Bucs (6-2) at Washington (2-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FedExField, Landover, Maryland
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: by 9 ⁄2
1
Buccaneers’ keys to victory: QB Tom Brady passed for 381 yards in January’s wild-card victory over Washington. Expect to see more of that when the Bucs face a defense that ranks among the league’s worst against the pass; they have several key matchups in their favor. In recent weeks, Washington’s defense has done better with pressure, so Tampa Bay’s offensive line must keep Brady clean in the pocket. Defensively, the Bucs must make Washington QB Taylor Heinicke one-dimensional. He will struggle if he throws the ball 40 times or more.
Washington’s keys to victory: It must limit big plays and make the Bucs drive the field. Getting pressure on Brady is critical. Washington will be without DE Montez Sweat, putting more pressure on DE Chase Young to produce pressure. On offense, Heinicke must take care of the ball and take what is given to him. He should also use his legs. If Washington can get TE Logan Thomas back from injury, it would be a significant boost.
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers offensive line vs. Washington defensive line. If Washington can apply consistent pressure on Brady, taking some of the pressure off a struggling secondary, it has a chance to pull off the upset. If it doesn’t, Brady will be the latest quarterback to pass for four touchdowns against Washington in 2021.
Who wins? Both teams are coming off a bye week, and Washington should get plenty of injured players back. That’s still not enough to upset Tampa Bay.
Bucs 31, Washington 17
Buccaneers