Expect the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win a close game against Washington this Sunday

The NFL season is officially here, along with all of the wonderful “best shape of his life” offseason stories, overreactions to predictions from major media outlets, and silly hot takes meant to provoke reactions from those scrolling through social media.

Fear not, the actual games are just around the corner, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers kick things off at home this weekend against the woeful Washington Commanders.

The Commanders played poorly enough last season to earn the second overall selection in the draft, spending it on Louisiana State quarterback Jayden Daniels, a worthy pick that could turn out to be a franchise quarterback but will more than likely take a bit of time to develop.

Washington finished just above the Carolina Panthers for a reason, and its roster added a rookie quarterback instead since the team did not use its first round selection to address the offensive line, secondary, or linebacker group—all positions in dire need of attention at some point during these next few years barring any significant development from any of their younger players from previous draft classes.

The Commanders also dealt former first-round receiver Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick and a pick swap, again a solid deal for Washington but one that leaves its receiving corps a bit, well, top-heavy, if we’re being generous.

All of this to say, the defending NFC South champion Bucs should have little-to-no issue dispatching these Commanders in their opening match up late Sunday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium.

Tampa Bay comes in hot with its roster mostly intact and a group of veteran leadership that can step up and make plays as well as guide the younger player to success.

Antoine Winfield Jr., Mike Evans, Tristan Wirfs, Baker Mayfield, and Lavonte David all earned new contracts in the offseason, while starting corner Carlton Davis III was dealt for a third-rounder over the offseason. The retention outweighs the losses, and for a team that managed to secure a playoff victory playing the second-worst team in football a year ago, that’s good news.

Expect the Bucs to come out on top Sunday 27-23, keeping it close because it’s only Week 1 and things are still getting settled, even for a team with as much continuity as the Bucs.

Speaking of Week 1, now is a great time to remind Bucs fans; it’s a long season. Even Tampa Bay manages to screw things up against a rookie QB for the second consecutive year (Houston’s CJ Stroud was brutal last year), it’s OK. There are still 16 other games to be played, and a lot of them come against fellow NFC South teams, who all kind of stink.

Let’s sit back, relax, and enjoy some football. Even if it’s a loss.

Tickets to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play against the Washington Commanders at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 8 are still available and start at $77.

Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter