Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Tom Brady Finally Regress for Buccaneers?

Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Tom Brady Finally Regress for Buccaneers?

I've been waiting all day for Sunday Night!

The Dallas Cowboys will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first Sunday Night Football game of the year. The Cowboys and Buccaneers are both expected to be back in the playoffs.

Although these teams combined for 25 wins last season, one of these teams will have to take the loss unless there's a tie, which is unlikely.

Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday Night's game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys.

Cowboys vs. Buccaneers Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: September 11, 2022
• Game Time: 8:20 pm ET
• Where to Watch: NBC

Click here for Cowboys vs. Buccaneers odds

Cowboys vs. Buccaneers Injury Report

Cowboys

Questionable: WR Michael Gallup (Doubtful) Out: WR James Washington (Foot)

Buccaneers

Questionable: WR Mike Evans (Hamstring), WR Chris Godwin (Knee) Out: RB Kenjon Barner (Groin)

Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction

If you're a Tom Brady hater, you might feel better about yourself this year. For what it's worth, it seems like Tom Brady's not in the right mindset right now.

He left his team to be with his family during the preseason and didn't sound enthusiastic when he talked to the media. He also didn't look extremely sharp in preseason, and we finally have to realize that he's a little old to play this game still.

If you look at last year's stats, however, you'd have no idea. The offensive was terrific, especially in the passing game. Yes, even on days when he didn't have many notable receivers. The protection was always elite for Brady, which helped him as well.

Brady will have Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Russell Gage as his receivers and Leonard Fournette as his running back. It's a solid group of playmakers and targets for Brady. He'll be happy.

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Meanwhile, the Cowboys struggled against the run last year. In coverage, Dallas did well along with their pass rush. But many run games would eat that defense Dallas defense up at times. I don't think Dallas' rushing defense will improve drastically this year.

Meanwhile, Dallas should be set offensively when everyone is healthy. Michael Gallup, however, is doubtful to play in Week 1. That would force CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert into bigger roles in this game. Lamb can handle it, but if he's double-teamed, can the rookie Tolbert handle it?

I'm not so sure. The duo of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard should work very well again this year. Elliott should have a bounce-back season, especially knowing Dallas' schedule. Tampa Bay also wasn't great against the run. The Buccaneers played well in coverage but had a weaker pass rush than Dallas last season.

With that said, I like the Cowboys, at home, to get the job done. Ultimately the Cowboys should be able to succeed on the ground, and even if Michael Gallup isn't ready, other guys should be able to step up.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys Pick

• Cowboys ML (+100) (Bet $100 to Win $100)

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