Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys 2026 Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

The Dallas Cowboys return home Thursday night looking to build momentum when the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit AT&T Stadium for a nationally televised matchup on Prime Video.

Dallas enters 2-2 after rallying past the Houston Texans 34-30. Tampa Bay fell to 0-4 after a competitive 17-14 loss to Green Bay, the Buccaneers’ first 0-4 start since 2013.

Dallas is favored by 10 points, and the quarterback situation provides much of the explanation. Dak Prescott is coming off a 335-yard performance, while Tampa Bay will make a second consecutive start with undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels.

Game Information

Matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026 Kickoff: 8:15 PM ET TV/Streaming: Prime Video Venue: AT&T Stadium — Arlington, Texas Tickets: As low as $31 Point Spread: Dallas -10 Over/Under: 47.5

Tampa Bay: Jalon Daniels Gets Another Opportunity

Baker Mayfield will not be returning Thursday.

Head coach Todd Bowles has confirmed that Jalon Daniels will remain the starter, with Mayfield expected to miss at least three games because of the dislocated thumb on his throwing hand.

Daniels showed encouraging flashes in his NFL debut.

The rookie completed enough underneath throws to finish with 148 passing yards and one touchdown, while his mobility produced another 55 rushing yards. He did throw two interceptions, however, as Green Bay escaped Tampa with a 17-14 victory.

Daniels’ running ability could be especially important against Dallas. The Cowboys struggled defensively against Houston, allowing C.J. Stroud to throw for 347 yards and Nico Collins to produce 118 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Tampa Bay’s defense gives the Buccaneers some hope. The Bucs have held three consecutive opponents below 300 total yards, and they forced two turnovers against Green Bay.

For Tampa Bay to threaten an upset, that defense must keep Prescott from finding an early rhythm.

Dallas: Prescott and Lamb Catch Fire

The Cowboys desperately needed their comeback win in Houston.

Dallas trailed 16-6 at halftime before scoring 28 second-half points. Dak Prescott completed 32 of 45 passes for 335 yards and a touchdown, directing an 11-play, 74-yard game-winning drive in the final minutes.

The biggest development was the reemergence of CeeDee Lamb.

Lamb caught an incredible 17 passes for 189 yards, including the 12-yard game-winning touchdown with 40 seconds remaining. The 17 catches were the second-most in a game in Cowboys history.

Dallas also received a major contribution from Javonte Williams, who scored three rushing touchdowns.

That balance makes Dallas difficult to defend. Tampa Bay cannot simply dedicate extra defenders to Lamb because George Pickens remains a deep threat and Williams has proven capable of finishing drives near the goal line.

The Cowboys’ concern remains their defense. Houston nearly reached 400 yards, and Dallas has allowed opposing passing attacks to create too many explosive plays.

Four Prop Bets to Consider

Prop Bet #1: Dak Prescott Over 274.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Prescott Over 274.5 Passing Yards

• 335 Yards vs Houston
• 32 Completions Last Week
• Lamb and Pickens Receiving Duo

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Prescott found his rhythm during the second half against Houston and should continue throwing aggressively at home.

Tampa Bay’s defense has been competitive, but Dallas’ combination of Lamb, Pickens and Jake Ferguson creates matchup problems across the field.

Prediction: Dak Prescott — 301 passing yards

Prop Bet #2: CeeDee Lamb Over 84.5 Receiving Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Lamb Over 84.5 Receiving Yards

• 189 Yards vs Houston
• 17 Catches Last Week
• Game-Winning TD

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It’s impossible to ignore Lamb after his historic afternoon.

Prescott repeatedly looked his direction against Houston, and Lamb responded with 17 catches and 189 yards.

Tampa Bay will undoubtedly roll coverage toward him, but Dallas has enough other weapons to prevent constant double teams.

Prediction: CeeDee Lamb — 108 receiving yards

Prop Bet #3: Javonte Williams Anytime Touchdown

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Javonte Williams Anytime Touchdown

• 3 Rush TDs vs Houston
• Dallas Goal-Line Back
• Cowboys Favored by 10

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Williams scored a career-high three rushing touchdowns against Houston, repeatedly receiving the football near the goal line.

With Dallas favored by double digits, another positive game script should create red-zone opportunities.

Prediction: Javonte Williams — Anytime Touchdown

Prop Bet #4: Jalon Daniels Over 34.5 Rushing Yards

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Daniels Over 34.5 Rushing Yards

• 55 Rush Yards in NFL Debut
• Dual-Threat Quarterback
• Dallas Pass Rush Creates Scrambles

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Daniels’ legs may be Tampa Bay’s most dangerous offensive weapon Thursday.

He rushed for 55 yards against Green Bay, and Dallas’ pass rush could force him to leave the pocket frequently.

Designed quarterback runs could also help Tampa Bay move the chains.

Prediction: Jalon Daniels — 48 rushing yards

Players to Watch

Dak Prescott — Dallas

Prescott is coming off his best statistical performance of the young season and has a favorable opportunity to build on it.

CeeDee Lamb — Dallas

After 17 receptions and 189 yards, Lamb once again looks like the centerpiece of the Cowboys passing attack.

Jalon Daniels — Tampa Bay

Daniels showed legitimate athleticism in his first NFL start. Protecting the football will be the bigger challenge after throwing two interceptions.

Bucky Irving — Tampa Bay

Irving entered Week 4 as Tampa Bay’s leading rusher with 180 yards through three games. The Buccaneers need him to provide balance and prevent Dallas from simply attacking Daniels.

Keys to the Game

Dallas needs to pressure Daniels while maintaining rush-lane discipline. Allowing him to escape the pocket gives Tampa Bay an offensive dimension it desperately needs.

The Cowboys should also continue feeding Lamb while using Williams to finish drives.

Tampa Bay’s formula starts with turnovers. The Buccaneers cannot expect Daniels to win a shootout with Prescott. Short fields and defensive takeaways would dramatically change the game.

Most importantly, Daniels must avoid interceptions. Dallas already has the offensive firepower to score without receiving additional possessions.

Betting Prediction

Dallas is clearly the stronger team, especially with Mayfield unavailable.

However, 10 points is a significant NFL spread, and Tampa Bay’s defense has played well enough to prevent several opponents from pulling away.

The problem is Dallas’ offense.

Prescott, Lamb and Williams looked increasingly dangerous during the second half against Houston, and Tampa Bay may struggle to keep pace with a rookie quarterback making his second start on a short week.

The 47.5 total looks slightly high because Tampa Bay may have difficulty reaching 20 points.

The Verdict

Tampa Bay’s defense keeps the game competitive early, but Dallas gradually takes control.

Prescott connects with Lamb for several explosive plays, Williams scores another short-yardage touchdown and the Cowboys force Daniels into a critical second-half turnover.

Final Score Prediction

Dallas Cowboys 30, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16

Betting Category Pick Best Bet Dallas -10Against the Spread Dallas -10 Moneyline Dallas Over/Under Under 47.5 Top Prop CeeDee Lamb Over 84.5 Receiving Yards

Final Prediction: Dallas 30, Tampa Bay 16

Dallas improves to 3-2, covers the 10-point spread and wins its second game in five days, while Tampa Bay falls to 0-5 with Mayfield still sidelined.