This Week 5 Thursday Night Football matchup sees two NFC rivals looking for a spark to ignite their seasons.
The Buccaneers are one of five winless teams, despite keeping every game close. QB Baker Mayfield has been ruled out with a thumb injury and is expected to miss next week’s game against Pittsburgh too, so Jalon Daniels will make another start under centre. RB Bucky Irving has 56 carries for 241 yards and a touchdown. WR Chris Godwin has 16 receptions for 142 yards, whilst WR Emeka Egbuka has 15 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown.
The Cowboys beat the Commanders and the Texans, losing to the Giants and Ravens. QB Dak Prescott has completed 105 of 150 passes for 1,065 yards, eight touchdowns and an interception. WR CeeDee Lamb has 37 receptions for 498 yards and four touchdowns. RB Javonte Williams has 231 yards on 62 carries with five touchdowns, as well as 77 yards on 15 carries and another touchdown.
Where is this game won or lost?
The Buccaneers just can’t score enough points to win games. They average 19 points per game, ranking 24th, while conceding 24, ranking 19th. The Cowboys, on the other hand, have been strong offensively, averaging 30.5 points a game, second in the league. Their defence hasn’t been as good, conceding 28 points a game, ranking 28th. Dallas’s scoring power puts the pressure on Tampa Bay to keep pace without Mayfield, although the Cowboys’ defensive struggles could help the Buccaneers stay within reach.
Prediction
The Buccaneers, without Mayfield at QB, will drop to 0-5. Sky Bet have the handicap set at -8.5 for the Cowboys, which I think is a little high. Cowboys win by seven.
Leave a Reply