Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys Odds, Spread, Preview: NFL Week 1 Predictions

Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Week 1 matchup preview and current betting lines

In a rematch of last year’s opening NFL game, Tom Brady and company will travel to AT&T Stadium to take on America’s team. Once again, the Buccaneers are the oddsmakers’ favorite, this time with a spread of -2.5.

Tampa Bay will be hungry for a victory after losing in the NFC Divisional round to the Rams despite mounting a huge 24-point comeback in the fourth quarter to tie the game. Matt Gay nailed a field goal as time expired to break the Bucs’ hearts.

Super Bowl winner, Bruce Arians, retired from his head coaching duties and was replaced by the team’s defensive coordinator — Todd Bowles. A short time before Arians called it quits, Brady retired but eventually decided to return for a 24th NFL season. It seems seven rings just aren’t enough.

Dallas will try and build off last year’s 12-5 record. The Cowboys suffered a wildcard playoff loss to the 49ers. The final drive was controversial as Dallas drove down the field but wasn’t able to snap the ball in time for one final heave to the end zone. 

Players to watch in the Buccaneers vs. Cowboys matchup

Buccaneers

Tom Brady: Who else are we going to say to watch? The 45-year-old “goat” continues to defy father time and perform at the highest level. In 2021, the former sixth-rounder led the league in both passing yards (5,316) and touchdowns (43).

Cowboys

CeeDee Lamb: The 17th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft is now the go-to-guy in the big D. Amari Cooper left to the Browns in free agency and Michael Gallup is still recuperating from an injured ACL. This makes Lamb the de facto target for Dak Prescott. Lamb will attempt to improve on his impressive 79 catches, 1,102 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns from last campaign. 

If you’re looking to learn more regarding stats and props, dive into our NFL prop bets page.

Our NFL bet of the week for the Buccaneers vs. Cowboys

ESTNN is giving wagerers two predictions for this game.

Buccaneers vs Cowboys Spread: Dallas +2.5 @ -110

Dallas wants vengeance for last year’s 31-29 loss to the Buccaneers and has a good opportunity to do so. Tampa is set to play its opener without Tom Brady’s close friend Rob Gronkowski (retired in the offseason). The offensive dynamic may also take a hit due to Chris Godwin returning from a torn ACL. Godwin was a full participant in practice this week but still could be placed on a limited snap count. These factors combined with Bowles coaching his first game (as a head coach) for the Bucs could spell trouble.

Brady also missed 11 days of camp this year due to a personal matter. Although, there’s a 99.9% chance it won’t affect his performance.

Last season’s matchup between the two teams came down to two points due to a game-winning field goal by Ryan Succop. Our pick is for Dallas to cover the 2.5 point spread.

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Tampa Bay vs. Dallas odds: Over 50.5 points @ -110

Despite a few losses on offense for both squads, their quarterbacks know how to sling the pigskin and put up points. Tampa and Dallas both have a plethora of weapons at their disposal such as Mike Evans, Leonard Fournette and Julio Jones (Bucs). Godwin is a threat too even if he plays decreased snaps. The Cowboys are equipped with Lamb, Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard and Dalton Schultz.

In 2021, both Dallas and Tampa were ranked No. 1 and 2 in the NFL for points per game, averaging 31.2 and 30.1. The combined averages  equate to a total of 61.3 points. Ironically, the offensive units finished first and second in yards per game as well (407 and 405.9). Thus, our second betting selection is for the total points to go over 50.5.

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