In the final game of Week 16’s Sunday slate, the Dallas Cowboys are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with both teams seeking pivotal victories on Sunday Night Football.
The Dallas Cowboys are pushing to keep their postseason hopes alive, having won three of their last four games. Their recent performance includes a notable 31-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers. A key player in their success is wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who delivered an impressive performance against the Panthers by catching nine passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. As the Cowboys prepare for this game, Lamb’s receiving prop is set at 79.5 yards, indicating expectations for another strong showing.
On the other side, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are riding a four-game winning streak, highlighted by a commanding 40-point victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Running back Bucky Irving has been instrumental in Tampa Bay’s offensive dominance, recording 117 rushing yards on 15 carries in their last game. The initial line favored the Buccaneers at -4.5, but it has slightly shifted to -4, with the total points line adjusting from 48.5 to 47.5.
The betting odds show the Buccaneers as -4 favorites with a moneyline of -200, suggesting they are favored to win, while the Cowboys hold a moneyline of +170. The over/under is listed at 47.5 points, reflecting the bookmakers’ expectations for a decently high-scoring game. For the first half, the spread favors the Buccaneers at -2.5, and their first-half moneyline sits at -180, while the Cowboys are at +140.
In terms of player performance projections, Baker Mayfield’s total passing yards are set at 249.5, with his passing touchdowns over/under at 1.5. Meanwhile, Cooper Rush is expected to pass for 224.5 yards, with a similar touchdowns line. Notably, Bucky Irving’s total rushing yards are projected at 59.5, reflecting his crucial role in the Buccaneers’ offense.
Historically, the Buccaneers have excelled against the spread, particularly on the road, boasting a 13-3 ATS record since acquiring Baker Mayfield. Their performance as road underdogs is impressive, standing 4-1 in their last five road games. Conversely, the Cowboys have struggled as home underdogs, failing to cover the spread in five home matches this season.
For bettors, it’s important to note the trends: Overs have hit in 10 of 13 Buccaneers’ first-half games. Additionally, unders have been prevalent on Sunday Night Football over the past three seasons, occurring in 36 of 51 games, emphasizing the possibility of a lower-scoring affair under the lights.
The Buccaneers and Cowboys’ matchup presents intriguing betting opportunities, influenced by both teams’ recent performances and player dynamics. With the Buccaneers’ strong road record and the Cowboys’ struggles at home, bettors may find value in considering these trends as the action unfolds on Sunday night.
Source: Espn
