Washington Prepares for Wild Card Showdown with Brady, Tampa Bay

Look at this...who would've thought this team would go 3-1 in the last 4 games and end up winning this awful division..(we did, we predicted it 4 weeks ago on Episode 13).

Week 17's win wasn't exactly how you draw it up, but it was such a perfect embodiment of the NFC East in 2020 that I'm actually okay with it. I was (literally) gambling that Philadelphia would hand the game to Washington. Thankfully the Eagles were looking ahead to a better draft pick this upcoming season when they inserted Nate Sudfeld into the lineup and basically tanked the 2nd half. Luckily, Washington took home it's 4th Division crown since 1999, finishing the season with a 7-9 record.

Also, while we're here, can I ask why this Eagles tank-job such a big national media headline? ESPN spent more time talking about Giants' players tweets rather than Washington actually making the playoffs. That's ridiculous. Hey Giants, play better during the season and maybe you won't need to rely on us losing next time. Give me a break.

Wild Card Matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington's defense finished the season averaging 5.7 points in the 2nd half, that ranks #1 overall in the NFL. They also rank #2 in points against/game. They'll need to have their best game of the season against a Buccaneers offense that ranks top 5 in most passing categories. This is also Tom Brady we are talking about...Not much more needs to be said.

For Tampa Bay, WR Mike Evans is questionable with a hyperextended knee in last week's game, and LB Devin White (Reserve/Covid-19 list) will sit out of the Wild Card game.

Washington's offense is limping into the postseason with a limited Alex Smith (Calf), Antonio Gibson (Turf Toe) and Terry McLaurin (Ankle). In his presser, Ron Rivera discussed the idea of utilizing both QB's "Rotating Alex Smith and Taylor Heinicke is something we seriously have to look at". This would be interesting, and with how Smith looks I think everything is on the table. I could see Rivera giving each of them a couple series in the first half, although they will probably ride Alex until the wheels fall off.

There's no hard-hitting analysis this time, first team to score 17 probably wins. It's possible for Washington, but the media and Vegas don't seem to think so. The Buccaneers come into the matchup with over a 75% chance to win, and every media expert has predicted they will win.

3 Keys to Victory:

• Washington's Run Defense

• Washington Leading at Half

• Washington Within a Score to Tie/Win Under 4 Minutes to go in the 4th Quarter

This is the formula. Throw out any offensive stats, advanced analuytics, etc.. Washington is only going to win this if their defense plays dynamite. They haven't had to play many premier quarterbacks this season, but they love playing against statues. Brady fits the bill.

Buckle up for Saturday night folks, maybe say a prayer or two as well. Washington is going to have to grind this one out.

Header Photo-(Chris Szagola/AP)

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images