5 bold Commanders' predictions for NFC Wild Card game at the Buccaneers

This is what it's all about.

Playoff football is back and business is going to pick up. For the first time since 2020, the Washington Commanders will be in the mix after a memorable first campaign under head coach Dan Quinn.

The Commanders were expected to make improvements. Not many had them at 12 wins and the sixth seed in the NFC. That's a testament to how quickly things came together under the new regime and the seismic culture shift across the franchise under Quinn's guidance.

Washington is ahead of schedule and playing with house money to a certain extent. However, with improved performances come raised expectations. Quinn won't accept anything less than the same commitment to reach heightened goals.

Make no mistake, the Commanders have a chance to secure a road win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They were heavily beaten at Raymond James Stadium in Week 1, but this isn't the same team.

They are more familiar with one another. The Commanders are more polished in all phases despite some obvious weaknesses. They have also proven to come through when the stakes are highest, which will serve them well when the playoffs arrive.

A fascinating battle awaits under the Sunday Night Football primetime spotlight. Before then, we made five bold predictions for the Commanders' playoff clash this weekend.

Bold predictions for the Commanders in NFC Wild Card round at Buccaneers

Zach Ertz gains 8+ receptions and one TD

The Washington Commanders got more than they bargained for with veteran tight end Zach Ertz. Those in power showed tremendous faith in the former second-round pick after two difficult seasons. He repaid this confidence and then some.

Ertz hit some lucrative bonuses as a result of his efforts. He became a dependable target for rookie Jayden Daniels over short-to-intermediate roytes and in the red zone. There was also a lot to like about his leadership throughout the campaign to further enhance his influence.

The Commanders need all that and more in the postseason. Daniels needs a calming, assured outlet across the middle to keep the chains moving. There are questions around the receiving core aside from Terry McLaurin, which makes Ertz's role even more integral.

This is a journey into the unknown for the Commanders. They haven't experienced an atmosphere or pressure like this as a group before. Having players who've been to the pinnacle like Ertz will help their cause.

Expect Daniels to target Ertz early and often. If he can finish with eight or more receptions and get another touchdown, the better Washington's chances will be.

Jayden Daniels gains 100 rushing yards

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had tremendous difficulty with mobile quarterbacks this season. That should be music to the ears of Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders.

Daniels willed the Commanders into the playoffs. His exceptional determination, relentless drive, and supreme composure in the biggest moments steered them through. This cemented his status as a franchise quarterback and propelled him to NFL superstardom.

Washington made the right pick. Daniels has galvanized an entire franchise and fans are dreaming big once again. They know that if the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft has a chance to close things out, he'll always come through.

One could argue that the Commanders have been too reliant on Daniels' rushing ability down the stretch. Brian Robinson Jr. regressed at the worst possible time and veteran Austin Ekeler spent a few weeks on the shelf with a serious concussion. That cannot continue for much longer, but the Buccaneers' vulnerability with quarterbacks who can get out on the move is something Kliff Kingsbury should exploit.

Daniels needs to pick and choose his spots. When things aren't developing as expected downfield, he needs to trust his instincts. And hopefully, the leg issue that caused him to leave Washington's regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys early won't impact his performance levels.

Marshon Lattimore holds Mike Evans under 60 receiving yards

It didn't take long for the biggest storyline to emerge once the Commanders' opponent for the Wild Card round was confirmed. Something that adds a little extra spice to the occasion.

Marshon Lattimore and Mike Evans don't like each other. There might be respect between the two, but they quickly became bitter enemies on the field. This often boiled over with skirmishes, extra-curricular activity after the whistle, and even suspensions in the wide receiver's case.

Lattimore knows how to get under Evans' skin. He's also done extremely well against the prolific pass-catcher during their previous clashes. That's positive, but there's no telling how this one will go considering he's featured just twice since joining the Commanders via trade from the New Orleans Saints.

That won't go unnoticed by Buccaneers' quarterback Baker Mayfield. He'll know Lattimore might be rusty and not at 100 percent. Expect the four-time Pro Bowler to be tested early to see how he fares. All signs have been positive in practice this week, but a competitive playoff setting is a different beast entirely.

Lattimore won't back down from the fight. He'll go looking for Evans immediately and will keep the same mindset for as long as he's on the field. If he can also hold the future Pro Football Hall of Famer to under 60 receiving yards, that'll be a major boost to Washington's hopes.

Commanders defense forces two turnovers

The Washington Commanders must win the turnover battle to secure success at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They've improved somewhat in this area throughout the campaign. Joe Whitt Jr. must turn things up another notch in the playoff pressure cooker.

Baker Mayfield has been efficient this season, completing 71.4 percent of his passes and throwing 41 touchdowns. However, the former No. 1 overall selection out of Oklahoma has 16 interceptions to his name.

If the Commanders can make Mayfield uncomfortable in the pocket, he could make mistakes. The signal-caller had his way with Washington's defense in Week 1, securing an 80 percent completion success for 289 passing yards, four touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a phenomenal 146.4 passer rating. That cannot happen again.

The Commanders' defense has improved since then. They are a more cohesive unit and competitive in almost all phases. However, the defensive line interior must step up after some lackluster displays in recent weeks.

Stopping rookie running back Bucky Irving from taking over proceedings would be a good place to start. That would pile more pressure on Mayfield to produce the goods, which he's more than capable of after galvanizing his career in Tampa Bay.

Mayfield is going to make plays. But if the Commanders can secure a couple of turnovers, it might tip the scales in their favor.

Commanders win a shootout

The Commanders come into the game as road underdogs in the Wild Card round. That's not entirely unexpected despite Dan Quinn's men winning five straight to reach the postseason. Make no mistake, writing them off entirely would be foolish.

Washington has some notable road wins on its résumé this season. They're unbeaten on primetime and have developed a flair for the dramatic. Couple this with the project being way ahead of schedule, and the Commanders are a dangerous outfit.

This looks like it could be a shootout. Both offenses are in good form and their defenses have weaknesses. The Commanders must set the tone early through supreme execution and coming through on key downs. Finding the right balance is also key, which is a complex conundrum for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to solve.

The Commanders should be well represented in the stands for this one. Their fans have been clamoring for something like this after watching the franchise descend into disgrace under Dan Snyder's ownership. They'll be doing everything in their power to spur the team on and hope they can match their passion on the field.

Anyone who thinks the Commanders don't have a chance hasn't been paying close enough attention this season. They live for the big moments. Don't be surprised if Quinn's squad comes through once again.