tampa two years ago. Here's an omen Buccaneers fans would appreciate much more: Four years ago, Tampa Bay's run to the Super Bowl LV championship started with a Wild Card win over Washington, albeit in a road game in Landover, Maryland.
Washington's 2023 season ended badly enough that the Commanders had the second pick in this year's draft. But a very wise choice with that pick, a new coaching staff and a slew of veteran free agent signings turned things around much more quickly than most analysts predicted in the preseason. After their opening loss in Tampa, the Commanders won seven of their next eight on the way to a 12-5 record, the team's best record in 33 years and an eight-win improvement over last year. The second pick in the draft was LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, who started from Day One and turned in a Pro Bowl campaign that is almost certain to win him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
In the top-heavy NFC Standings, those 12 wins bought Washington the number-six seed in the conference playoff field, which in turn delivered a trip back to Tampa. That is, coincidentally, the last place that Washington has won a playoff game, as they upended the NFC South-winning Buccaneers, 17-10, in the Wild Card round in 2005. This is just the Commanders fifth trip back to the playoffs since that season, and the previous four all ended in Wild Card losses. After their incredible rebound in 2024, the Commanders certainly won't be satisfied with just making it into the playoffs this time around.
With two of the top five highest-scoring offenses at play, the Buccaneers and Commanders are likely to put on quite a show to cap a long Sunday of football. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. ET on Sunday night, and here are four major storylines and four head-to-head player battles to keep an eye on as the Bucs try to turn a strong stretch-run drive in the regular season into a deep foray into the postseason.
TOP STORYLINES
Shootout at Raymond James Corral? – As noted just above, Sunday night's game will pit the fourth and fifth-highest scoring teams in the league in 2024, with the Bucs' average of 29.5 points per game just edged out the Commanders' 28.5. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay's defense ranked 16th in points allowed (22.6 per game), while the Commanders' defense finished 18th (23.0). Those numbers don't guarantee a shootout at Raymond James Stadium, but they certainly suggest that one is possible. There is, in fact, one unit-vs.-unit matchups that seems primed to be exploited. The Buccaneers' rushing attack, which averaged more than 180 yards per game over the last seven weeks and finished third overall in the NFL rankings at 149.2 per game, will be going up against the NFL's third worst run defense. Washington allowed 154.1 rushing yards per game, including 112 to a Bucs' offense that hadn't yet found its groove in Week One. When the Buccaneers put the ball in the air, however, it will be much more of a strength-on-strength matchup, as Tampa Bay's number-three ranking in passing yards is matched by Washington's third-ranked pass defense.
Rematch with the Rookie – Jayden Daniels has undoubtedly progressed throughout the season as most talented rookies do, but the poise and confidence that has impressed teammates and analysts alike was already on display in Week One in Tampa. The Buccaneers rushed out to a 13-0 lead and broke the game open later with a pair of Baker Mayfield touchdown passes, but Daniels had a solid NFL debut. He ran 16 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns and completed 17 of his 24 passes without an interception. He would eventually complete 69.0% of his passes on the season, put up an impressive 25-9 TD-INT ratio (particularly for a rookie) and finish with a passer rating of 100.1. His ability to extend plays and move the chains with his scrambles propelled the Commanders to a seventh-place finish in the NFL's yardage rankings, including a third-place rank in rushing yards. Daniels contributed to that with a team-leading 891 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Daniels' aforementioned veteran-like poise in big moments led to a handful of dramatic wins, including the Week 17 overtime victory over Atlanta that helped propel Tampa Bay to the NFC South championship. The Buccaneers' pass defense has been generous at times this season, ranking 29th in the league, and it has definitely not been helped by a revolving personnel door thanks to a long string of injuries. Still, the biggest threat Daniels may pose to the Bucs' defense is his mobility, speed and ability to throw on the run. Those were big issues for Tampa Bay in their Week Seven loss to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
Primed for Prime Time – During their five-year run of playoff appearances, the Buccaneers have won many night games in front of national audiences, particularly in the postseason. Their 2020 victory over Washington in the Wild Card round was, for instance, a Saturday night affair, and last year's opening-round win over Philadelphia was a Monday nighter. Super Bowl LV didn't start as late as those games but qualifies as a night game with a 6:37 p.m. ET kickoff. The Buccaneers' very next game after that one was a shootout win over Dallas in the NFL's 2021 Kickoff Game on a Thursday night. The problem is, those games are not as fresh on everyone's minds as the Buccaneers' four prime time outings this year during the regular season. Tampa Bay went 0-4 in those games, with Monday night losses in the middle of the season to Baltimore and at Kansas City, and a Thursday night overtime defeat in Atlanta in Week Five. Most recently, as the Buccaneers won six of their last seven games following a Week 11 bye, the only loss in that stretch was a 26-24 decision in Dallas on a Sunday night in Week 16. There's no real connective tissues between those four games, and three of the four came right down to the wire (the Baltimore game being the only exception), so there is no particular of prime time games within the Buccaneers headquarters. Still, that 0-4 mark is certain to be a prime topic of conversation leading up to Sunday's rematch with Washington, and it's a storyline the Buccaneers will surely be eager to put to bed.
