Which staff member will nail their pick this week?

As the Bucs are set to open their 2024 season at home against Washington, we here at Bucs Nation will dive into some picks and predictions for Tampa Bay’s first game of the regular season.

Tampa Bay is currently 3.5-point favorites via FanDuel. How will they ensure they’ll come out victorious Sunday? Our staff weighs in with their picks for the Bucs game as well predictions for each side of the ball Sunday.

Predictions

Offense: Rachaad White sets the tone

Offensive coordinator Liam Coen is big on the team’s running backs, particularly Rachaad White. The third-year back was ten yards shy of a 1,000-yard season on the ground but had no issue surpassing that mark in total yards from scrimmage. Coen wants to feature White often throughout the season and will look to have White involved early on during Sunday’s opener. White will rack up at least 150 total yards from scrimmage and a touchdown against Washington.

Defense: Feasting on the rook

Washington will throw rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to the wolves this season, and his first test will be against a defense Todd Bowles vows to not let be embarrassed by a rookie signal caller. Daniels will undoubtedly give the Bucs some concern Sunday not just through the air but on the ground. However, it’ll be Tampa Bay that gets the best of him in Week 1. The Bucs defense will record at least five sacks and 15 quarterback hits.

Week 1 Staff Picks

Gil Arcia: Bucs 31, Washington 16
Mike Kiwak: Bucs 28, Washington 20
Evan Wanish: Bucs 26, Washington 23
Will Walsh: Bucs 23, Washington 20