With the regular season fading in the rearview mirror, the NFL schedule now transitions into the playoffs. The NFL playoff bracket action kicks off with the Wild Card Weekend, and leading things off are the Dallas Cowboys against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Sports fans and bettors looking to get in on the action must consider Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match predictions before placing their wagers. As far as NFL matchups go, sports fans and bettors can expect a lot from this game.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Odds
Moneyline: Cowboys (-150), Buccaneers (+130)
Spread: Cowboys at -2.5 (-110)
Over/under: 45.0 points (-110)
Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Information
Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Location of the game: Raymond James Stadium. Tampa, FL.
Date: Monday, 16th January. 8:15 PM EST.
How to watch: ESPN | ABC | ESPN+
Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Analysis
It’s hard to bet against a team that features Super Bowl legend Tom Brady as its quarterback. Brady has pulled his share of upsets and miracle comebacks. For Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers betting, this is a very interesting contest.
For their part, the Cowboys come in as Moneyline favorites to move on to the next round. Despite a tough loss to the Commanders in Week 18, the Cowboys look like a solid pick to top the Bucs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Performance Recap and Analysis
In the NFL standings, at 8-9, the Bucs led a weak NFC South division despite their losing record. Injuries took their toll on Tampa. It wasn’t until Week 17 that Tampa had all their offensive starters in the lineup.
Despite expecting Tom Brady to start his 48th playoff game, Dallas seems to be too much for the Bucs. The Buccaneers need to get a lot of things going for them. In particular, their sputtering offense has been mostly inconsistent.
Even though the stats favor Dallas over the Bucs, it’s tough to bet against Tom Brady. He’s already got a Super Bowl ring with Tampa. Plus, Brady has a supporting cast that can make life miserable for Dallas.
When looking at Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers betting, expect Tampa to give Dallas a run for their money.
Key Injuries
On the NFL injury report, the Bucs’ injury list includes wideouts Mike Evans and Julio Jones. Evans should be ready for the game. Offensive line players such as G Nick Leverett and C Robert Hainsey are on the shelf. Defensive injuries include T Donovan Smith, OLB Carl Nassib, and CB Carlton Davis III.
Betting Trends to Know
- Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles has a 16-5 record as the home underdog against the first-half line throughout his career.
- In the NFL odds, Tampa Bay is 1-6 against the spread in their last seven, but 4-1-1 in their last six against Dallas.
- The under has hit in six of their last seven games against the Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys Performance Recap and Analysis
The 12-5 Cowboys locked up the fifth seed in the NFC. The ‘Boys finished behind the Eagles in the NFC East but did not show any signs of weakness throughout the regular seasons. Nevertheless, Dallas will try to put their concerning week 18 defeat behind them. Expect Dak Prescott to bounce back for this playoff matchup.
Dallas’s key to victory lies in their running game. Over the past two games, Dallas has 151 total rushing yards. The Cowboys need their running game to pound Tampa’s defense. The ground attack must take the pressure off Prescott. Otherwise, it may be a long day for the Cowboys’ star quarterback.
Key Injuries
America’s Team is going into this matchup healthy. C Tyler Biadasz, DE DeMarcus Lawrence, T Tyron Smith, and LB Leighton Vander Esch remain sidelined. This will make a difference in NFL picks and parlays.
Betting Trends to Know
- In the NFL team stats, Dallas is 18-7 against the spread versus conference opponents in the last two seasons.
- The Cowboys are 2-3 against the spread as road favorites this year.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Picks
Early lines favor Dallas over Tampa Bay.
Moneyline
The Bucs haven’t played up to their normal level almost all season and are lucky to have made it this far. Dallas is showing some surprising skills at times and has the advantage in this game due to its solid repeat performances.
Spread
This matchup does not figure to be a run-and-gun affair. So, the over/under at 45 points seems reasonable. Considering the firepower on both sides, playing the over could be a good option. Regarding spread, expect this game to be close. The -3 spread seems a bit close.
Over/under
Winning this game may come down to a last-minute field goal. Bettors looking for an underdog winner may consider choosing Tampa. At +130, Tampa may produce some enticing returns. Nevertheless, the safe bet is taking Dallas at -150.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Score Prediction
Dallas has enough firepower to make this game tough on Tampa’s defense. Looking at the NFL player stats, Dallas averaged 5.4 yards per play and 4.3 yards per carry. In contrast, Tampa’s defense has been stingy, allowing roughly 120 rushing yards per game.
The Cowboys’ defense is no pushover, either. It ranked 10th in the fewest passing yards allowed per game. Fans can expect Dallas’s defense to be on their toes against Brady.
Tampa fans can hope that Brady can connect with Mike Evans often enough to open up the game.
NFL Pick: Expect the Cowboys to top the Buccaneers in a tight game.
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