Game story
In Week 18 of the 2020 NFL season on 2021-01-09, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the Washington Commanders, pulling away with a 31–23 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
T. Heinicke (Washington Commanders) paced the passing game, with +3.50 total EPA, and -0.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +19.55 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+13.5% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Washington Commanders changed the game: (2:26) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke scrambles left end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 9 | 9 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 31 |
| Washington Commanders | 0 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 23 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Brady · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +19.55 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
- 2 M. Evans · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +9.00 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.90 EPA/play
- 3 C. Brate · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +6.73 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.12 EPA/play
- 4 S. Sims · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +4.44 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
- 5 A. Brown · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.10 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.37 EPA/play
- 6 T. Heinicke · Washington Commanders · Passing · +3.50 total EPA · 55 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 7 L. Fournette · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +3.06 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.76 EPA/play
- 8 C. Sims · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.69 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Brady — TB · Passing
T. Brady posted the highest total EPA (+19.55) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 43 counted snaps, they averaged +0.45 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.18 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (6:03) 30-K.Vaughn left guard to WAS 38 for 6 yards (31-K.Curl, 94-D.Payne). FUMBLES (94-D.Payne), RECOVERED by WAS-53-J.Bostic at WAS 39.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A. Brown (T. Brady pass)
- Washington Commanders — J. McKissic
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Godwin (T. Brady pass)
- Washington Commanders — T. Heinicke
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — L. Fournette
- Washington Commanders — S. Sims (T. Heinicke pass)
Field goals
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 9–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the WAS 11 (Q1 56:52) — (11:52) 3-R.Succop 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the WAS 36 (Q1 47:58) — (2:58) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 81-A.Brown for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 9–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the TB 2 (Q2 43:02) — (13:02) (Shotgun) 41-J.McKissic right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q2 42:59) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the WAS 27 (Q2 40:09) — (10:09) 73-J.Haeg reported in as eligible. 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 14-C.Godwin for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the WAS 5 (Q2 31:53) — (1:53) 3-R.Succop 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion..
The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 9–0. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the TB 18 (Q3 26:50) — (11:50) 3-D.Hopkins 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the TB 8 (Q3 17:26) — (2:26) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke scrambles left end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 13–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the WAS 20 (Q4 13:35) — (13:35) 3-R.Succop 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the WAS 3 (Q4 9:14) — (9:14) 28-L.Fournette left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 9:11) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the TB 11 (Q4 4:57); Washington Commanders added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q4 4:51) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the WAS 19 (Q4 2:54) — (2:54) 3-R.Succop 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Washington Commanders (Q3 17:26) — (2:26) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke scrambles left end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 50:02) — (5:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left intended for 17-T.McLaurin INTERCEPTED by 23-S.Murphy-Bunting (51-K.Minter) at TB 42. 23-S.Murphy-Bunting to TB 42 for no gain (17-T.McLaurin).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 47:58) — (2:58) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 81-A.Brown for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 21:03) — (6:03) 30-K.Vaughn left guard to WAS 38 for 6 yards (31-K.Curl, 94-D.Payne). FUMBLES (94-D.Payne), RECOVERED by WAS-53-J.Bostic at WAS 39.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 16:22) — (1:22) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 84-C.Brate to WAS 45 for 23 yards (39-J.Reaves).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 21:03) — (6:03) 30-K.Vaughn left guard to WAS 38 for 6 yards (31-K.Curl, 94-D.Payne). FUMBLES (94-D.Payne), RECOVERED by WAS-53-J.Bostic at WAS 39.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 47:58) — (2:58) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 81-A.Brown for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 50:02) — (5:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left intended for 17-T.McLaurin INTERCEPTED by 23-S.Murphy-Bunting (51-K.Minter) at TB 42. 23-S.Murphy-Bunting to TB 42 for no gain (17-T.McLaurin).
- Washington Commanders (Q1 51:26) — (6:26) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep right to 89-C.Sims to TB 46 for 36 yards (32-M.Edwards).
Quarterback report card
T.Heinicke led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T.Heinicke (Washington Commanders) · 55 dropbacks · 47.3% completion · -0.9% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +3.50 total EPA
- T.Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 43 dropbacks · 51.2% completion · -2.6% CPOE · +0.45 EPA/play · +19.55 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.163 | +0.010 |
| Offensive success rate | 49.4% | 38.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.455 | +0.064 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.102 | -0.140 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.010 | -0.163 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.8% | 50.6% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Tampa Bay Buccaneers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.16 vs +0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 12 drives, +14.47 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 12 drives, +0.87 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q1 56:52 · WAS 11 · Score 3-0
(11:52) 3-R.Succop 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 47:58 · WAS 36 · Score 9-0
(2:58) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 81-A.Brown for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 43:02 · TB 2 · Score 9-6
(13:02) (Shotgun) 41-J.McKissic right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 42:59 · TB 15 · Score 9-7
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 40:09 · WAS 27 · Score 15-7
(10:09) 73-J.Haeg reported in as eligible. 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 14-C.Godwin for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 31:53 · WAS 5 · Score 18-7
(1:53) 3-R.Succop 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q3 26:50 · TB 18 · Score 18-10
(11:50) 3-D.Hopkins 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 17:26 · TB 8 · Score 18-16
(2:26) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke scrambles left end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q4 13:35 · WAS 20 · Score 21-16
(13:35) 3-R.Succop 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 9:14 · WAS 3 · Score 27-16
(9:14) 28-L.Fournette left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 9:11 · WAS 15 · Score 28-16
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 4:57 · TB 11 · Score 28-22
(4:57) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 15-S.Sims for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Up - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 4:51 · TB 15 · Score 28-23
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q4 2:54 · WAS 19 · Score 31-23
(2:54) 3-R.Succop 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Washington Commanders?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Washington Commanders 31-23 in Week 18, 2020 on 2021-01-09.
What was the final score of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Washington Commanders?
The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31, Washington Commanders 23 (TB 31-23 WAS) in Week 18, 2020 on 2021-01-09.
What was the score by quarter in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Washington Commanders?
Q1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9, Washington Commanders 0; Q2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9, Washington Commanders 7; Q3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0, Washington Commanders 9; Q4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13, Washington Commanders 7; Final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31, Washington Commanders 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Washington Commanders?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — A. Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q1 47:58) Washington Commanders touchdown — J. McKissic (Q2 43:02) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Godwin (T. Brady pass) (Q2 40:09) Washington Commanders touchdown — T. Heinicke (Q3 17:26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — L. Fournette (Q4 9:14) Washington Commanders touchdown — S. Sims (T. Heinicke pass) (Q4 4:57) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q1 56:52, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q2 31:53, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q3 26:50, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q4 13:35, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q4 2:54, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Washington Commanders?
T. Heinicke (Washington Commanders), 47.3% completion, -0.9% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +3.50 total passing EPA. T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 51.2% completion, -2.6% CPOE, +0.45 EPA per dropback, +19.55 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Washington Commanders?
T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +19.55 on passing plays. across 43 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.18 EPA): (6:03) 30-K.Vaughn left guard to WAS 38 for 6 yards (31-K.Curl, 94-D.Payne). FUMBLES (94-D.Payne), RECOVERED by WAS-53-J.Bostic at WAS 39.. The biggest win-probability swing was +13.5%.
Season records after this game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 11-5 Now 12-5 W
Washington Commanders
Entered 7-9 Now 7-10 L
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