Predicting every game of the 2021 NFL Playoffs

NFC Wild Card: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5) at Washington Football Team (4)

That’s great — Washington made the playoffs. It took a pitiful effort against a carefree Philadelphia Eagles team to seal the deal, but a berth is a berth, right? Unfortunately, that’s about as far as it’ll go.

If you know anything about Washington, then you know they only got here because of their defense. They sport one of the best overall front fours in the NFL, and a handful of underrated playmakers at the second and third levels help them stay competitive. Beyond that, though, the Football Team doesn’t have much to offer.

The Tampa Bay defense, which is daunting in its own right, should have little trouble slowing down the D.C. offense. Alex Smith figures to spend much of his day running for his life, while the Washington run game slams into a brick wall. Points won’t come easy or often for the NFC East champs on Wild Card weekend.

Tom Brady gets an easy win, even against a quality Washington D. He tosses a few touchdowns and has it in cruise control by the fourth quarter. Good thing, because the Buccaneers will need their rest ahead of a showdown with the top-seeded Packers.

Prediction: Buccaneers win 30-13