Commanders-Buccaneers Wild Card Game: Defense Gets Things Started

TAMPA -- The Washington Commanders have stood up time and time again this season in pressure-filled situations when most of the NFL world predicted they'd crumble.

The Washington Commanders are set to face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs. Both teams are coming off strong regular seasons, and this game is sure to be a close one.

The Commanders have a lot of momentum heading into this game. They won their last four games of the regular season, and they're playing with a lot of confidence. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is playing at a high level, and he's leading an offense that's capable of putting up a lot of points.

The Commanders' defense is also playing well. They're allowing just 18.2 points per game, which is the third-fewest in the NFL. Led by cornerback Marshon Lattimore, the Commanders have a lot of experience on the defensive side of the ball, and they're able to make big plays when they need to.

The Buccaneers are also a strong team, and they're led by quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is having a good season, and he's leading an offense that's capable of putting up a lot of points. The Buccaneers also have a strong running game, and they're able to keep the defense honest.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Buccaneers are allowing just 19.9 points per game, which is the fifth-fewest in the NFL. They're led by linebacker Shaquille Leonard, and they have a lot of experience on the defensive side of the ball.

This game is sure to be a close one, and it could go either way. The Commanders are a slight underdog, but they're capable of pulling off the upset. If they can play their game and make big plays when they need to, they'll have a good chance of winning.

Here are some key matchups to watch in this game:

* Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels vs. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield

* Commanders running back Antonio Gibson vs. Buccaneers linebacker Shaquille Leonard

* Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore vs. Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans

* Commanders defensive line vs. Buccaneers offensive line

The winner of this game will advance to the Divisional Round, where they will face the Detroit Lions.