The upcoming Sunday Night Football matchup features the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing off against the wild-card Washington Commanders, led by promising rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. With the playoffs underway, this analysis highlights the top DFS lineup picks for the showdown.

Jayden Daniels stands out as the prime MVP/Captain choice, having averaged 26.3 PPR points across the season. Despite a minor leg injury, Daniels is poised for a big game against a Buccaneers defense that has struggled against quarterbacks. Bucky Irving and Baker Mayfield are also strong captain candidates, with Irving showing an impressive surge in production in recent weeks and Mayfield enjoying a career year.

Terry McLaurin, another key player, has consistently performed, making him a must-play flex option. Likewise, rookie Jalen McMillan and Olamide Zaccheaus present significant upside. The analysis emphasizes budget options like Dyami Brown and Payne Durham, who could surprise in this high-scoring potential matchup.

Baker Mayfield's impressive performance for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has etched his name into franchise history, becoming only the second quarterback to throw for over 40 touchdowns in a season, joining Tom Brady. During a game against the New Orleans Saints, Mayfield connected with tight end Payne Durham for a three-yard touchdown, bringing his season total to 40 passing touchdowns.

This achievement is notable as Mayfield now stands at 43 total touchdowns, after starting the game with three rushing touchdowns, just behind Brady's Buccaneers record of 45. Brady, who was observing the game from the booth, previously accomplished this feat twice during his tenure with the Bucs, throwing 40 touchdowns in the 2020 season and 43 in 2021.

Mayfield's journey to this moment was rocky, as he faced challenges with the Carolina Panthers and briefly with the Los Angeles Rams before finding his footing in Tampa. His resurgence marks a significant turnaround for the quarterback, who was at risk of being a backup after his struggles in prior seasons.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing potential depth issues at the tight end position ahead of a crucial game this Sunday. Tight end Cade Otton has been nursing a knee injury since Week 15, and his replacement, Payne Durham, has now been listed with a quadriceps issue. This development raises concerns about the team's tight end depth as both players could be sidelined.

If neither Otton nor Durham is able to play, rookie Devin Culp would likely step into a significant role, having recorded his first two NFL catches in Week 17. Additionally, Ko Kieft, primarily a special teams player, may also see more action. The injury report also notes cornerback Jamel Dean as a non-participant due to a knee issue, while Antoine Winfield Jr.'s return from his own knee injury sustained in Week 13 appears unlikely.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face significant challenges as head coach Todd Bowles has officially ruled out key players for their upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers. All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., tight end Cade Otton, and wide receiver Sterling Shepard will not participate, marking a critical blow to the team's roster as they aim to secure a playoff spot.

Winfield Jr. has been sidelined for three consecutive games due to a right knee sprain sustained against the Las Vegas Raiders. His absence is felt deeply, as he has not practiced since the injury. Similarly, Otton's knee injury from Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers has kept him off the field, contributing to the Buccaneers' recent loss to the Dallas Cowboys, which ended a four-game winning streak.

Shepard's situation is also concerning; he has been dealing with hamstring and foot injuries following the game against Dallas. The Buccaneers have already been without starting safety Jordan Whitehead, who is gradually working his way back from a partially torn pectoral muscle but has not yet been activated from injured reserve.

Despite these setbacks, the Bucs have Mike Edwards available, who was claimed off waivers earlier in the season. However, he has missed the last two weeks due to a hamstring injury and illness, although he returned to practice fully this week. The team must make roster adjustments, especially with backup safety Christian Izien going to injured reserve.

In the tight end position, Payne Durham will step in for Otton, while Ryan Miller is expected to take on a larger role in the absence of Shepard, having recently scored a touchdown that kept the Bucs competitive against the Cowboys. Additionally, linebacker K.J. Britt's status remains uncertain as he deals with an ankle injury, making him a game-time decision.

The Buccaneers face an uphill battle as they strive to win their remaining games to surpass the Atlanta Falcons for a playoff position, as the Falcons hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. With their current roster challenges, every game becomes crucial for Tampa Bay's postseason aspirations.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing significant challenges as they prepare for their upcoming game, with key players sidelined due to injuries. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that tight end Cade Otton, wide receiver Sterling Shepard, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will not be available for Sunday's matchup. Winfield Jr. has been nursing a knee injury sustained in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders, while Otton's absence is particularly impactful given his substantial role in the offense, often playing over 85% of the snaps when healthy.

In light of these injuries, tight end Payne Durham is expected to step up, having played 93% of offensive snaps in the previous game against the Cowboys. The Buccaneers will also look to Ryan Miller and Trey Palmer to enhance their passing game in Shepard's absence. On a positive note, safety Jordan Whitehead, who missed Week 12 due to a pectoral injury, has returned to practice and is poised to make his debut against the Carolina Panthers. Although still on injured reserve, his full participation in practice suggests he may be ready to contribute soon. With Winfield Jr. continuing to recover, there is hope for a quicker return to full strength for the Buccaneers' defensive lineup.