I got the cover with the Buccaneers +8¹/₂ against the Ravens in their 20-12 loss last week. I certainly expected them to put up more points, but the key was that they were still giving maximum effort against elite competition after letting their 14-3 halftime lead over the Saints slip away a week earlier, when they didn’t hold on for the cover.

We’re now getting a full touchdown on Sunday against the Cowboys, who were starting to look like one of the most balanced teams (both offensively and defensively as well as their mix of running/passing on offense), but then got shut out 23-0 by the Colts.

Tampa Bay’s No. 28-ranked defense isn’t likely to shut down the Cowboys, but it gives additional hope that the Buccaneers can keep it close. In fact, I like the Buccaneers even more this week in regard to pulling an outright upset if Jameis Winston can avoid the Dallas pass rush.

The play: Buccaneers +7.