NFL25 min ago2 minute read

Dallas Hosts Tampa Bay in Thursday Night Football Clash

Dallas looks to push past .500 while the winless Buccaneers start rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels on Thursday Night Football.

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Dallas Aims for Winning Record

The Week 5 schedule begins with a Thursday Night Football matchup at AT&T Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys are hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game where both teams have plenty on the line. Dallas currently sits at 2-2 on the season. A victory on Thursday night would put them over the .500 mark for the very first time this year.

To get there, the Cowboys will rely heavily on their highly productive offense. Dallas has been rolling on that side of the ball, putting up an average of 31.8 points per game. That is the second-highest scoring average in the entire league. Quarterback Dak Prescott will look to keep that momentum going against a tough opponent.

However, the Dallas defense has struggled during the early part of the season. They will need to tighten up to help the team secure a winning record.

Buccaneers Search for First Victory

On the other side, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the game with a 0-4 record. Despite not having a win yet, the Buccaneers have played in close games throughout this young season. They are desperate to finally get into the win column.

The Buccaneers have found success on the defensive side of the ball. Even with their winless record, their defense has been highly effective. They are currently allowing just 282.8 yards per game, which ranks as the fourth-fewest in the league.

The big challenge for Tampa Bay is on offense. Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield is still recovering from a dislocated right thumb that he suffered back in Week 3. Because of the injury, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will make his second straight start. Daniels will go head to head with Prescott under the lights. The game is scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Fri, 09 Oct): Dallas Cowboys win 76%, Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 24%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 29, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21. Our safest pick: Buccaneers +16.5.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL, Sun, 18 Oct): Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 40%, Pittsburgh Steelers win 60%; projected score Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19, Pittsburgh Steelers 21. Our safest pick: Buccaneers +10.