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As the NFL wild-card weekend approaches, the spotlight falls on a gripping encounter between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both teams, facing their own sets of challenges, are gearing up for a critical showdown. The Eagles, after a promising start, have witnessed a dramatic slump, losing five of their last six games and relinquishing the NFC East title. Their troubles are compounded by the absence of key players due to injuries. The Buccaneers, though less dramatic in their decline, are not without issues, struggling offensively in recent games and grappling with injuries to crucial team members. This matchup, set against the backdrop of potential thunderstorms, kicks off at 8:15pm ET from Raymond James Stadium.

Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NFL Wild Card Round, live updates from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, FL

The Eagles are in a serious slump
The Philadelphia Eagles’ journey to this wild-card game reads like a tale of unfulfilled promises. After an exceptional 10-1 start, their season took an unexpected turn, culminating in a series of losses that raised questions about their overall team strength. Defensive lapses and a disjointed offense, especially in the absence of A.J. Brown, have been glaring. The team now faces the monumental task of regaining their early-season form, a challenge made steeper by the looming threat of an early playoff exit and the consequent need for major changes within the squad.

Tampa Bay has not been able to find consistency
Conversely, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by Baker Mayfield, are battling their own demons. Mayfield’s commendable performance throughout the season has been overshadowed by recent struggles and injuries, casting doubts over his ability to steer the team through the playoffs. The Buccaneers’ offense, having failed to score a significant touchdown in the last two games, faces a critical test against the Eagles. The unpredictable weather conditions in Tampa could play a pivotal role, potentially favoring the Eagles’ strong offensive line and erratic run game. In this high-stakes encounter, key players like D’Andre Swift could emerge as game-changers, exploiting weaknesses and turning the tide in a match where resilience and adaptability will be as crucial as skill and strategy.