1. WR Mike Evans
The Buccaneers have struggled with injuries at wide receiver the past two weeks, with Adam Humphries missing the majority of both games and the team losing Cecil Shorts with a season-ending knee injury in Week 13. Evans has commanded the majority of the focus from opposing defenses in that two-week period, and while his numbers have seen a decline, the Bucs have come out victorious in both games. Whether or not the ball is in Evans' hands, he's still having a significant impact on opposing defenses. When he's double-covered, other Buccaneers have one-on-one opportunities. Keep an eye on Cam Brate, Josh Huff and Freddie Martino, or Humphries, if he's back in the lineup.
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- RB Charles Sims**
Sims was placed on injured reserve earlier this season with a knee injury, but was activated in Week 14 when the Buccaneers took on the Saints. With his return, the Bucs' backfield was at full-strength for the first time since Week 4. Sims is the perfect complement to Doug Martin; he thrives on third down and in the screen game while Martin's game is geared more toward running between the tackles. Sims was a late addition to the lineup last week but will certainly be on the field on Sunday, and he could play a larger role in the Bucs' offense after completing his first game back from injury.
3. DE Will Gholston
The Cowboys have established themselves as one of the top running teams in the league behind the NFL's leading rusher, Ezekiel Elliott. Dallas averages 152.2 rushing yards per game, the second-most in the league while Elliott leads the league with 1,392 yards. Gholston, who has started all 13 of the Buccaneers' games at defensive end, is Tampa Bay's second-best run defender behind Gerald McCoy, according to Pro Football Focus. Gholston could find himself matched up with Tyron Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro.
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- LB Kwon Alexander**
Lavonte David has led the Buccaneers in tackles each season since 2012, but Alexander is poised to take the tackling title this season. He has 104 tackles, the most of any Buccaneer and the eleventh-most of any player in the league. Like Gholston, Alexander will play a critical role in whether or not the Buccaneers are able to stop Elliott and the Cowboys' rushing attack.
5. K Roberto Aguayo
After a rocky start to his NFL career, Aguayo has settled in and found a rhythm. The Buccaneers scored just one touchdown against the Saints a week ago, but were able to escape with a victory after Aguayo nailed all three of his field goal attempts and his only extra point attempt. During the Buccaneers' five-game win streak, Aguayo has connected on 82 percent of his kicks and has converted on all of his extra point attempts.
