Following the Rams' loss to the Seahawks on Sunday, an unlikely matchup is locked in for Wild Card Weekend on the NFC side with the Washington Commanders taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a rematch from Week 1.
The Commanders' preseason win total was 6.5, but head coach Dan Quinn and rookie QB Jayden Daniels have ignited the franchise to just their second playoff berth in the last nine seasons. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are in the NFL playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Baker Mayfield led the way with an impressive campaign that resulted in the Bucs' fourth straight NFC South title.
Here are opening Commanders vs. Buccaneers odds for the NFL Wild Card Round of the playoffs next weekend.
Commanders vs. Buccaneers Odds
| Commanders Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -120 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | +125 |
| Buccaneers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 +100 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | -150 |
- Commanders vs. Bucs spread: Commanders +3 (-120), Buccaneers -3 (+100)
- Commanders vs. Bucs total: Over/Under 50.5 points scored
- Commanders vs. Bucs moneylines: Commanders +125, Buccaneers -150
These odds are as of Sunday at 9:13 p.m. ET.
Commanders vs. Buccaneers Projection
Sean Koerner, Action Network's director of predictive analytics, is delivering us his early projections for every playoff game as each matchup is set.
Koerner projects this spread as Commanders -1 with the over/under set at 51 points scored.
Washington Commanders
By Brandon Anderson
No one expected Washington to make the playoffs after a 4-13 season a year ago, but Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels have totally turned things around for this franchise. Daniels looks set to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Washington has had memorable late wins over the Bengals, Bears and Eagles in an electric season.
Washington overhauled its offensive line with veterans, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has been creative with the running game all season. The offense ranks top 10 by DVOA both rushing and passing, and much of that is due to Jayden Daniels being so slippery as a runner and always able to hit the big play down field. Washington has been especially great on late downs offensively.
Quinn’s defense is improving but still needs some work. Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu add veteran stability at linebacker, but the defense largely lacks talent and playmakers and is not really a playoff unit. Washington will need Jayden Daniels magic to make a run.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By Brandon Anderson
The NFC South wasn’t pretty, but the Bucs are division champions for a fourth consecutive season. Few expected a big season from Tampa Bay, but Baker Mayfield led the way with an outstanding Pro Bowl season for a surprising Bucs offense.
Tampa Bay’s offense ranks top 10 in DVOA both running and passing, and offensive coordinator Liam Coen has done an outstanding job in his debut season.
Mayfield ranked among the league leaders in yards and touchdowns, though the passing attack slowed down without Chris Godwin by Mike Evans’ side. Rookie Bucky Irving has revitalized this run game and added a spark.
Head coach Todd Bowles is usually known for his defense, but Tampa Bay’s pass defense leaves plenty to be desired. The Bucs lost four in a row midseason and could have to win a few shootouts if the secondary can’t keep up with the stout run defense.