Reinforcements on the Way? – Every team that made the postseason is thrilled to still be playing, but few are operating at full strength. A 17-game regular season is bound to take its toll on a team's roster, and the Buccaneers are no exception. Christian Izien, Jordan Whitehead and Chris Godwin are all on injured reserve and the Bucs can't count on any of them returning. However, there is some potential help on the way in the Wild Card week. The Buccaneers' strained safety position would get a huge boost from the return of All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. if that were to occur this week after his four weeks on the shelf due to a knee injury. Starting cornerback Jamel Dean was forced out of the Week 17 win over Carolina by a knee ailment that had grown worse, and he was also unable to suit up last Sunday against. While third-year breakout Zyon McCollum played all 17 games and had 17 passes defensed, the Bucs are otherwise thin at cornerback with Dean out of commission. Second-year player Josh Hayes played every snap last week against the Saints; beyond him, the remainder of the cornerback group is undrafted rookie Tyrek Funderburk and potential practice squad elevation Dallis Flowers. Dean's veteran presence and strong cover skills would also help the secondary against Daniels and Washington's potent offense. On the offensive side for the Buccaneers, do-everything tight end Cade Otton has missed three games with an MCL injury and is clearly itching to get back into the mix. While Payne Durham and rookie Devin Culp have given the Buccaneers reasonably good production at the tight end spot over those three weeks, Otton was the team's second-leading receiver during the regular season and he is one of Mayfield's most trusted teammates in terms of both catching the ball and helping to keep opposing pass rushers away from him. If Otton can play on Sunday, the Buccaneers can go back to leaning heavily on the two-TE sets that had become a much bigger part of the offense in the season's second half.
View images of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' matchups throughout the years vs. the Washington Commanders
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Guard Ian Beckles #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers guards against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on September 24, 1995 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 14-6. (photo by Bob and Sylvia Allen/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 4: Quarterback Craig Erickson #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on December 4, 1994 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Unknown/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 4: Quarterback Craig Erickson #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on December 4, 1994 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Unknown/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 9: Linebacker Richard Wood #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets set against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on October 9, 1977 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 0-10. (photo by Hugh Jones/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 4: Guard Charles McRae #70 and center Tony Mayberry #61 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action against the Washington Redskins on December 4, 1994 at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Allen's Studio/ Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMEBR 4: Guard Ian Beckles #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets set against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on December 4, 1994 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Allen's Studio/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 4: Running back Vince Workman #46 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball against the Washington Redskins on December 4, 1994 at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Unknown/ Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMEBR 4: Defensive Tackle Brad Culpepper #73 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a tackle against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on December 4, 1994 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Allen Dean Steele/Tampa bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Tight End Cameron Brate #84 and Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Running Back Leonard Fournette #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Running Back Ke'Shawn Vaughn #30 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Tyler Johnson #18 and Running Back Leonard Fournette #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Antonio Brown #81 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Scotty Miller #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Running Back Leonard Fournette #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Running Back Leonard Fournette #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Linebacker Dane Fletcher #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Linebacker Mason Foster #59, Cornerback Isaiah Frey #32 and Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive End William Gholston #92 and Cornerback Leonard Johnson #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Quarterback Josh McCown #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive End Jacquies Smith #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sacks Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches his second touchdown of the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive End Larry English #57 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive End William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Cornerback Ronde Barber #20 and Linebacker Geno Hayes #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gains yards after a catch during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a rush for a two point conversion during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Tight End Kellen Winslow #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Wide Receiver Sammie Stroughter #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Wide Receiver Arrelious Benn #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Linebacker Geno Hayes #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets a sack during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 19: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium Stadium on November 19, 2006 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 20-17. (photo by Michael C. Weimer/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Cornerback E.J. Biggers #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a tackle after a fumbled snap on an extra point attempt during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium Stadium on November 19, 2006 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 20-17. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
FL: Washington Redskins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
FL: Washington Redskins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
