Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview: Dak Leads Dallas Into Tampa for Duel With Defending Champs

The NFL is back! The Bucs won the Super Bowl in February and return all of their starters from that game as they try and repeat as champions.

Dallas is hoping that a return to health from QB Dak Prescott is enough to make them relevant in the NFC East. Until we see it on the field we won’t really know, and he will definitely be tested tonight. The Bucs love to get after the quarterback.

Tampa Bay looks poised to start the season with an easy win at home. The last time they played in their home stadium they hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.

Dallas Cowboys (0-0) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0), NBC, 8:20 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Dallas Cowboys +320
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers -400

Total

• OVER 51.5 (-110)
• UNDER 51.5 (-110)

Spread

• Dallas Cowboys +8.5 (-110)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers -8.5 (-110)

Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 10:06 a.m. ET. Want to see betting odds from several top online sportsbooks for the day’s other NFL matchups? Check out our NFL odds.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccanneers Betting Consensus

Moneyline

• 0% Dallas Cowboys
• 100% Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Total

• 60% Over 51.5
• 40% Under 51.5

Spread

• 40% Dallas Cowboys +8.5
• 60% Tampa Bay Buccaneers-8.5

Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Matchup: Betting Picks, Odds, Stats and More

Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Outlook

Last year Dak Prescott was the most productive QB in the league before he got hurt in the fifth game of the season. His return to the field is the biggest storyline for the Cowboys heading into Week 1 of the season. The Cowboys are certainly all in on him, giving him a monster contract this offseason. As bettors, we do not have to be so kind and I am taking a wait-and-see approach with Dak. I do think he can once again be a good NFL quarterback, but is he ready to lead the Cowboys to an upset in his first game back? That feels like a little too much.

In looking at the rest of the Cowboys I see a lot of mediocrity. The offensive line used to be the best in the league, and they are nowhere close to that level anymore. As a result, running back Ezekiel Elliot is not the runner he used to be either. On defense, they have some nice pieces but might be leaning a little too heavily on rookie linebacker Micah Parsons to tie it all together. I would be surprised if they hold the Bucs under 30 points.

Brady and the Gang Primed for Another Run

Tom Brady winning the Super Bowl is something we have all seen before. Every time he was with New England they were in the hunt the very next year too, so why should things be different in Tampa? All the starters return, and with Brady making sure the Bucs are not complacent they should enjoy a very strong season.

Last year they only won 11 games in the regular season and did not even take the NFC South, so there is some room for improvement. It took a little while for Brady to get comfortable in a new offense, but once he did they really took off. Tampa scored 30 or 31 points in all of their playoff games, including the Super Bowl. If you want to find a reason to doubt the Bucs it is on defense. They were first against the run and a terror to opposing quarterbacks. I think the defense is capable, but some slippage could make for a lot of close games this season.

NFL Betting Trends to Consider for Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Cowboys are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.
• Cowboys are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
• Cowboys are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 1.
• Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NFC.
• Buccaneers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.
• Buccaneers are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a home favorite.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Best Bets

Over 51.5

From the standard menu, I am highest on the Over. From Dallas’s perspective, they have to get Dak as comfortable as quickly as possible and that means putting the ball in the air, a lot. There will be some success and some short drives, and I am expecting a lot of quick possessions. That helps boost scoring. For Tampa, they know what they want to do have lots of weapons. The preseason has become a waste of time for veteran teams and even though he doesn’t “need” the reps they will look to get Brady in rhythm as quickly as possible. As long as this one is competitive I think we see close to 60 points in the season opener. That Dallas defense is pretty shaky to start the season.

Prop Watch: Dak Prescott Over 294.5 Passing Yards

The Cowboys' chances of winning are all on Dak. For them to be competitive they need him to throw a lot, either to build a lead (unlikely) or to play catchup. A 300+ yard game in the opener will not be a surprise. Tampa was good at getting QBs on the ground last season, but they were only 21st against the pass.

Score Prediction

Buccaneers 34, Cowboys 23