Will Tampa Finally Win This Week? Buccaneers vs. Cowboys – NFL Expert Picks & Predictions (10/8)
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Wed Oct 07, 2026, 2:37 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nfl
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+9.0
-125
48
-110u
+365
Spread
Total
Moneyline
-7.5
-115
47
-110o
-440
Nothing is going right for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is one of five winless teams in the NFL, and they are the only 0-4 squad in the NFC. The season looks like it might already be over, especially with Baker Mayfield sidelined for a little longer. It's the Jalon Daniels show as the rookie leads the Bucs into Jerry's World on Thursday Night to take on the Dallas Cowboys. Is there a world where he out duels Dak Prescott on Primetime to pull off this upset? Find out with our expert picks below.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys Game Information
Jalon Daniels leads the Bucs into Jerry's World for Thursday Night Football
Baker Mayfield is still out. Safety Antoine Winfield is not available this week, along with some other defensive pieces. Not a great sign for an 0-4 team, who have lost every single game by one possession. Both teams are obviously competing off a short week, but Dallas just had a short journey back from Houston, while Tampa has to fit in a plane ride to the Lone Star State. I certainly lean with the hosts being less beat up and on an easier travel schedule.
I have plugged my nose and picked the Cowboys as my survivor pick this week. They don't need to cover, all we gotta do is move on. But as for a bet, I've turned to the player prop market.
Matchup Information – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas – October 8
- Venue & Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
- Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Kick Off: 8:15 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: Prime Video
Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of BetOnline as of Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 1:40 p.m. eastern.
Spread
- Buccaneers +8 (-117)
- Cowboys -8 (-103)
Moneyline
- Buccaneers +344
- Cowboys -440
Total
- Over 47.5 (-110)
- Under 47.5 (-110)
Buccaneers vs. Cowboys NFL Analysis and Insights
As for a bet in this game, I don't think I'm sold on the spread or a full game total. Laying more than a touchdown with the Cowboys sounds like a trap, even against the winless Bucs, but I'm not sure Tampa Bay will do their part in contributing towards the over. Sure, the Cowboys defense isn't all that, giving up 30+ the past two weeks. But I don't want any part of backing that side of the ball.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys NFL Expert Picks
Jake Ferguson is due for a break out game sometime this season. Why not Thursday Night at home?
Best Bet: Jake Ferguson Over 3.5 Receptions (+105) BetOnline
I love betting on tight end receptions. These guys are red zone targets, but also safety nets in times of distress for their quarterbacks, and Prescott and Ferguson certainly have a special bond. Now, he's only cleared this line once this year, but he's caught 12 of 15 targets, and has had at least four looks in his last three games. Look for him to get even more involved against this Buccaneers defense that struggles to cover this position.
Not only is Tampa Bay's defense depleted, but they can't guard TEs. Last week, Tucker Kraft caught six of seven targets for 42 yards and a touchdown, while Mark Redman caught both of his targets for 29 yards. TJ Hockenson had just two receptions on four targets for 11 yards, but Harold Fanin Jr. broke away for five catches on six looks, good for 54 yards. The Browns backup also caught a 17 yard touchdown reception. Lastly, Mike Gesicki led all Bengals pass catchers with five on seven targets for 78 yards and a touchdown. Even Drew Sample caught all three targets for 19 yards.
Ferguson already tore up the Bucs in 2024, going for 40 yards on six catches with nine targets. I expect plenty of dump downs for small gains in crucial moments for the tight end, getting over this number for plus money.
For you non-player prop folks, I endorse the Cowboys Team Total Over 29.5 (-105).
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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