Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9/8/24 – Fans are also eager for the first matchup between the Washington Commanders (1-2 preseason) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1 preseason), slated for Week 1 of the new season and which promises excitement. What makes this interesting is that this game is set on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, and most fans and top online betting sites would be keen to watch it. Given that both teams have poor preseason records, they will be looking to win their first match of the regular season, meaning this matchup is worth watching.
Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9/8/24
| When: | Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 4:25 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Raymond James Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commanders | +4.5 (-118) | 40.5 over (-112) | +182 |  |
| Buccaneers | -4.5 (-104) | 40.5 under (-111) | -205 | |
| ||||
"I know what I'm capable of and I'm just going to prove that to everybody"
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 3, 2024
The betting odds are set with the Buccaneers favored by 4.5 points, reflecting their stronger preseason performance and home advantage. The total over/under for the game is set at 40.5, indicating expectations of a moderately scoring game.
Jeff Driskel QB vs. Kyle Trask QB
Jeff Driskel, known as the quarterback of the Commanders, books the season with minimal stats of the previous season with only 62.5% completion rate and a 66.5 passer rating. The performance by Driskell, which also includes no touchdown passes and one interception, seeks to step up against the contest of Tampa Bay defense.
On the other hand, Kyle Trask has been more effective in leading the Buccaneers, showing 65.1% completion rate with 91.6 rate of passer. Combined with the three touchdown passes of Trask and his aggressiveness, it now gives Tampa Bay an upper hand in quarterback ranking.
The combat between Drisker and Trask may make a palpable difference in terms of experience and current form. When comparing their statistics, Trask surpasses Driskel; thus, he may be able to make plays while under pressure, while Driskel will have to improve his turnovers and creativity to stay in pace.
Commanders’ Ground Game and Aerial Attack: Critical Components
The Commanders have shown a balanced but unremarkable offensive line-up in the preseason. Running back Michael Wiley, with an average of 3.9 yards per carry and two touchdowns, needs to find more gaps in the Buccaneers’ defense to make a significant impact. Wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint will be crucial in stretching the field, though his average of 25.7 receiving yards per game will need a boost to seriously threaten Tampa Bay’s secondary.
Buccaneers’ Offensive Strategy: Rushing Forward and Catching Opportunities
Tampa Bay’s running back Sean Tucker presents a stark contrast with 120 rushing yards at 5.7 yards per attempt. His ability to break through the line could be a key factor. Wide receiver Cody Thompson, averaging 45.7 receiving yards per game and securing one touchdown, has proved to be a reliable target for Trask. Their combined efforts could dominate time of possession and keep the Commanders’ defense on their toes.
Trends
Washington Commanders Betting Trends
Washington are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington’s last 8 games.
Washington are 0-8 SU in their last 8 games.
Commanders are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games against Tampa Bay.
Washington are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games against Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends
Tampa Bay are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 5 games.
Tampa Bay are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay’s last 9 games against Washington.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay’s last 8 games at home.
Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Prediction
Based on both teams’ form and stats so far, it turns out that Tampa Bay is the safer option in this matchup. It is their good form in the preseason as well as the performances of key players such as Trask and Tucker, that gives them the advantage. The Commanders, on the other hand, have done a decent job of keeping their games against the Buccaneers within reach, a fact that may alter the approach that is taken with regards to wagers especially with props and the spread.
In the long run, it is Tampa Bay that has more offensive talent and defense and is thus more likely to prevail. For those looking at NFL Week 1 betting picks, it is useful to note that considering the spread for the Buccaneers may be wise in the sense of all the betting picks offered albeit the Commanders may not be as easy to beat as the bookies predict.
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 24, Commanders 17.
