Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys Prediction, Odds and Best Bet for Oct. 8
The Dallas Cowboys will beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a projected score of Cowboys 27, Buccaneers 21. Dallas' scoring form and third-down efficiency give it the strongest advantage in this matchup. Tampa Bay's close losses and recent defensive performance make the spread, Buccaneers +8 (-111), an actionable wager. The total of 47.5 is a Pass.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys prediction and best bet
Dallas is the pick to win, with medium confidence. The Cowboys have scored more than 30 points in three consecutive games and converted 51.0% of their third downs through four games, second in the NFL. That combination gives them the more convincing offensive case entering this 2026 NFL Week 5 matchup.
The best bet is the spread: Tampa Bay Buccaneers +8 (-111). Tampa Bay's four losses have come by a combined 20 points, with none exceeding seven. Those margins do not guarantee another close finish, but paired with the Buccaneers' recent defensive results, they make taking eight points more attractive than laying them.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game time: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Venue: AT&T Stadium. Broadcast: Prime Video.
Records and recent results: Tampa Bay is 0-4 following a 17-14 loss to Green Bay on Oct. 4. Dallas is 2-2 after a 34-30 victory at Houston that day.
Expected Tampa Bay quarterback: Jalon Daniels, with Baker Mayfield out because of a right-thumb injury.
SportsJaw odds: Tampa Bay Buccaneers +9.5 (-110); Dallas Cowboys -9.5 (-110). Moneyline: Tampa Bay Buccaneers +380; Dallas Cowboys -500. Total: Over 49 (-108); Under 49 (-110).