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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) vs. Dallas Cowboys (6-8) 

In Week 16 of Sunday Night Football, the NFC rivalry heats up at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face off against the Dallas Cowboys, with the Buccaneers currently favored by 3.5 points. The total points for the matchup is set at 48.5.

This encounter marks the first meeting between these teams since January 16, 2023, when the Cowboys emerged victorious with a score of 31-14 in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs. Will Tampa Bay seek retribution? Read further for insights on the Buccaneers vs. Cowboys prediction.

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Buccaneers Aim for Fifth Consecutive Win

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6; 9-5 ATS) have shown remarkable performance following their bye week, currently riding a four-game winning streak. During these games, they have scored a total of 124 points while allowing only 60.

In their latest game, the Buccaneers dismantled the Los Angeles Chargers with a 40-17 victory, despite being 3-point road underdogs. They outgained the Chargers 506-206 in total yards, overcoming a halftime deficit of 17-13. Baker Mayfield had an exceptional performance, completing 22 of 27 passes for 288 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Meanwhile, Mike Evans contributed nine receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns.

“We came into halftime and said if the offense didn’t hurt ourselves, we would be all right,” Mayfield stated. “The defense came out and stopped them, and the offensive line took over. It was a complementary football game.”

Rookie running back Bucky Irving also made a significant impact, rushing for 117 yards on 15 carries. He has now achieved at least 73 rushing yards in four of his last five games. As for Evans, he has recorded 749 receiving yards and nine touchdowns this season, while Mayfield has thrown for a total of 3,617 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.

The Buccaneers average 28.8 points per game, ranking 4th in the NFL, while giving up 23.3 points, which places them at 19th. However, four players did not participate in Thursday’s practice, including tight end Cade Otton and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., both key contributors to the team’s success.

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Cowboys Face Playoff Uncertainty

The Dallas Cowboys (6-8; 5-9 ATS) have shown some resilience, winning three of their last four games. However, they are still fighting an uphill battle and are likely to miss the playoffs, trailing the Washington Commanders by three games for the final NFC playoff spot.

Their recent 30-14 victory against the Carolina Panthers showcased their potential, as they outgained Carolina 410-235 in total yards and dominated the turnover battle 4-1. Cooper Rush completed 18 of 29 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns, while CeeDee Lamb led with nine receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. Rico Dowdle also made a notable contribution, rushing for 149 yards on 25 carries.

“We are not going to give up,” said edge rusher Micah Parsons, who recorded two sacks in the game. “As long as I’m a part of this unit and we believe in each other. We are fighting for each other at this point. The record is the record, but it’s a special feeling when you can fight for each other.”

Rush has stepped up in Dak Prescott’s absence, throwing for 1,405 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions over six starts and four relief appearances. Lamb has tallied 94 receptions for 1,089 yards and six touchdowns this season, while Dowdle has accumulated 880 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

The Cowboys average 21.3 points per game, ranking 19th in the NFL, while allowing 27.1 points, which ties them for 29th. Three players were absent from Thursday’s practice, including cornerback Trevon Diggs, who missed last week’s game due to a knee injury.

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