The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to Dallas in Week 16 to try to claim their first prime time victory of the season on Sunday night. The Buccaneers are also trying to extend a four-game winning streak and stay at least a game clear of the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South title hunt. To find out how to watch, listen and livestream the game, click here.
Some analysts noted the injuries to the Cowboys' defense, which include ones that will likely keep play-making cornerback Trevon Diggs and long-time pass-rushing star DeMarcus Ware out of the game. On the other hand, others are impressed with the recent play of Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle and fill-in quarterback Cooper Rush. One predicted that the Buccaneers would top 200 rushing yards for the second week in a row, and another praised the scheming "wizardry" of Liam Coen.
Tom Blair of NFL.com gave Dallas credit for its recent improvement on defense but still thinks the Buccaneers will be able to move the ball, writing:
"I wouldn't hand-wave away Dallas' defensive improvement over the past month; Baker Mayfield and Co. might have to put some work in. I do think Tampa -- which has averaged 455.5 yards per game over the past four weeks, second only to the Bills in that span -- will splash a healthy amount of cold water on the Cowboys' late-season mini-surge."
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The Buccaneers are 4.0-point favorites on the road, and many analysts are impressed with the team's playing during it's winning streak. A majority of the experts think they will keep it going. Here's what some of them are saying:
NFL.com – All five experts side with Tampa Bay, though one calls Dallas "feisty"
ESPN.com – A clean sweep for the Bucs among 11 pickers
CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco notes the Cowboys' struggles at home and picks the Bucs
USA Today – Bucs get the nod from two analysts
Bleacher Report – Picking against the spread, seven of eight analysts choose Tampa Bay
Pro Football Talk – Mike Florio and Chris Simms agree on the Bucs by almost identical scores
Sports Illustrated – Bucs get the nod from all six analysts
Sporting News – Bill Bender goes with Tampa Bay