Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys: Week 5 TNF Betting Preview & Predictions

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
Game Line: Cowboys -8.5
Game Total: 48.5

We kick off Week 5 from JerryWorld as the 0-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into Dallas as massive underdogs. The Cowboys are certainly set up for success in this matchup against a backup quarterback, but as always, we'll look to identify the edges across the board. Kickoff is set for 8:15 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on Prime Video.

Overall, I think the Cowboys win this game, but at first glance, this total felt way too high to me. Tampa Bay still has a formidable defense, even with Antoine Winfield Jr. out tonight, while I'm bullish on the Cowboys' unit improving following the acquisition of Joey Porter Jr.

Both of these defenses profile as pass funnels, meaning they're stout against the run but vulnerable on the back end. Dallas made that trade specifically to address its secondary, while the Buccaneers could struggle against a pass-heavy Cowboys offense.

That being said, if Dallas jumps out to an early lead, how motivated will they be to keep their foot on the gas?

Jalon Daniels is not really an NFL-caliber quarterback in my opinion, so this is a prime get-right spot for the Cowboys' defense at home. Dallas has struggled to contain rushing quarterbacks this season, however, and that's one area where Daniels can hurt them after rushing for over 50 yards in his debut last week.

That will be something to monitor early in the game. If Dallas can successfully limit Daniels' rushing ability, it could be a long night for an already underwhelming Buccaneers offense.

I don't have an official pick on the side tonight, but I would lean toward under 48.5 points in this matchup.

Touchdown Prediction: Ryan Flournoy
Score Prediction: Cowboys 27, Buccaneers 19