The 2024 NFL Wild Card weekend wraps up as the defending NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their first playoff appearance since Tom Brady retired. Philadelphia was up near the top of the NFC for most of the 2023 NFL season. But late season struggles dropped them to second in the division and the number five seed in the playoffs. Tampa Bay spent the season battling the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons for the top spot in the weirdest division in the NFL. Let’s preview the Eagles and Buccaneers.

Philadelphia Eagles

Expectations were high for the Eagles this season as they took the Kansas City Chiefs to the limit in Super Bowl 57. Philadelphia responded strongly to those expectations. Through eleven games, the Eagles had the best record in the NFL at 10-1. Unfortunately, following their big win over the Buffalo Bills, the wheels fell off. Philadelphia went 1-5 in the final six games and lost the number one seed in the NFC, the top spot in the NFC East and their season finale to the rival New York Giants. Still, the Eagles have one of the best records of any Wild Card team.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Questions surrounded the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season following the retirement of Tom Brady. The Buccs made the playoffs three times in all three season Brady helmed the team and won Super Bowl 55. However, no one was quite sure what to think with Baker Mayfield under center. After a disappointing ending to his time in Cleveland and a 2022 season filled with struggles with the Panthers and Rams, Mayfield rebounded in the best way possible. He led Tampa to their fourth straight playoff appearance and third straight division title, beating his old team, the Carolina Panthers, on the last day of the season to clinch the spot.

Eagles vs. Buccaneers Predictions

Philadelphia finished the year 11-6 but their road record was a little more even, winning five games while losing four. The Eagles played eight games against opponents who made the playoffs, finishing the year 6-2. That includes a win over these same Buccaneers back in week three. However, Philadelphia has lost their last two games against teams with winning records and lost a game late in the season to the lowly Arizona Cardinals.

Tampa Bay only finished with a winning record this year due to their win over the Panthers in the final game of the season. The Buccaneers’ home record was also evenly split at 4-4. Tampa played six games against teams that made the playoffs and finished a less than stellar 1-5. However, the Buccaneers have momentum as they have won five of their last six games in contrast to the Eagles losing five of their last six games. Tampa has the momentum, but I think Philly is the better team. I’m picking the Eagles to win.

Final Score – Philadelphia Eagles 24 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13

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