In what is set up to be a rematch between two teams that met in the playoffs less than a year ago, the game field they are playing on is about the only other thing that will be similar this week, as the Buccaneers and WFT seem to be heading in opposite directions. With Taylor Heinicke as their starter, WFT has struggled to maintain pace with the Cowboys in the NFC East, and the Buccaneers are in first place in the NFC South and primed for a bye in the first week of the playoffs.
But, things can get crazy on an NFL Sunday and there is a good chance that happens. Just like in the playoff game last year, Heinicke can possibly pull some magic out of his hat and keep this game close.
For more insight on Washington's Week 10 matchup against the Buccaneers, listen below:
If he does that, these are four predictions for the game that we predict to actually go Washington's way.
Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Washington Football Team Week 10 Predictions
4. WFT will get two or more interceptions
Tom Brady has only thrown two interceptions in a game twice this season, but both of those games were against teams that play similar secondary schemes as WFT does. If the football team can continue to utilize their safeties over the top and disguise linebackers in coverage, they can confuse even a veteran like Brady. Also, the Washington Football team is one of the best in the NFL at getting to the passer, and getting hit early and often is another way to rattle Brady and the Buccaneers.
If WFT can get two interceptions, that will give them a little bit of the time of possession that they can then use to run the ball a little bit more, leading me to my next projection…
3. Jaret Patterson will lead the backfield in carries…again
With Antonio Gibson on the mend, and J.D. McKissic not being as competent of an inside-the-tackles type of runner as they need on first and second down, Patterson comes into play in a big way, possibly for the second straight week. Last week he led the backfield in carries, an impressive feat for a rookie that started camp as a distant fourth on the depth chart.
If this second prediction comes true, then the WFT can really start to begin thinking of the upset. The most important position on the field is not running back, however, it is quarterback. That means that the team will need to put a lot on the shoulders of Taylor Heinicke….or better yet…on his legs.
2. Taylor Heineke will run for two scores
This is the way that Heinicke gave the Bucs fits in the playoff game. He was constantly able to make something out of nothing and kept WFT in the game all the way until the end. If he is able to buy some time with his legs, it could help to unlock Heinicke's potential.
They need to keep the ball in the middle of the field instead of having to make long-distance throws to opposite side hashes, which is where he struggles. The team also must simplify the offense for him, something they have admitted to doing the past few weeks to varying degrees of success. Regardless, if Heinicke is able to run for two scores on his own, it will set WFT up for one of the biggest upsets of the year.
1. WFT will win this game
Yes, these teams have opposite records. The Buccaneers are 6-2 and WFT is 2-6. Yes, they are headed in opposite directions as WFT has lost every game over the past month and Tampa Bay has lost just once over the same span. Yes, the Bucs are in first place and WFT is in last, but on Sunday, none of that will matter. Taylor Heinicke will be his vintage self from the playoff game and lead his team to a 24-23 victory on Sunday. Tom Brady will not be happy to lose twice in a row, as the Bucs just lost last week to the Saints, but it will motivate him…as it always does.
Follow Us
Subscribe