The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are within the playoffs for the fifth straight 12 months after successful the NFC South. They’ll host the Washington Commanders on Sunday night time in a primetime playoff matchup. After beating the Philadelphia Eagles on Wild Card Weekend final 12 months, expectations are excessive. Mike Evans is the important thing to a Buccaneers victory over the Commanders, not Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield is in his second season with the Buccaneers, taking on for Tom Brady earlier than final season. Whereas he won’t win the MVP, it was a season worthy of some votes come awards season. With one other stable quarterback below middle, Tampa has been a playoff mainstay within the 2020s. They’ve received extra video games this decade than some other NFC staff.
This shall be a tricky matchup due to the Commanders’ offense. Kliff Kingsbury coordinates the group led by rookie Jayden Daniels that received them this far. Whereas the Buccaneers have had a stable season on protection, they’ve a tricky matchup within the first spherical. And it implies that the Bucs offense must rating rather a lot to win the sport.
Mike Evans was one of many tales of Week 18, cracking 1000 yards for the eleventh consecutive season. That’s the file for 1000 yard seasons to begin a profession and tied Jerry Rice’s all-time file. Mayfield has helped him get there the final two years and the veteran huge receiver must dominate on this recreation.
Chris Godwin is out for the season after a robust begin to the 12 months. That places extra strain on Evans and rookie Jalen McMillian. However each of these gamers have responded and helped the Buccaneers overcome two losses to the Falcons to win the NFC South. This matchup shall be a particuarly private one for Evans and a Commanders nook.
Mike Evans vs Marshon Lattimore will decide Buccaneers’ destiny
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The Commanders made a giant commerce on the deadline to choose up cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints. Whereas he was harm for the primary a part of his tenure with Washington, he got here again for the tip of the season. Now, he has a second matchup with Evans, persevering with their contentious rivalry.
Lattimore received below Evans’ pores and skin on a number of occassions, because the huge receiver has picked up two suspensions over time. Of their Week 5 matchup, Evans had two receptions for 34 yards on six targets. Lattimore lined him effectively however didn’t get him to take any foolish penalties. It’s extra vital that the wideout retains his cool than anything.
But when Evans flips the script and dominates Lattimore, the Buccaneers shall be in enterprise. Though it took him till the final play of the season to succeed in 1000 yards, it was an excellent season for the huge receiver. They wanted him to step up with Godwin on the shelf and he did. That should proceed on this recreation.
McMillian can be a giant a part of the Buccaneers’ success within the second half. The rookie ended the season with 316 yards and 7 touchdowns in his final 5 video games. Evans will get the highlight however McMillian may very well be the distinction in a victory and defeat. If tight finish Cade Otton performs, that may assist get Evans open as effectively.
In accordance with FanDuel, the Buccaneers are 3-point favorites and -166 on the cash line. Evans is +105 to attain a landing, his yards over/below is 76.5 and his receptions complete is 5.5.