The Washington Commanders are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2025 NFL playoffs, following their thrilling finish to the regular season. After securing their place as the No. 6 seed in the NFC with a record of 12-5, the Commanders are aiming to make history with their first playoff victory since 2006.
Winners of their final game against the Dallas Cowboys, Washington clinched the No. 6 seed thanks to backup quarterback Marcus Mariota’s heroics, leading the team to a 23-19 victory. With only six seconds left on the clock, Mariota spotted wide receiver Terry McLaurin slipping past the defense, launching the game-winning touchdown pass from Dallas’ five-yard line. This victory not only marked Washington's 12th win of the season, but it also cemented the franchise's return to playoff contention, reminding fans of the glory days of yesteryear.
When the Commanders take on the Buccaneers, they will do so at Raymond James Stadium, with the match scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. This will be a rematch of earlier this season, when Tampa Bay dominated Washington, winning 37-20. During the season opener, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield threw four touchdown passes, showcasing his arm and precision.
Since their Week 1 defeat, Washington has undergone significant changes, primarily due to the emergence of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels, who is making waves throughout the league, threw for 25 touchdowns and ran for six more this season, making him a strong candidate for the Offensive Rookie of the Year. His performance has been pivotal for the Commanders, allowing them to transform from last year’s 4-13 record to becoming serious playoff contenders.
Interestingly, the timing of this rematch stirs up nostalgia for longtime fans, as the last Washington playoff victory came against the Buccaneers, back when they clinched the Super Bowl title in 1992. The stakes are historically significant, as another round of victory would mark the franchise’s resurgence and possibly signify the start of another dynasty.
Despite their earlier loss to the Buccaneers, the Commanders have demonstrated resilience and growth. Notably, their offense ranks among the top five teams in multiple metrics this year, thanks to contributions from standout players like McLaurin and Daniels. The Buccaneers, led by Mayfield, finished the regular season with 10 wins and secured the third seed in the NFC.
The matchup's key factor lies within the Commanders' defense versus the explosive Buccaneers' offense. Washington’s defense has grappled with stopping the run, allowing 137.5 yards per game, ranking third-worst in the league. Conversely, Tampa Bay features standout rookie running back Bucky Irving, who finished the season with 1,122 rushing yards, showcasing his ability to carve through defenses.
Tyler Biadasz, Washington’s starting center, is also pivotal to the Commanders’ success this playoff run. Though he’s battling through ankle soreness, his return is uncertain and would greatly impact the line's ability to deal with the Bucs' blitz-heavy defensive schemes. If Biadasz can’t go, backup Michael Deiter must step up, which would be no easy feat against Marcus Parsons and Tampa’s strategic play-calling.
With both teams hungry for victory, there’s little room for error. Commanders head coach Ron Rivera emphasized the importance of peak performance, especially since the playoffs represent one-and-done scenarios.
“We’ll need to execute at the highest level, and Jayden must deliver with both accuracy and mobility,” Rivera stated after their win over Dallas.
Experts have weighed in on the matchup as well, with predictions leaning toward the Buccaneers based on their previous dominance but also acknowledging the Commanders' formidable capabilities. Although some analysts favor Tampa Bay, others believe Washington will pull off the upset.
A key component for Washington is whether Daniels can move effectively. If he manages to rush for at least 55 yards, statistics indicate the Commanders are 5-2, which bodes well for their chances against the Bucs’ pass rush.
Overall, this playoff rematch serves as more than just another game; it stands as a pivotal moment for the Commanders, representing the culmination of their rebuilding efforts. With Saturday’s clash looming closer, anticipation builds, and fans are eager to see if the Commanders can rewrite their narrative and advance toward potential playoff glory.
Whether Washington can overcome the odds and secure their second playoff win this century remains to be seen, but excitement for the game is palpable, as is the hope for players and fans alike. This is more than just football; it’s about reclaiming pride, history, and legacy.