Cowboys at Buccaneers
Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
TV: NBC
Tipico line: Buccaneers by 7 1⁄2
Bucs’ keys to victory: QB Tom Brady should be more comfortable in the offense this year, and the game plan should feature plenty of play-action and pre-snap motion, two things that led to late-season success in 2020. “We’re miles ahead of what we were last year,” WR Mike Evans said. “Not just me and (Brady’s) connection, but the whole team – the whole offense.” On defense, Tampa Bay will need to stuff the run and make life difficult for Cowboys QB Dak Prescott as he returns from last year’s season-ending ankle injury.
Cowboys’ keys to victory: Dallas will need to keep as much pressure off Prescott as possible, which means relying on RB Ezekiel Elliott and the ground game, as well as quick throws that let dynamic WRs Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb work their magic after the catch. The only way to stop Brady is to hit him early and often, so getting consistent pressure will be the prime objective for the defense.
Matchup to watch: Bucs defensive line vs. Cowboys offensive line. Tampa Bay has one of the NFL’s best defensive fronts, both in terms of stopping the run and getting after the quarterback. Dallas has a solid group up front but it will be tested quickly in holding the Bucs at bay in the trenches.
Who wins? Both offenses are capable of putting up a ton of points, but Tampa Bay’s defense is on a completely different level than Dallas’. Brady and Prescott can make big plays with their vast array of explosive options, but Tampa Bay has far fewer question marks. The Bucs are the more complete team.
Bucs, 38-24