Cowboys (12-5) at Buccaneers (8-9)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
TV: ESPN, ABC, ESPN2
Tipico Sportsbook line: Cowboys by 2 ⁄2
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Cowboys’ keys to victory: Beating the Buccaneers starts and stops with getting consistent pressure on QB Tom Brady, so Dallas will need a big game from LB Micah Parsons and the rest of the defensive front. CB Trevon Diggs and the secondary can help out the pass rush by doubling up on Tampa Bay WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, forcing Brady to hold the ball longer and look for different targets. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott will have to avoid the costly interceptions that plagued him throughout December, and a big day from WR CeeDee Lamb wouldn’t hurt.
Bucs’ keys to victory: Tampa Bay has been one of the NFL’s best teams when running play-action but doesn’t do it nearly enough. A successful day on the ground from RBs Leonard Fournette and Rachaad White would be a huge help. Either way, Brady and company will need a stellar performance from a banged-up offensive line. The defense has to play disciplined and force Prescott into some bad decisions and third-and-long situations by containing RBs Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott on early downs.
Matchup to watch: Cowboys’ Parsons vs. Bucs OT Tristan Wirfs. These two All-Pros going head-to-head in the trenches will be must-see TV on a playoff stage.
Who wins? The Cowboys have been the better team for longer stretches this season, but they’ve had enough struggles to worry about them being able to go on the road and beat Tom Brady in the playoffs.
Bucs, 23-20