Commanders at Buccaneers early odds and prediction for Week 1

The time for talk is almost over. After one of the busiest offseasons in franchise history, the Washington Commanders get the chance to see all their hard work bear fruit during what promises to be a fascinating regular season for the organization.

Dan Quinn and his coaching staff will have their men ready for battle. There's positivity and purpose where once there was nothing but pessimism and abject failure. Returning to their place at the NFL's top table might take time, but fans are anticipating progress in some capacity during the upcoming campaign.

First up for the Commanders is a trip to the defending NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They'll fancy their chances of another playoff appearance despite the Atlanta Falcons being favored within the division following the acquisition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Any team coached by Todd Bowles will be physical and look to impose their dominance immediately - something Washington must be ready for from the first whistle.

This is a solid measuring stick for the Commanders right out of the gate. Can they begin Quinn's time at the helm with a morale-boosting success on the road?

Commanders at Buccaneers early odds for Week 1

According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Commanders are 3.5-point underdogs at the Buccaneers in Week 1.

• Washington +3.5 points: -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
• Tampa Bay -3.5 points: -102 (bet $102 to win $100)

Anyone wishing to place a wager on the Commanders' money line can get odds of +148 attached currently (bet $100 to win $148). The Buccaneers are slightly favored to kick off their campaign on home soil with a victory at -176 (bet $176 to win $100).

FanDuel Sportsbook is expecting a moderately entertaining affair with the over//under set at 44.5 points for the clash.

• Over 44.5 points: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
• Under 44.5 points: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Commanders at Buccaneers early prediction for Week 1

This is a trip into the unknown for the Commanders. They have a new coaching staff in place and an almost unrecognizable roster. These fresh faces need time to become a cohesive unit, so there's no way to predict how long it'll take before everything clicks.

The Buccaneers are at the opposite end of the spectrum.

They made a concerted effort to keep around their top stars throughout the offseason. This continuity works in their favor, although quarterback Baker Mayfield's fortunes are under the microscope after the person responsible for galvanizing his career - former offensive coordinator Dave Canales - is now head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

Washington could have had far worse games to begin their potentially prosperous new era that's for sure. However, anyone thinking the Buccaneers are just going to roll over and not give them a severe run for their money is kidding themselves.

This is a dangerous football team with legitimate difference-makers on both sides of the football. Keeping the likes of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Vita Vea, and Antoine Winfield Jr. quiet will be a tough task. But as most sportsbooks expect, this might be a close-run thing that comes down to a turnover here or there.

Prediction: Commanders loss

This one could go either way. But there are too many uncertainties surrounding the Commanders to predict anything other than a loss right now - albeit by fine margins with an encouraging performance attached.

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