Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up
View All Scores

Commanders vs. Buccaneers prediction: Odds, best bets, player news, injuries, and stats for Week 1

The Jayden Daniels era begins Sunday when the Washington Commanders take to the field at Raymond James Stadium to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Heisman Trophy-winner out of LSU is being counted on to anchor the quarterback position and be the face of this franchise for the next decade.

Baker Mayfield returns for a 2nd season in Tampa after leading the Bucs to their 3rd straight NFC South title and 4th straight trip to the playoffs (Fun Fact: The Bucs are the only team in the NFC to make the playoffs the last 4 seasons.

NBC Sports has all the latest info and analysis you need, including how to tune in for kickoff, live odds from BetMGM, player news and updates, and of course our predictions and best bets for the game from our staff of experts.

Listen to the Bet the Edge podcast as hosts Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick provide listeners with sharp actionable insight, market analysis and statistical data to help bettors gain more information before placing their wagers. So, whether you’re targeting spreads and totals, looking for value in futures markets or circling player props, give their podcast a listen to give you that extra edge.

How to watch Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers live Sunday afternoon:

  • Date: Sunday, September 8, 2024
  • Time: 4:25 PM EST
  • Site: Raymond James Stadium
  • City: Tampa, Florida
  • TV/Streaming: FOX

Want to check out the other games on the NFL schedule this week? We’ve got you covered right here on NBC Sports with all the matchup, venue, game-time and TV/streaming info so you won’t miss any of the action!

Latest Game odds for Commanders vs. Buccaneers - Week 1

The latest odds as of Saturday afternoon via DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Washington (+154), Tampa Bay (-185)
  • Spread: Buccaneers -3.5
  • Total: 42.5

The line is right where it opened but the Total has ticked up ½ point.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NFL schedule!

NBC Sports Bet Best Bets

Brad Thomas (MrBradThomas) is fading the rookie Jayden Daniels and the Commanders on Sunday.

“I think the Commanders are going to be a popular pick this week because they bring in Kliff Kingsbury and Jayden Daniels is really exciting. But I am actually going to go with the Bucs. If you can get it anywhere around 3, I’m going to take it. Why? Listen. A rookie quarterback Week 1 on the road against Todd Bowles, a defensive mastermind. I don’t really care they lost Canales (former OC now Head Coach of Carolina) because I like Coen (new Tampa OC). The Bucs win this one. They probably win by six or seven.”

Washington vs. Tampa Bay team stats, betting trends

  • Tampa is 10-5 against rookie QBs since Todd Bowles arrival as DC back in 2019.
  • However, Tampa is 1-2 against rookies making their 1st career starts.
  • Week 1 road underdogs that didn’t make the prior postseason are 50-30 (63%) since 2012.
  • As a head coach, Todd Bowles is 7-14 (33%) as a favorite of a field goal or more in his career.
  • Baker Mayfield as a favorite of any number is 14-26 (35%) against the spread in his career.

Quarterback matchup for Washington vs. Tampa Bay

  • Commanders: Jayden Daniels – Heisman Trophy winner from LSU is a dual-threat quarterback looking to give the Commanders a franchise cornerstone
  • Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield – Threw for a career-high 4,044 yards and 28 TDs in 2023

Player news & injuries

  • Washington QB Marcus Mariota (chest) has been placed on IR
  • Washington DT Jer’zhan Newton (foot) is doubtful for Sunday’s game
  • Tampa Bay DE Calijah Kancey (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game
  • Tampa Bay DE Logan Hall (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest betting info & tools for NFL with game predictions, player props, futures, and trends!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: