Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Prediction, Odds & Picks for Oct. 8: Dallas Offense Continues to Roll
The Dallas Cowboys will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC matchup to start Week 5. Our Buccaneers vs. Cowboys prediction outlines FanDuel odds, betting trends, injuries, and best bets for Thursday Night Football.
The Bucs are dealing with issues at quarterback, as Jalon Daniels has taken over for an injured Baker Mayfield. They own a 0-4 record, posting a -20 point differential. The Cowboys enter this game with a 2-2 record, recording a +10 point differential.
Tampa Bay's biggest issue is its inability to capitalize on winnable games. This is an opportunity to play spoiler, though, as this game matters far more to the Cowboys than the Bucs.
Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Odds
Dallas brings a 2-2 record into this game, winning every other game thus far in 2026. Tampa Bay is the only winless team in the NFC, with a 0-4 record. The Cowboys are home favorites via FanDuel Sportsbook:
- Spread: Buccaneers +8.5 (-108) / Cowboys -8.5 (-112)
- Moneyline: Buccaneers (+370) / Cowboys (-480)
- Total: Over 47.5 (-110) / Under 47.5 (-110)
The oddsmakers expect a fairly high-scoring game, with the Cowboys at an 82.8% implied win probability, according to our Probability Calculator.
Check the latest NFL odds before betting, as lines tend to shift throughout the week.
New Users – Get $250 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 5 days Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends
The Bucs have been one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. They’re the only winless team in the NFC, and they haven’t faced a difficult schedule so far. Here are some trends for Tampa Bay this week:
- The Bucs are 0-4 straight up and 0-4 ATS this season.
- The Over is 2-2 in Tampa Bay games.
- Tampa Bay ranks 25th in the NFL in opponent points per play (0.421).
- Multiple secondary players have been ruled out, along with Baker Mayfield.
Tampa Bay has struggled to find success anywhere this season. They’ve scored 20+ points once, but it was in a losing effort to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bucs have also lost to the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers.
The Bucs will give Jalon Daniels his second start of the season with Mayfield injured. He could continue to progress early in his career, but Tampa Bay will also be without Antoine Winfield Jr. and Benjamin Morrison in the secondary.
Find more Tampa Bay Buccaneers odds here.
Dallas Cowboys Betting Trends
The Cowboys came out flat against the New York Giants in their first game, but they’ve since righted the ship. Since then, they've won at Washington and at Houston, but they also have a neutral-site loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Here are some Dallas trends for this week:
- The Cowboys are 2-2 straight up and 3-1 ATS this season.
- The Over is 4-0 in Dallas games.
- Dallas ranks third in the NFL in points per play (0.488).
- DeMarvion Overshown and Cobie Durant have been ruled out.
Dallas continues to boast an elite offense while struggling defensively. They’ll be without two key defensive players this week, with Overshown and Durant already being ruled out.
Surprisingly, the Cowboys are the less injured team of the two playing on Thursday. They should continue to find plenty of success on offense, and this game could come down to how their defense holds up against the rookie quarterback.
Find more Dallas Cowboys odds here.
Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Prediction: Over 47.5 (-110)
The Over is my favorite Buccaneers vs. Cowboys prediction.
Similar to 2025, the Cowboys feature one of the best offenses and one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They’re scoring at an elite level, ranking near the top of the league in points per play and points per game.
The Cowboys have struggled to slow down opposing offenses, especially against dual-threat quarterbacks. Jalon Daniels isn’t an elite option by any stretch, but he should be able to move this Tampa Bay offense in this matchup.
Dallas is also a team willing to push the pace, and the Bucs should be forced to play faster when they’re down later in the game. Both teams are also dealing with key injuries on the defensive side of the ball.
Best Bet: Buccaneers/Cowboys Over 47.5 Points (-110 @ FanDuel Sportsbook)
More Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Picks, Props and Best Bets
Here are a few more Buccaneers vs. Cowboys betting angles to consider:
- Dallas Cowboys -8.5 Spread (-112 @ FanDuel Sportsbook) - The Cowboys feature one of the best offenses in the NFL, although they continue to struggle defensively. The Bucs could struggle to keep up with the scoring, allowing Dallas to cover this large spread.
- Jalon Daniels Over 233.5 Passing & Rushing Yards (-114 @ FanDuel Sportsbook) - Daniels posted 203 total yards in his first career start against the Green Bay Packers. This is a much easier matchup, as we’ve seen Dallas struggle against dual-threat quarterbacks in 2026.
- CeeDee Lamb Over 80.5 Receiving Yards (-114 @ FanDuel Sportsbook) - Lamb has one of the best wide receiver roles in the NFL, per our NFL trends article. Tampa Bay’s defense is designed to limit opposing wide receivers, but they’re dealing with significant injuries in the secondary, and Dallas should force the ball to Lamb.
Make sure you’re comparing prices on the top sports betting apps before placing wagers.
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170,000 GC + 7 SC Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Broadcast Info
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: AT&T Stadium - Arlington, TX
- TV and streaming: Amazon Prime Video
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