Through 2 Quarters
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t call it a day yet, but they are winning as expected. It’s anybody’s game at halftime, but the Buccaneers are ahead of the Dallas Cowboys 21-16.
Tampa Bay has been led by WR Antonio Brown, who so far has caught four passes for one TD and 118 yards. QB Dak Prescott has led the way so far for Dallas, as he has passed for two TDs and 224 yards on 33 attempts. Prescott has been efficient, with a passer rating of 146.70.
Who’s Playing
Dallas @ Tampa Bay
Last Season Records: Tampa Bay 11-5; Dallas 6-10
What to Know
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys will face off at 8:20 p.m. ET Sept. 9 at Raymond James Stadium to kick off their 2021 seasons. Tampa Bay was 11-5 last year and, of course, capped off the postseason with a 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. On the other hand, last year was nothing to brag about for Dallas (6-10), so the team is looking forward to a new start.
A couple last-season defensive stats to keep an eye on: The Buccaneers were the best in rushing touchdowns allowed, finishing the 2020 season giving up only ten. Less enviably, the Cowboys ranked second worst with respect to rushing yards allowed per game last season, where the squad gave up 158.8 on average. The good news for Dallas, of course, is that these forces working against them might not carry over into the new season.
Tampa Bay is the favorite in this one, with an expected 8.5-point margin of victory. But these early season matchups can go either way as both teams get back into playing shape.
How To Watch
- When: Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET
- Where: Raymond James Stadium — Tampa, Florida
- TV: NBC
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Ticket Cost: $200.00
Odds
The Buccaneers are a big 8.5-point favorite against the Cowboys, according to the latest NFL odds.
The line has drifted a bit towards the Buccaneers, as the game opened with the Buccaneers as a 6.5-point favorite.
Over/Under: -110
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Series History
Dallas have won two out of their last three games against Tampa Bay.
- Dec 23, 2018 – Dallas 27 vs. Tampa Bay 20
- Dec 18, 2016 – Dallas 26 vs. Tampa Bay 20
- Nov 15, 2015 – Tampa Bay 10 vs. Dallas 6