FL: Washington Redskins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Running back Carnell Williams #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium Stadium on November 19, 2006 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 20-17. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Chris Simms #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by John Dunagan/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Safety Dwight Smith #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles Wide receiver Rod Gardner #87 against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Linebacker Derrick Brooks #55 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers intercepts the ball and runs it in for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Running back Aaron Stecker #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Running back Warrick Dunn #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robert Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Running back Michael Pittman #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Running back Thomas Jones #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Shaun King #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball during the NFC Divisional Championship game against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Wide receiver Jacquez Green #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers attempts to catch the ball against the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robert Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Wide receiver Keenan McCardell #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Tight end Todd Yoder #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Defensive end Steve White #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a tackle against the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robert Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Running back Michael Pittman #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Linebacker Antony Jordan #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robert Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL: DECEMBER 8: Defensive end/ tackle Chidi Ahanotu #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a tackle tackle against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida on December 8, 1996. The Buccaneers won 24-10. (photo by Marty Morrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Quarterback Trent Dilfer #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Houlihan's Stadium on December 8, 1996 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 24-10. (photo by Marty Morrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Defensive end Steve White #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers forces a fumble during the NFC Divisional Championship game against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Linebacker Hardy Nickerson #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a tackle against the Washington Redskins at Houlihan's Stadium on December 8, 1996 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 24-10. (photo by Mike Jula/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA BAY, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Kick Return Bobby Joe Edmonds #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on September 24,1995. The Buccaneers won 14-6. (Photo by Marty Morrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers.)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Wide Receiver Karl Williams #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action against the Washington Redskins at Houlihan's Stadium on December 8, 1996 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 24-10. (photo by Marty Marrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp #99 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on September 24, 1995 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 14-6. (photo by Marty Morrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Running back Warrick Dunn #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball during the NFC Divisional Championship game against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Defensive end Chidi Ahanotu #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sacks quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Championship game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Running back Bobby Joe Edmonds #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball to pick up yardage as Safety Barney Bussey #27 blocks against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on September 24, 1995 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 14-6. (photo by Bob and Sylvia Allen/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Defensive end Chidi Ahanotu #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers attempts to sack quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Championship game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Trent Dilfer #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on September 24, 1995 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 14-6. (photo by Bob and Sylvia Allen/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Cornerback Floyd Young #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Championship game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
KEY MATCHUPS
- Commanders TE Zach Ertz vs. Buccaneers S Kaevon Merriweather
Twelfth-year tight end Zach Ertz has found rejuvenation in his return to the NFC East; his 66 receptions this season were his most since 2021 and he started all 17 games. His 654 receiving yards and seven touchdowns were more than he had in his two previous seasons with the Cardinals combined. The Buccaneers were very happy with one of those catches, a two-yard touchdown grab in overtime against Atlanta in Week 17 that put Tampa Bay back in the NFC South's driver's seat, but they would prefer to keep him out of the end zone on Sunday night. Ertz has obviously accumulated years' worth of veteran savvy and the three-time Pro Bowler knows how to find holes in a zone and make himself available to his quarterback. The Buccaneers' defense has struggled against tight ends in multiple games this season; just last week tight ends Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau and Dallin Holker combined for 12 catches and almost exactly 50% of the Saints' 240 passing yards. As noted above, the Buccaneers could be getting Antoine Winfield Jr. back this Sunday, but even if he does play there will be a significant role for second-year safety Kaevon Merriweather. Merriweather started the season, his second, with the Buccaneers but after being released at midseason in a string of roster moves, he chose to move on to Detroit's practice squad. After injuries started stripping away the Bucs' safety depth, the Buccaneers signed Merriweather back and he has been given a large amount of reps down the stretch. The former undrafted free agent is a heady player and a sure tackler, and the Bucs' secondary will need a lot of both to keep Ertz and any other Washington tight ends in check.
- Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving vs. Commanders LB Bobby Wagner
Bucky Irving capped a marvelous rookie season with 89 rushing yards in the win over New Orleans, plus the game-clinching touchdown. Irving finished his debut campaign with 1,514 yards from scrimmage, the second most by a rookie in franchise history, and he scored eight touchdowns. While the Buccaneers intend to continue featuring Rachaad White prominently in the offense, with the occasional smattering of Sean Tucker, Irving has gradually taken over the clear role of lead back in Tampa Bay's offense. Irving's instinctive moves make him a pain to bring down despite his size, as he forced a missed tackle on 35.8% of his runs, the highest mark for any player with at least 150 carries this season. Just two weeks ago during a 190-yard performance in a win over Carolina, Irving gained 111 yards after contact. He is also a natural pass-catcher and a weapon to go the distance on outlet and swing passes. While Irving is just getting started, 13th-year linebacker Bobby Wagner is still going strong. One of the many accomplished but somewhat long-in-the-tooth veterans the Commanders brought in to overhaul a four-win roster over the offseason, Wagner is a future Hall of Famer who has gone to nine Pro Bowls and earned first or second-team All-Pro honors in each of the previous 10 seasons. In his first season with the Commanders, he led the team with 132 tackles, 104 of which were on running plays. He also recorded 2.0 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, four passes defensed, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Prior to last week's season finale, Wagner had generated 55 run stops (tackles for negative EPA, according to NFL Next Gen Stats), the third most in the NFL.
- Commanders C Tyler Biadasz vs. Buccaneers NT Vita Vea
Vita Vea, who earned his second Pro Bowl invitation in 2024, capped off that fine season with a sack against the Saints, increasing his season-high total to 7.0. For a man of his mountainous size, he is a deceptively quick pass rusher, and he closes ground in an instant when he sees a lane to the quarterback. Vea is also perhaps the key cog in Tampa Bay's fourth-ranked run defense. From 2019-23, the Buccaneers allowed 0.6 fewer yards per carry when Vea was on the field than when he wasn't, and the team's rate of explosive runs allowed dropped from 12.4% to 8.7% when he was in the mix. Vea often commands double teams, which opens up pass-rush opportunities for other players along the Bucs' defensive front. When he does get one-on-one matchups with veteran center Tyler Biadasz it will be a good battle between two experienced starters. After their centers allowed the sixth-highest pressure rate in the NFL in 2023, the Commanders went looking for an upgrade and found one in their own division, signing Biadasz away from the Cowboys. In 2023, Biadasz had allowed pressure on just 4.8% of his pass blocks last year, fourth best among all qualifying centers. A former fourth-round pick out of the University of Wisconsin offensive lineman factory, he is a smart and fundamentally sound blocker who takes good angles when climbing into the second level for blocks. At 6-4 and 318 pounds, Biadasz doesn't quite match Vea's bulk, but few blockers do, and he's got plenty of size and strength to give the Bucs' Pro Bowler good competition.
- Buccaneers T Tristan Wirfs vs. Commanders DE Dante Fowler
Like Vea, Wirfs is going back to the Pro Bowl for his work this season, in his case making his fourth straight trip and second since he switched from right tackle to left tackle. Despite dealing with a trio of leg injuries in the second half of the seasons, Wirfs has been as impenetrable to opposing edge rushers as ever. According to Next Gen Stats, he has allowed a 4.3% pressure rate on pass blocking snaps this season, lowest among all NFL left tackles. On four different occasions this season, Wirfs has played 25 or more pass blocking snaps and not allowed a single pressure. He is extremely athletic and has the quick feet and hands necessary to mirror the moves of edge rushers and keep them at arm's length. Fowler, another offseason veteran important, has shown this season that he can be a double-digit sack producer without playing next to all-time great Aaron Donald, as he did during an 11.5-sack campaign with the Rams in 2019. This year, Fowler leads the Commanders' defense with 10.5 sacks and he also has 14 tackles for loss and 12 quarterback hits, plus two forced fumbles. Heading into Week 16, according to Next Gen Stats, Fowler had accounted 17.% of the Commanders quarterback pressures. Originally the third-overall pick in the 2015 draft, Fowler has accumulated 55.5 sacks and 87 quarterback hits over his nine seasons (he spent his rookie season on injured reserve). Even a decade into his career, Fowler still has good first-step quickness, and he's had time to add to his arsenal of pass-rush moves.
