Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/22/2024 8:20 PM EST

We have your Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hit the road to face the Dallas Cowboys.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -198 (DraftKings) / Dallas Cowboys +170 (bet365)
Best Spread Odds: 4.0 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers -110 (DraftKings) / Dallas Cowboys -110 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 48.5 - Under -115 (ESPN BET) / Over -105 (ESPN BET)

Special offers available for this game

Underdog: Free Pick for NEW Customers - Baker Mayfield Total Yards > 0.5

Game Info

Date: 12/22/2024
Time: 8:20 PM EST
Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
TV: NBC

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past three seasons, the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have faced each other twice, with each team securing one victory. Both games saw the visiting team emerge victorious, indicating a trend where the home team has yet to win in this matchup. In terms of betting outcomes, each team has covered the spread once, reflecting a balanced performance against expectations. Notably, both games have gone under the projected total score, suggesting a tendency for these matchups to be lower-scoring than anticipated. The games have been competitive, with the Cowboys and Buccaneers each demonstrating their strengths in different aspects of play.

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on January 16, 2023, during a playoff matchup where the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-14. Dallas, as the visiting team, was favored with a closing spread of -3.0 and successfully covered it. The game featured a standout performance from Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who threw four touchdown passes and rushed for another, contributing significantly to the team's offensive success. The Cowboys amassed 425 total yards, with Prescott completing 25 of 33 passes for 305 yards. In contrast, the Buccaneers, led by Tom Brady, managed 386 total yards, with Brady completing 35 of 66 passes for 351 yards but also throwing an interception. Despite converting more third downs than Dallas, Tampa Bay struggled to keep pace, ultimately falling short in their playoff bid.

In their earlier matchup on September 11, 2022, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 19-3 in a regular-season game. Tampa Bay, also the visiting team, was favored with a closing spread of -2.5 and covered it comfortably. The Buccaneers' defense played a crucial role, limiting the Cowboys to just three points and securing a victory with a strong defensive showing. Tampa Bay's offense was balanced, with 152 rushing yards and 212 passing yards, while Dallas struggled offensively, managing only 244 total yards. The game was characterized by a low-scoring affair, with both teams failing to reach the over-under line, resulting in another under outcome. This game set the tone for the season, highlighting the Buccaneers' defensive capabilities and the Cowboys' early offensive challenges.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys Preview

The upcoming clash between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys promises to be a compelling matchup, with both teams bringing unique strengths to the field. The Buccaneers, riding a wave of momentum from a four-game winning streak, have demonstrated their prowess on both sides of the ball. Their recent victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, a decisive 40-17 triumph, underscores their capability to dominate opponents, even those with playoff aspirations. Tampa Bay's defense, ranked 11th in the league against the run, will be a formidable challenge for the Cowboys' ground game, including running back Rico Dowdle.

On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys have experienced a rollercoaster season, marked by a stark contrast between their home and away performances. Despite their struggles at AT&T Stadium, where they hold a disappointing 1-6 record, the Cowboys have shown resilience on the road. Their recent victory in Carolina improved their travel record to 5-2, highlighting their potential to surprise opponents. However, with playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Cowboys face a must-win situation, especially if the Washington Commanders secure a victory earlier in the day.

Offensively, the Cowboys will look to exploit the Buccaneers' 30th-ranked passing defense, with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb poised to play a pivotal role. Lamb's ability to capitalize on Tampa Bay's vulnerabilities in the secondary could be crucial for Dallas to keep pace with the Buccaneers' high-powered offense. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers will aim to continue their balanced offensive attack, which has been effective in recent weeks, as they seek to solidify their playoff position.

Historically, the matchups between these two teams have been closely contested, with each team securing a victory in their last two encounters. The most recent meeting saw the Cowboys emerge victorious in a playoff setting, thanks to a standout performance from quarterback Dak Prescott. However, the Buccaneers' earlier regular-season win over Dallas showcased their defensive capabilities, limiting the Cowboys to just three points.

As the Buccaneers visit AT&T Stadium, they will be keen to maintain their winning momentum and capitalize on the Cowboys' home struggles. With both teams having much at stake, this matchup is set to be a thrilling contest, with the Buccaneers looking to assert their dominance and the Cowboys fighting to keep their postseason dreams alive.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Moneyline

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are poised to continue their impressive run as they face the Dallas Cowboys, making them a strong pick for the moneyline. The Buccaneers have been riding a wave of momentum, entering this matchup on a four-game winning streak, which includes a commanding 40-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. This recent success highlights their ability to dominate opponents, even those with playoff aspirations, showcasing their balanced offensive and defensive prowess.

Defensively, the Buccaneers have been formidable, ranking 11th in the league against the run, allowing just 109.2 yards per game. This strength will be crucial in stifling the Cowboys' ground game, particularly against running back Rico Dowdle. Additionally, the Buccaneers' recent performances have demonstrated their capability to handle high-pressure situations, as evidenced by their victories over top NFC teams like the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the season.

On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled significantly at home, holding a disappointing 1-6 record at AT&T Stadium. This stark contrast to their road success underscores their vulnerability in front of their home crowd. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Cowboys face immense pressure, especially if the Washington Commanders secure a victory earlier in the day, potentially eliminating Dallas from playoff contention before they even take the field.

While the Cowboys have shown potential to exploit the Buccaneers' 30th-ranked passing defense, the consistency and recent form of Tampa Bay make them the more reliable choice. The Buccaneers' ability to execute a balanced offensive attack, coupled with their defensive strengths, positions them well to capitalize on the Cowboys' home struggles. Given these factors, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the favored pick to secure a victory on the road, continuing their push towards solidifying a playoff position.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys Top Player Prop Picks

CeeDee Lamb Over 85.5 Receiving Yards Prop (+100) (FanDuel)

CeeDee Lamb is poised to have a standout performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, given their 30th-ranked passing defense, which allows an average of 247.7 yards per game. With the Cowboys needing to exploit this vulnerability to keep pace with the Buccaneers' high-powered offense, Lamb's role becomes even more critical. His ability to capitalize on Tampa Bay's defensive weaknesses in the secondary makes the over on his receiving yards a compelling pick.

Rico Dowdle Under 45.5 Rushing Yards Prop (-110) (DraftKings)

Rico Dowdle faces a challenging matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' stout run defense, which ranks 11th in the NFL, allowing just 109.2 rushing yards per game. The Buccaneers have demonstrated their ability to stifle opposing ground games, and with the Cowboys' offensive focus likely shifting towards exploiting Tampa Bay's weaker pass defense, Dowdle may find limited opportunities to make a significant impact on the ground. Additionally, the Cowboys' struggles at home and the pressure of a must-win scenario could lead to a more pass-heavy game plan, further supporting the under on Dowdle's rushing yards.