The National League Football playoffs kick off this weekend with six Wild Card matchups.
In the AFC, the Los Angeles Chargers are facing off against the Houston Texans, the Pittsburgh Steelers are taking on their bitter rivals in the Baltimore Ravens, and the Denver Broncos are looking to get the big upset against the Buffalo Bills.
In the NFC, the Green Bay Packers are battling the Philadelphia Eagles, the Washington Commanders are facing off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Minnesota Vikings are taking on the Los Angeles Rams.
The staff at Newsweek Sports has made predictions for all six matchups. Continue reading for predictions on Commanders vs. Buccaneers.
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The No. 6 seeded Commanders (12-5) are taking on the No. 3 seeded Buccaneers (10-7) in a rematch of Week 1. The Buccaneers dominated the Commanders, 37-20, in the first week of the season, but that was far from an omen for how the rest of the season would play out.
The Commanders quickly turned things around in 2024, winning four in a row and seven of their next eight. They also finished the season on a five-game winning streak, including an exciting come-from-behind win in Week 18 to lock up the No. 6 seed.
The Buccaneers were a very streaky team this season, going on a four-game losing streak midseason before following it up with a four-game winning streak. They finished the season winning their final two games to lock up the NFC South over the Atlanta Falcons.
The Buccaneers had a surprise dominant win over the Philadelphia Eagles in last year's Wild Card round. The Commanders, on the other hand, haven't won a playoff game since 2005. Coincidentally, that win came against the Buccaneers.
Will the Commanders finally end their postseason drought, or will the Buccaneers continue their recent Wild Card success? Here's how the staff expects this game to go.
Matt Levine: The Commanders have been one of the better stories all season long, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels proving he belongs in the NFL. Tampa Bay battled back toward the end of the season to clinch the division and will now look to defend home field. Tampa Bay is favored here but the Commanders have been sneaky all year. The late-game magic of Daniels strikes once again as Washington sneaks by the Bucs.
Prediction: Commanders 23, Buccaneers 22
Noah Camras: This game should be very exciting, with two high-powered offenses trading punches. The Buccaneers have significantly more playoff experience, but quarterback Jayden Daniels will step up in a big game. This matchup will be back and forth, and in the end, it will be Daniels stepping up and sending Washington to the Divisional Round.
Prediction: Commanders 31, Buccaneers 30
How to Watch Commanders vs Buccaneers NFL Wild Card Weekend
Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers on NFL Wild Card Weekend kicks off on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.
The game will be broadcast on NBC.
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