A Week 1 game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, Sunday kickoff at 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC). The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys both have high expectations in 2022.
Tampa Bay’s (13-4 in 2021) record against the spread last season was 10-9. Dallas (12-5 in 2021) against the spread last season was 13-5 (note the spread records include postseason).
According to NFL odds by BetUs Sportsbook, the Buccaneers are slight choices in this game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys NFL Betting Odds
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buccaneers | -2½ (-110) | 50 (-110) | -140 |  |
| Cowboys | +2½ (-110) | 50 (-110) | +120 | |
|
||||
Cowboys Riding High Expectations
The Dallas Cowboys are going to be riding a lot this season on quarterback Dak Prescott. The offensive line is a mess for him, however, because of the injury to Tyron Smith. Dallas did sign long-time Philadelphia Eagle Jason Peters to somewhat try and fill in the void. Prescott last season completed 68.8% of his passes (4,449 yards, 37 touchdowns, 10 interceptions).
The last five games, he had 250 yards three times, and three or more touchdown passes three times as well. Prescott will need to be big for them in Week 1.
Ezekiel Elliott remains the starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys, but it is possible Tony Pollard could eventually take that role. Elliott last season rushed for 1.002 yards on 237 carries (10 touchdowns). He did average 4.2 yards per carry. Elliott was under 50 yards rushing in three of his last five games, though. Pollard had 719 yards on 130 carries and two touchdowns. (5.5 yards per carry). CeeDee Lamb will be the primary wide receiver for the Cowboys. During last season, he caught 79 passes (1,102 yards, six touchdowns. 13.9 yards per catch).
The Dallas Cowboys had the No. 1-ranked offense a season ago in terms of points per game (31.2) and yards per game (407). It will look to repeat those numbers this season if the club has designs on winning the NFC East once again. It’s the second choice on the board behind the Philadelphia Eagles, per NFL odds.
Dallas did rank 19th in yards per game surrendered (351) last season, the seventh-fewest points permitted at 21.1 ppg.
Buccaneers Early-Season Distractions
Tampa Bay Buccaneer quarterback Tom Brady decided to retire earlier this offseason, unretiring soon thereafter. It caused some issues during the preseason. He will be looking for another dominant regular seaso, not unlike last season. Brady, now 45, completed 67.5% of his passes (5,316 yards, 43 touchdowns, 12 interceptions).
Leonard Fournette rushed for 812 yards on 180 carries (eight touchdowns) last season. He ended by averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Fournette had six touchdowns in his last five games. Also last season, Chris Godwin last caught 98 passes for 1,103 yards (five touchdowns), averaging 11.3 yards per catch. Wideout Mike Evans caught 74 passes (1,035 yards, 14 touchdowns) last season, He ended by averaging 14 yards per catch.
Over last season, the Buccaneers had the NFL’s second-best scoring offense (30.1 ppg). They will be one of the best offensive units again if the line doesn’t buckle. If not, it is very possible opposing defensive lines visit Brady in the backfield. Tampa was also second in total yards per game (405.9) yards last season. The Buccaneers had the 13th-ranked defense a season ago, having surrendered 331.5 yards per game. However, fifth-fewest points per game (20.8).
Cowboys Will Take Down Buccaneers
The Dallas Cowboys are going to find a way to take down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dallas is home, and the front seven of the Cowboys figures to cause problems against the Bucs’ offensive line. Micah Parsons is going to wreak havoc on the Buccaneers, and Dallas can score points on Tampa Bay in some short-field possessions. This will show how far Tampa Bay has fallen from last season. Even if Dallas may not be as good as a season ago. Prescott will outduel Brady.
Dallas is going to win by a final of 30-24. Bet Dallas (+2½) at -110, and over 51 points (also -110) in this game.
