Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Washington Commanders Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 9/8/24, 1:04 PM  by Lou Aguila in NFL Picks

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will kick off the new season by hosting the Washington Commanders on Sunday, at 4 p.m. US EST, at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs significantly strengthened their pass protection after picking Graham Barton (26th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft) out of Duke. Tampa Bay entered the 2024 season hoping they could maintain their defensive identity after allowing just 19.1 points per game last season, which ranked them seventh in the points-against category. Expectations are high on quarterback Baker Mayfield after he passed for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first season with the Bucs, reviving his career previously on life support. The Commanders will usher in a new era after selecting Jayden Daniels as the No.2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Daniels, the Heisman Trophy Winner out of LSU, will get the opportunity to take the Commanders to another level after averaging 19.4 points per game last year. Many football experts are optimistic that Daniels will have one of the best rookie seasons by a quarterback as his skill set fits in nicely with a team loaded with talented wide receivers.