Baker Mayfield's standout season propelled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a fourth consecutive division title and an NFC-best playoff appearance, though they faced disappointment with a narrow 23-20 loss to the Washington Commanders. Coach Todd Bowles acknowledged the team's effort but emphasized that only the Super Bowl champion would find satisfaction.

Despite the playoff exit, optimism surrounds the team as Mayfield emerged as a top-tier quarterback, achieving over 4,000 passing yards and 40 touchdowns. His leadership has solidified his role as the franchise quarterback for the Buccaneers, supported by key players like All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and future Hall of Famer Mike Evans.

The NFL Playoffs are set to commence, showcasing rookie impacts on team performances. A look at the rankings highlights the Washington Commanders at the top, with standout contributions from their draft picks, particularly quarterback Jayden Daniels. Minnesota’s rookies, however, have largely underperformed, with no offensive snaps recorded. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills feature rookies contributing in specific roles, while others, like the Detroit Lions, struggle to leverage their young talent effectively.

As the playoffs approach, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams find success through exceptional rookie performances, particularly in the secondary and on the defensive front. Conversely, the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions face challenges due to limited rookie impact. The rankings reflect how crucial rookie talent has been in shaping playoff aspirations, with Washington's draft class proving to be a game-changer for their postseason run.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a decisive 40-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, maintaining their lead in the NFC South. The Buccaneers' defense, often criticized this season, excelled by limiting the Chargers to just 17 points and under 200 total yards.

Backup players stepped up significantly, showcasing strong performances with three sacks against quarterback Justin Herbert and forcing turnovers. Vi Jones led the defense with a standout PFF grade.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a 28-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, moving to 3-0 after their bye week and claiming the top spot in the NFC South.

Despite missing key defensive players, including All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., the Buccaneers' defense managed to perform well against a struggling Raiders offense, recording two sacks and an interception.

Key defensive performances included cornerback Tykee Smith, who received the highest PFF grade, while Winfield Jr. had the lowest due to his injury.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed the top spot in the NFC South with a decisive 28-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The Buccaneers showcased a dominant run game, averaging 5.8 yards per rush and accumulating 152 net rushing yards.

Meanwhile, the Raiders struggled offensively, exacerbated by a knee injury to Aidan O'Connell. They managed only one red-zone touchdown on four attempts, averaging just 4.5 yards per play. Tre'Von Moehrig of the Raiders was highlighted as the standout player, excelling in his defensive role.