Article courtesy of BETUS. BETUS is a sportsbook companion of Pewter Report.
Contemporary off an NFC South title and a postseason win in 2023, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers open the 2024 season at dwelling towards the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon.
Kickoff at Raymond James Stadium is 4:25 PM (ET), with the Buccaneers a field-goal favourite (whole at 44), in accordance with NFL odds.
Now, after a 9-8 season in 2023, this Tampa Bay staff of coach Todd Bowles has a lot larger expectations heading into 2024. They have been contract extensions to quarterback Baker Mayfield and broad receiver Mike Evans, main to raised chemistry this season.
Then, there are the $6 billion males we all know because the Washington Commanders. Having misplaced their final eight video games (and proprietor Dan Snyder) in 2023, it’s now Josh Harris’ staff.
Harris, additionally with stakes within the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils, imported Dan Quinn to switch Ron Rivera as new coach. Quinn, after three seasons because the defensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys, will get one other shot to run a staff (suppose Atlanta Falcons and a blown 28-3 lead towards the New England Patriots in Tremendous Bowl LI).
A 4-13 report in ‘23 gave the Commanders the draft’s second choice, taking LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels and instantly giving him the keys to the offense.
Right here’s our preview of this NFC conflict to start the season…
Capital Punishment Continues?
Commanders HC Dan Quinn – Picture by: USA As we speak
A pathetic season within the nation’s capital, particularly on the gridiron. The Washington Commanders’ 2023 wasn’t nice. Fingers (generally the center one) have been pointed in all places, notably at a protection that allowed a ghastly 518 factors (30.4 per recreation).
That was 63 factors larger than the second-worst (Arizona Cardinals) outpost within the league. Thus, the membership changed one (theoretical) protection coach (Ron Rivera) with one other (Dan Quinn).
Nevertheless, the majority of the excitement with this staff entails the offense, the place aforementioned rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has some veteran playmates in ex-Los Angeles Charger Austin Ekeler and former Philadelphia Eagle Zach Ertz.
Ekeler was slowed by a sprained ankle final season.
Don’t forget constant veteran wideout Terry McLaurin, coming into his sixth D.C. season with 378 profession receptions (4 consecutive 1,000-yard totals).
There’s no telling how lengthy the continued rebuild goes to take. Vegas isn’t impressed, providing a victory whole of simply 6½, as per NFL regular-season wins.
Battening Down Bucs
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and WR Mike Evans – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
As was talked about, one of many predominant causes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers received the moribund NFC South in 2023 was the play of quarterback Baker Mayfield and broad receiver Mike Evans.
That latter is a Tampa fixture since being taken seventh total by the Pewter in 2014. He’s the primary participant in NFL historical past to start his profession with 10 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
He’s ‘outdated’ at 31, however any issues dissipated after 1,255 receiving yards (13 touchdowns) final season. He’s been on the receiving finish of scoring passes thrown by the likes of Mike Glennon, Josh McCown, Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Blaine Gabbert.
There have been guys named Brady and Mayfield as effectively, so no favorites right here.
Evans might feast towards a Commander move protection surrendering a league-worst 262.2 yards/recreation by means of the air final season.
Again the Bucs
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels – Picture by: USA As we speak
Stats don’t lie…they don’t even fib fairly often. Rookie quarterbacks are 16-35-1 of their openers, 0-7-1 previously 5 seasons. The final plebe quarterback to win his preliminary recreation was Sam Darnold (New York over Detroit Lions in 2018).
Whereas there’s loads of hype round Daniels and his debut in Washington with the Commanders, studying to learn defenses and make constant performs isn’t simple.
Tampa will probably be out to confuse the rookie, who wouldn’t be regular with out a mistake or two right here.
If this recreation was in November or December, maybe the rookie quarterback could be the selection. Starting his profession on the street, nevertheless, is a special story.
Take the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3 to win this opener.
