Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys predictions

NFL week one betting tips, predictions and analysis for Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 1.20am Monday

Best bet

Under 51 points
1pt 9-10 Betfair

Match preview

The Buccaneers and Cowboys lock horns in Week One for the second consecutive year, after getting the 2021 season started in a game which Tampa won in the final seconds. This game is likely to be just as competitive, but don’t expect it to turn into a complete shootout.

The Bucs have Tom Brady back under centre after his short retirement but his offensive line is banged up and that could work against him. Brady was the second-highest rated passer in the NFL last season, but dropped to tenth when he was under pressure. In this game Brady will be without centre Ryan Jensen, and even back-up Robert Hainsley is dealing with an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, three other offensive linemen on the Bucs’ roster are questionable heading into Week One, and that includes starting right-tackle Tristan Wirfs. That will be music to the ears of the Cowboys defence, particularly DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons, the latter having won defensive rookie of the year last season.

As for the Dallas offence, they too are dealing with minor injuries on the offensive line and at wide receiver, which could cause them to come out of the starting blocks a little slowly.

All things considered, this total feels a little too high and there is value in backing the under.

The lowdown

Venue AT&T Stadium
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoor

Key stat The under has cashed in six of the Buccaneers’ last eight games against NFC teams.

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport