The Washington Commanders hit the road for a Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Bucs are 3.5-point favorites to open the season on the NFL odds board.
It’s a new era of football in Washington, with Jayden Daniels taking over at quarterback. This year’s second-overall pick is eager to get started with the Commanders, and one of his veteran targets headlines our Commanders vs. Buccaneers predictions.
Find out more in our NFL picks for Sunday, September 8.
Commanders vs Buccaneers prediction
My best bet
Austin Ekeler Over 48.5 rushing + receiving yards (-115 at BetMGM)
My analysis
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler may no longer be in the prime of his career, but the veteran is looking to prove that he’s still got it. He’ll split time in the backfield with Brian Robinson Jr., and the Commanders like the versatility that Ekeler brings.
That includes rookie signal caller Jayden Daniels:
"Very savvy in the pass game, knows how to get open, can catch the ball naturally, and just picking his brain and just be able to communicate," Daniels said. "Everybody knows his background and his story of how he got here and he had to work and earn everything. He has that approach every day."
Ekeler signed in Washington after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Chargers. He’s coming off a down year due to injury and is eager to make a difference out of the backfield for a revamped Washington squad.
"I know this league is brutal when it comes to how you're judged," he said earlier this offseason. "You're judged off of your last season. It's another opportunity for me to rebound and show that, hey, I can still play at a high level."
The running back racked up 117 yards on 16 carries in last year’s season opener before going down with an ankle injury.
While Robinson is expected to be the lead back for the Commanders, Ekeler should be used a decent amount as well, especially if Washington is trailing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ekeler can be a safety valve out of the backfield for the rookie quarterback — and he still has the skill to break a run or two.
Commanders vs Buccaneers same-game parlay
Austin Ekeler 55+ receiving + rushing yards
Austin Ekeler 4+ receptions
Buccaneers moneyline
Ekeler is the third-down back for the Commanders and should get some pass-catching opportunities out of the backfield. That’s especially true since Terry McLaurin is the Commanders’ only true receiving threat.
The Bucs had a strong end to last season and are looking to pick up where they left off. This would be a solid gamescript for our SGP to hit.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Commanders vs Buccaneers odds
Commanders vs Buccaneers live odds
Commanders vs Buccaneers opening odds
- Spread: Washington +4 (-110) | Tampa Bay -4 (-110)
- Moneyline: Washington +155 | Tampa Bay -190
- Over/Under: Over 41.5 (-110) | Under 41.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Commanders vs Buccaneers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Buccaneers opened as four-point favorites back in May, dipping slightly to -3.5 as of Saturday afternoon.
- The Commanders are up to +3.5 (-115) underdogs after opening at +4 (-110).
- The total has seen quite a bit of movement since opening at 41.5. It reached 44 earlier this week and has settled at 42.5 as of Saturday.
Commanders vs Buccaneers betting trend to know
Washington has only hit the moneyline in five of its last 20 games (-12.95 Units / -47% ROI). Find more NFL betting trends for Commanders vs. Buccaneers.
Commanders vs Buccaneers game info
| Location: | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL |
| Date: | Sunday, 9-8-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 4:25 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
Commanders vs Buccaneers latest injuries
Commanders vs Buccaneers weather
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