GAMES OF THE WEEK

BUCCANEERS AT WASHINGTON, 8:15 P.M. SATURDAY, FOX

Let’s face it. Tom Brady got lucky.

When the Eagles tanked their season finale against Washington on Sunday night, it eliminated the Giants from postseason contention. So instead of having to face Big Blue on Saturday night in the opening round of the playoffs, Brady and the Buccaneers get a cupcake matchup against Washington, which finished with a losing record of 7-9.

Yeah, we know the Giants finished 6-10, but they are the Giants and Brady wanted no part of them.

The Super Bowl legend lost twice to Big Blue in the Big Game, so we know he breathed a sigh of relief when the Giants were forced to pack their bags and go home.

Unfortunately, we all have to now watch Brady play on Saturday night without the intrigue of seeing him face his old postseason nemesis. Instead, we are stuck watching him face a nameless team.

To be fair, it might be interesting watching Brady try to stay safe from the grasp of Chase Young, Washington’s stellar defensive end.

Young, following Sunday night’s, um, victory, said, “Tom Brady, Tom Brady, I’m coming! I want Tom! I want Tom!”

Well, he’s got Tom. Now let’s see him do to Tom what the Giants did not once, but twice. And not on a Saturday night in the opening round, but on two Sunday afternoons – with the world watching.

If we are coming across a bit melodramatic and nostalgic, perhaps that’s because as New York football fans, that’s all we have.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

The Bucs signed Brady to do one thing: get them to the Super Bowl. Can he do it?