The 7-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take on the 6-9 Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. The Bucs can clinch a playoff spot with a 2-0 finish to the 2025 slate with wins against Miami and Carolina. This clash will mark the 13th meeting between the Bucs and Dolphins, with Tampa Bay leading the series, 7-5. For Miami, Quinn Ewers will make just his second NFL start but the home team boasts a slew of talented cast members including De'Von Achane, Jaylen Waddle, Darren Waller, Jordyn Brooks and Bradley Chubb. On Sunday following kickoff, here are five Buccaneers to keep an eye on:

Benjamin Morrison

With Tyreek Hill on injured reserve, Jaylen Waddle has emerged as the go-to target in Miami's aerial attack, posting 64 catches for 910 yards and six touchdowns. Waddle has averaged 14.2 yards per reception and has made a significant impact downfield on vertical routes. He can take the top off defenses with his speed and can also go up and high-point the football. He baits coverage by alternating the pacing of his routes and effectively sells double moves. Waddle is proficient at adjusting to the deep ball and he is moved around Miami's formation, meaning he will likely be matched up with Benjamin Morrison at some point during the Week 17 contest. In his first NFL start against the Panthers for an injured Zyon McCollum, Morrison accumulated seven tackles, including one for a loss. He nabbed a key pass breakup against Tetairoa McMillan with a lethal stab and Morrison quickly moved his eyes back to Bryce Young to disrupt the catch window as the ball arrived. Morrison, a second-round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, blankets deep routes with an effective head turn to the quarterback and proper leverage. He produced outstanding ball production at Notre Dame by challenging 50-50 balls and is patient in off coverage.

Luke Goedeke

After incurring five penalties against the Panthers in Week 16, Luke Goedeke will look to bounce back against the Dolphins. He overcame a foot injury that sidelined him for six games and per Pro Football Focus, Goedeke has not surrendered a single sack in 2025. He plays with a competitive disposition and his leg drive forces defenders back. Goedeke is a rancorous run blocker, with natural shuffle and smooth footwork. He is explosive at the point of attack and plays with a high motor. On Sunday, Goedeke will see a heavy dose of reps against the 21st-overall pick in the 2024 draft, Chop Robinson. Robinson has accumulated three of his four sacks over the Dolphins previous four meetings. He has nabbed seven quarterback hits, one pass defensed and one forced fumble. Robinson has created a formidable tandem with Bradley Chubb and possesses twitchy athleticism. He overwhelms blockers with his speed and has rare pursuit. His ability to slant causes havoc for offenses and he has a menacing bull rush in his bag of tricks. Robinson barrels out of his stance like a cannonball and Goedeke will play a critical role in mitigating his effectiveness on Sunday.

Yaya Diaby

Miami's run game centers around De'Von Achane. Achane's 1,267 rushing yards rank third in the NFL, his 1,726 yards from scrimmage rank fifth and he has amassed 12 touchdowns. He is averaging 5.8 yards per carry and his quick cuts across the field can lead to nightmares for linebackers and safeties. He is elite in navigating tight quarters and creates what is not blocked for him. Achane can out-pace pursuit to the edge with speed and he thrives in the Dolphins' outside-zone-based running game. Bucs' Yaya Diaby will play a pivotal role in minimizing the Dolphins' horizontal stretch game by setting a firm edge. He leads the Bucs in sacks with 6.0 but with Miami's aim to target the perimeter with motions and eye candy, Diaby's responsibility in defending the run to limit explosives on the ground will be paramount on Sunday. Achane is known for his disappearing act and he will be a top priority for Tampa Bay's defense in Week 17.

Lavonte David

Miami tight end Darren Waller has been productive since his return to action in Week 13. Since, he has accumulated 13 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns over the previous four matchups. Waller has scored six touchdowns and is averaging 12.3 yards per catch. The Bucs' defense has struggled at times down the stretch in limiting tight ends over the middle of the field and putting the clamps on Waller is an emphasis for the defensive unit. Waller can climb the ladder on throws to catch jump-balls and is adept at boxing out defenders with his frame. With effortless strides, he plays with outstanding body control. The Bucs' Lavonte David will likely be matched up with Waller on Sunday in coverage. David leads Tampa Bay with 105 tackles and has been regarded throughout his tenure as one of the best off-ball linebackers in the game. He is instinctive with fluid footwork to turn and cover in man/zone.

Rachaad White

Rachaad White ripped off the Bucs longest run of the day against Carolina last week with a 39-yard gain. He has elevated the team's ground attack, complementing Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker. White helped the Bucs' eclipse the 100-yard rushing marker against the Panthers with 60 yards from scrimmage. He is a natural runner at the second level and is adept at following pullers. White has excellent balance and a knack for staying upright through contact. With an effective stiff arm and spin move to avoid tacklers, White will strive to leave an imprint at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. He will face Jordyn Brooks, who ranks first in the NFL with 169 tackles, including 12 for loss. Brooks has earned AFC Player of the Week honors twice in 2025 and is quick to diagnose and key against the run. He has an aggressive downhill trigger and effectively anticipates lane options for backs.