Bucs start playoff run against Commanders, Jayden Daniels

• Tampa Bay cruised when these teams played in the first week of the regular season, a 37-20 victory in which Bucs QB Baker Mayfield threw four touchdown passes.

Yes, but: These are not those Commanders.

• Since the Bucs spoiled Daniels' debut, he's become one of the league's most exciting young quarterbacks and the odds-on favorite for offensive rookie of the year.
• Washington hasn't lost since November, first-year coach Dan Quinn is drawing raves and receiver Terry McLaurin joins Daniels on the NFC Pro Bowl roster.

The intrigue: Experience favors the Bucs — this is their fifth straight playoff berth, with at least one win in three of the past four trips (including the Super Bowl victory in 2020).

• Meanwhile, Washington last made the playoffs in 2020. The team's last playoff victory came in the 2005 postseason… against the Bucs.

Know your enemy: Daniels is the story of Washington's season. The No. 2 pick in last April's draft has quickly become an explosive threat passing and rushing.

• Zach Ertz is among the league's touchdown leaders at tight end. Running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler round out a dangerous offense.

Friction point: The Bucs defense is banged up. Safeties Jordan Whitehead and Christian Izien are out. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and corner Jamel Dean are uncertain to play. Daniels & Co. could feast.

Ask Vegas: The Bucs are three-point favorites.

• Home teams usually get a three-point boost, which suggests that oddsmakers see these teams as evenly matched.

If you go: Tickets at Raymond James Stadium for the 8pm Sunday game were available Wednesday starting at $93 on StubHub.

• Or watch at home on NBC or the Peacock app.