Buccaneers Host Commanders in NFC Wild Card Showdown

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM EST. The game, broadcast on NBC and Peacock, marks the Buccaneers’ first playoff appearance since their 2023 season, while the Commanders aim to advance in their first postseason under head coach Jayden Daniels.

The Buccaneers, finishing the regular season with a 10-7 record, secured the NFC South title and home-field advantage for the Wild Card round. The Commanders, with a 12-5 record, earned their spot as the NFC East champions. Both teams enter the matchup with strong offensive performances, with Tampa Bay averaging 23.6 points per game and Washington averaging 28.5.

Key players to watch include Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who threw for 3,907 yards and 28 touchdowns during the regular season, and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who amassed 4,112 passing yards and 34 touchdowns. Wide receivers Mike Evans (Tampa Bay) and Terry McLaurin (Washington) are expected to play pivotal roles in their respective offenses.

Ticket prices for the game start at $117 through TicketMaster, with resale options on platforms like StubHub offering seats as low as $90. Despite the late Sunday night start, fans are expected to fill the stadium, with many anticipating a playoff atmosphere reminiscent of Tampa Bay’s dominant win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 postseason.

“I expect a Bucs-heavy crowd on Sunday,” said Joe, a local fan and blogger. “The energy at Raymond James Stadium during playoff games is unmatched.”

Weather conditions are forecast to be mild, with temperatures around 55 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff. The Buccaneers have struggled in recent night games, losing their last six regular-season matchups under the lights, but hope to reverse that trend in front of their home crowd.

The winner of Sunday’s game will advance to the NFC Divisional Round, keeping their Super Bowl aspirations alive.