Buccaneers vs Cowboys Prediction, Odds & Best Prop Bets โ€“ NFL, Week 16

Cowboys player number 4 about to throw an NFL ball game, with a struggle between Cowboys and Jets players in the background.
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
  • The Buccaneers are -4 point favorites vs the Cowboys
  • Total (Over/Under): 48.5 points
  • Watch this game on NBC | UNIV | TELX

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6-0) visit AT&T Stadium to take on the Dallas Cowboys (6-8-0) on Dec. 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20pm EST in Arlington, TX.

The Buccaneers are betting favorites in this matchup, with the spread sitting at -4 (-110).

The Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Over/Under is 48.5 total points for the game.

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Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Odds, Spread, Over/Under

SpreadTotal (O/U)Moneyline
Buccaneers-4 -11048.5 -110-210
Cowboys +4 -11048.5 -110+170

Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Prediction

The winning team model predicts the Buccaneers will win this game with 64.0% confidence, based on game simulations, player injuries, offensive & defensive matchups and recent game results.

Buccaneers vs Cowboys Spread Prediction

Based on recent against-the-spread trends, the model predicts the Buccaneers will cover the spread with 60.0% confidence.

This prediction against the spread factors in ATS performances for both teams, opening and current betting lines plus public and sharp money already wagered on this matchup.


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We’ve highlighted some favorite NFL player prop bets for Buccaneers players this playoff game, looking at profitable historical betting trends:

Best Buccaneers Player Prop Bets Today

  • Bucky Irving has hit the Rushing Yards Over in 11 of his last 14 games (+7.35 Units / 44% ROI)
  • Baker Mayfield has hit the TD Passes Over in 13 of his last 19 games (+6.85 Units / 32% ROI)
  • Baker Mayfield has hit the Rushing Yards Over in 8 of his last 9 away games (+6.80 Units / 67% ROI)
  • Baker Mayfield has hit the Completions Over in 13 of his last 19 games (+6.35 Units / 29% ROI)
  • Rachaad White has hit the Receiving Yards Under in 7 of his last 8 away games (+5.70 Units / 59% ROI)

And here are some top NFL player prop bets for Cowboys players for this matchup, looking at profitable historical betting trends:

Best Cowboys Player Prop Best Bets Today

  • Brandon Aubrey has hit the Field Goals Over in 14 of his last 17 games (+9.45 Units / 36% ROI)
  • Dak Prescott has hit the Carries Under in 9 of his last 11 games (+6.30 Units / 45% ROI)
  • Jonathan Mingo has hit the Receiving Yards Under in his last 6 games at home (+6.00 Units / 86% ROI)
  • Rico Dowdle has hit the Rushing Yards Over in 10 of his last 15 games (+4.45 Units / 26% ROI)
  • Dak Prescott has hit the Rushing Yards Under in 8 of his last 11 games (+4.35 Units / 33% ROI)

First Touchdown Scorer Bet for Cowboys vs Buccaneers

Player Name 1st TD Odds
Rico Dowdle (DAL) +550
Bucky Irving (TB) +650
Mike Evans (TB) +650
Rachaad White (TB) +800
  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have covered the 1Q Spread in 16 of their last 22 games (+9.70 Units / 35% ROI)
  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hit the 1Q Moneyline in 12 of their last 22 games (+7.45 Units / 25% ROI)
  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hit the Moneyline in 7 of their last 11 away games (+6.45 Units / 38% ROI)
  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hit the Team Total Over in 14 of their last 22 games (+6.15 Units / 24% ROI)
  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have covered the 4Q Spread in 13 of their last 19 games (+5.75 Units / 25% ROI)
  • The Dallas Cowboys have hit the 1Q Game Total Over in 7 of their last 9 games at home (+6.00 Units / 56% ROI)
  • The Dallas Cowboys have hit the 2Q Moneyline in 9 of their last 17 games (+4.90 Units / 22% ROI)
  • The Dallas Cowboys have hit the 1H Game Total Over in 7 of their last 9 games at home (+4.70 Units / 45% ROI)
  • The Dallas Cowboys have hit the Game Total Over in 6 of their last 9 games at home (+2.70 Units / 27% ROI)
  • The Dallas Cowboys have hit the 4Q Game Total Under in 10 of their last 17 games (+1.95 Units / 10% ROI)

Buccaneers Against the Spread (ATS) Record

Against the spread this NFL season, the Buccaneers art 9-5 (+3.5 Units / 22.65% ROI).

  • Buccaneers are 8-6 when betting on the Moneyline for +2.9 Units / 12.5% ROI
  • Buccaneers are 9-5 when betting the Over for +3.5 Units / 22.73% ROI
  • Buccaneers are 5-9 when betting the Under for -4.9 Units / ROI

Cowboys Against the Spread (ATS) Record

Against the spread this NFL season, the Cowboys are 5-9 (-4.8 Units / -31.68% ROI).

  • Cowboys are 6-8 when betting on the Moneyline for +0.1 Units / 0.54% ROI
  • Cowboys are 9-5 when betting the Over for +3.5 Units / 22.73% ROI
  • Cowboys are 5-9 when betting the Under for -4.9 Units / -31.82% ROI

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keys to the Game vs. the Dallas Cowboys

The Buccaneers are winless (0-4) when making less than 5 explosive passes in a game this season — T-worst in NFL; League Avg: .420.

The Buccaneers were 7-1 (.875) when possessing the ball longer than their opponent last season — T-3rd-best in NFL; League Avg: .631.

The Buccaneers are 8-4 (.667) when allowing less than 50% of third down conversion opportunities this season — T-10th-best in NFL; League Avg: .563.

The Buccaneers were winless (0-7) when rushing less than 25 times last season — T-worst in NFL; League Avg: .276.

Dallas Cowboys: Keys to the Game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Cowboys are 11-5 (.688) when passing for 250 or more yards since the 2023 season — T-8th-best in NFL. The Buccaneers have allowed 248.4 passing yards per game since the 2023 season — 2nd-worst in NFL.

The Cowboys are winless (0-7) whe trailing at the end of the frist half this season — T-worst in NFL; League Avg: .256.

The Cowboys were undefeated (4-0) when within 7 points entering the 4th quarter last season — best in NFL; League Avg: .500.

The Cowboys were 11-1 (.917) when allowing less than 50% of third down conversion opportunities last season — best in NFL; League Avg: .570.

Additional Matchup Notes for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have averaged just -0.10 epa per play against a stacked front since the 2023 season — 3rd-worst in NFL. The Buccaneers have allowed just -0.10 epa per play with a stacked front since the 2023 season — 3rd-best in NFL.

The Cowboys have thrown for 8,068 passing yards in 31 games (260.3 YPG) since the 2023 season — 4th-best in NFL. The Buccaneers have allowed 248.4 passing yards per game since the 2023 season — 2nd-worst in NFL.

The Cowboys have run successful plays on just 42.7% of pass attempts on play action passes this season — T-2nd-worst in NFL. The Buccaneers have pressured opposing QBs on 33.3% of pass attempts on play action passes this season — 4th-best in NFL.

The Buccaneers have run successful plays on 68.8% of pass attempts against a stacked front since the 2023 season — best in NFL. The Cowboys have allowed successful plays on 58.3% of pass attempts with a stacked front since the 2023 season — T-5th-worst in NFL.

The Buccaneers have averaged 0.20 epa per play against a stacked front since the 2023 season — 2nd-best in NFL. The Cowboys have allowed 0.21 epa per play with a stacked front since the 2023 season — 2nd-worst in NFL.

The Buccaneers have scored on 46.2% of their drives in the first quarter this season — 2nd-best in NFL. The Cowboys defense has allowed scores on 50% of opponent drives in the first quarter this season — worst in NFL.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offense: Important Stats

The Buccaneers have run successful plays on 49% of pass attempts on passes when their QB has been pressured this season — best in NFL; League Avg: 32%.

The Buccaneers ran successful plays on 32% of rush attempts against a base front last season — worst in NFL; League Avg: 41%.

The Buccaneers ran successful plays on 26% of rush attempts in the 3rd quarter last season — worst in NFL; League Avg: 42%.

The Buccaneers have run successful plays on 53% of plays against a base rush this season — best in NFL; League Avg: 44%.

Dallas Cowboys Offense: Important Stats

The Cowboys have committed 8 turnovers in the red zone this season — most in NFL.

The Cowboys have committed 12 turnovers in the red zone since the 2023 season — most in NFL.

The Cowboys have run successful plays on 56% of plays against a light rush since the 2023 season — best in NFL; League Avg: 40%.

The Cowboys scored on 48% of their drives in the 2nd half last season — best in NFL; League Avg: 34%.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense: Important Stats

The Buccaneers defense allowed a passer rating of just 25.3 with a stacked front (16 Pass Attempts) last season — best in NFL; League Avg: 110.0.

The Buccaneers defense blitzed on 40% of plays in Week 15 — highest in NFL; League Avg: 14%.

The Buccaneers defense allowed an average of 1.4 yards after contact per carry (412 carries) last season — best in NFL; League Avg: 1.8.

The Buccaneers defense has blitzed on 29% of plays since Week 12 — highest in NFL; League Avg: 14%.

Dallas Cowboys Defense: Important Stats

The Cowboys defense have allowed -0.70 epa per play with tight coverage since the 2023 season — best in NFL; League Avg: -0.48.

The Cowboys defense have allowed -0.87 epa per play against play action passes since Week 12 — best in NFL; League Avg: 0.10.

The Cowboys defense did not allow a successful play on any play in the 3rd quarter in Week 15 — best in NFL; League Avg: 42%.

The Cowboys defense has allowed a third down conversion rate of 15% in the 4th quarter this season — best in NFL; League Avg: 37%.

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Our BetMGM betting authors are experts who focus on individual game matchups & player prop bets with an emphasis on betting odds, lines & predictions.

Our BetMGM betting authors are experts who focus on individual game matchups & player prop bets with an emphasis on betting odds, lines & predictions.