The Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to face off in a Week 1 NFL showdown at Raymond James Stadium. Both teams are looking to start their 2024 season on a high note, with the Buccaneers favored by 3.5 points. Tampa Bay, coming off a 9-8 season, will be led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, who threw for 4,044 yards and 29 touchdowns last year. The Buccaneers’ offense will rely heavily on Mayfield’s connection with star wide receiver Mike Evans, who accumulated 1,255 receiving yards last season. Running back Rachaad White, who had 990 rushing yards, will also play a key role in balancing their offensive attack.

The Commanders, who finished with a 4-13 record last season, have undergone significant changes, including naming rookie Jayden Daniels as their starting quarterback. Daniels, known for his mobility and arm strength, will be making his NFL debut under head coach Dan Quinn. Washington’s offense will be looking to improve upon last year’s performance, where they averaged only 19.4 points per game. Key playmakers such as wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who totaled 1,002 receiving yards, and running back Brian Robinson Jr., with 733 rushing yards, will need to step up to give the Commanders a chance to pull off an upset. Defensively, the Commanders struggled last season, allowing an average of 30.5 points per game, the most in the league. They will need to show significant improvement to contain Tampa Bay’s high-powered offense. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers’ defense, led by linebacker Lavonte David with 134 tackles and pass rusher Yaya Diaby with 8 sacks, aims to put pressure on the rookie quarterback and force mistakes.