Wild-Card Round Preview - Commanders @ Buccaneers
One year after C.J. Stroud shocked the NFL and led the Texans to the playoffs in his rookie season, Jayden Daniels is doing the same. Many argued that Stroud’s rookie effort was the best we have ever seen from a quarterback, yet it is not a controversial statement to say that Daniels has been better. He has made the Commanders a top 5 offense and is the clear favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but to add a playoff win to his resume, he will need to down an equally hot Baker Mayfield.
Throughout the entire NFL playoffs, make sure to keep an eye on our NFL page, which will give you up-to-date timings and broadcast information for every game.
Washington Commanders (6) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3)
- When: Sunday, January 12th, 2025. 8:00pm ET
- Where: Raymond James Stadium | Tampa
- TV: NBC, Peacock
Commanders @ Buccaneers Wild-Card Round Preview
For as much as Jayden Daniels has been a red-hot commodity and turned the Commanders into a force to be reckoned with on offense, his opposite number has done the same in Tampa. Baker Mayfield has hit career highs with 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns this year, leading the Buccaneers to 29.5 points per game, which is 4th most in the NFL. He is completing 71.4% of his passes, which is second most in the NFL, but will be tested this week against a Commanders’ defense that is giving up the third-fewest passing yards per game, with 189.5. They also now benefit from having Marshon Lattimore on the field, which should be box-office entertainment considering his history with Mike Evans.
The most significant improvement for Tampa Bay this year has been the emergence of their run game, thanks mainly to rookie Bucky Irving, who has 1,122 yards and 8 touchdowns at 5.4 yards per carry. The 149 rushing yards Tampa are achieving per game ranks 4th in the NFL, which is a feat that previous editions of this Buccaneers offense couldn’t even dream of. Washington are giving up 4.8 yards per carry this year, 28th in the NFL, which will be very appealing to Irving.
In Washington, Jayden Daniels has been a revelation, instantly proving to be one of the most dangerous rushing quarterbacks in the NFL, with 891 yards and 6 touchdowns. However, he has also been far better than advertised in the passing game, completing 69% of his passes for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He will be looking forward to facing a Bucs defense that is giving up the fourth most passing yards per game, with 243.9, whilst also potentially being undermanned due to injuries to Antoine Winfield Jr., Jordan Whitehead, and Jamel Dean.
How to Watch Washington Commanders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Commanders and Buccaneers will be facing off on Sunday night at 8pm. NBC owns the broadcasting rights to this game, with Peacock being your option for streaming.
As the footballing calendar reaches its crescendo, make sure to keep up to date with all of the important information you need on our football page.
Wild-Card Round Predictions: Commanders @ Buccaneers
This is one of the closest games of the Wild-Card Weekend, but I think Tampa Bay have to get the edge. Not only are they the home side, but they also benefit from the experience of having played in the Wild-Card Round last year, when they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. The vibes in Tampa are sky high after their Week 18 win and Mike Evans’ emotional catch to take him over 1,000 yards for the 11th straight season, and they will be primed and ready to pounce here.
2024-25 NFL Playoffs FAQs
Who is in the 2025 NFL Playoffs?
AFC: Kansas City Chiefs (15-2), Buffalo Bills (13-4), Baltimore Ravens (12-5), Houston Texans (10-7), Los Angeles Chargers (11-6), Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7), Denver Broncos (10-7)
NFC: Detroit Lions (15-2), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14-3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7), Los Angeles Rams (10-7), Minnesota Vikings (14-3), Washington Commanders (12-5), Green Bay Packers (11-6)
How does the NFL Playoff work?
Single-elimination tournament; top seeds earn byes; winners advance to the Super Bowl.
When is the Super Bowl?
Sunday, February 9th, 2025.
Where is the Super Bowl?
Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Who are the reigning Super Bowl champions?
Kansas City Chiefs.
When is Commanders @ Buccaneers?
Sunday, January 12th, 2025.
Who is favored to win in Commanders @ Buccaneers?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-177) over Washington Commanders (+148)
When are the Wild-Card Round Playoff games?
January 11-13th, 2025.
What TV Channel do I need for Commanders @ Buccaneers?
NBC, Peacock
Author: Venuse, Inc.