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Our NFL betting expert is here to offer his best betting picks and predictions for Sunday’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys, scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
Guess who’s back? Tom Brady, and he’s leading the Buccaneers into a matchup with the Cowboys and Dak Prescott in a game that could be defined by leaky protection and strong defense instead of the shootout the ensued in the previous primetime meeting between these clubs.
Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Picks
- Under 50.5 total points at -110 @ Caesars Sportsbook
- Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz anytime TD at +185 @ Caesars Sportsbook
- Both teams to score 20 points at -130 @ Caesars Sportsbook
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Buccaneers vs. Cowboys prediction and analysis
Dallas isn’t unfamiliar with the concept of playing without left tackle Tyron Smith due to injuries in recent seasons, but he’s vital against an attack dog front line like Tampa’s. That could make life difficult for the Cowboys and QB Dak Prescott.
But similar challenges face Brady and the Buccaneers, who’ve been dented by health concerns up front throughout the preseason.
Cowboys vs. Buccaneers under 50.5
Line woes are no way to win in the NFL, even with quick-triggered passers like Brady and Prescott. If either team gains an edge with the ground game, the offense could open up and bring more fireworks than we expect.
Tom Brady during a preseason phone. Getty ImagesBrady took a break from camp and two of his favorite receivers from last season — Rob Gronkowski (retired) and Chris Godwin (questionable) could be missing. Dallas’ defense is legitimate with Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence capable of bending into the backfield to slow the Bucs.
Eventually, offense will win out but don’t bank on Brady turning in a repeat of last year’s Thursday night opener: a 31-29 win on his way to a career-high 5,316 yards.
Our Pick: Under 50.5 total points
Dalton Schultz anytime TD +185
If there’s a weak spot in the Buccaneers’ defense, it’ll be behind the linebacker level of the zone-heavy defense, where crossing patterns and the tight end seam route — enter TE Dalton Schultz — can hit for big gains.
Schultz rates as the No. 2 passing option behind Ceedee Lamb with Amari Cooper gone and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore loves to find his biggest targets in the red zone.
Our Pick: Dalton Schultz TD scorer
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Dalton Schultz runs after the catch. Getty ImagesBucs and Cowboys both score 20+ points
Points might occur in multiples of three while the teams are sparring their way through the first half.
The talent level on either side warrants a peek at the over, but the number and the variables around health on each team point to the under.
Our Pick: Both teams to score 20 points @ -130 with Caesars Sportsbook
Buccaneers vs. Cowboys odds
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
