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NFL 2021 Kickoff – Cowboys vs Buccaneers Betting Odds and Prediction

Football is here! The NFL 2021 Season kicks off Thursday evening in Tampa Bay, Florida, as the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, take on the Dallas Cowboys.

The first game of the season will take place on September 9th at 8:20 PM EST. It will air on NBC.

Let’s break down this exciting matchup between the Cowboys and Buccaneers and find some value in betting markets!

Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds

Dallas Cowboys	Vs.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
+300	Moneyline	-360
+8 (-110)	Spread	-8 (-110)
O 52 (-110)	Total	U 52 (-110)
Bet On Cowboys vs Buccaneers At BetUS

Tampa Bay opened as a -6.5 favorite against the visiting Buccaneers and that number has climbed to -8 -110, at most online betting sites, including BetUS Sportsbook. 

The total has also risen since the odds opened. The game opened with a 51.5 point total at most sportsbooks but has now moved to o52 -110.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Super Bowl Hangover?

The defending champions look as good as they did last season as they begin the quest to defend their title. They return almost all of their starters, both on offense and defense. 

Tom Brady didn’t show any signs of rust in the preseason and seemed to be in perfect rhythm with his receivers. The offensive line was about league average last year and will likely be the same this season.

Defensively, Tampa Bay is strong. Their defensive line is one of the best in the league. Their defense is front-heavy with an elite pass rush.

Their secondary is somewhat vulnerable, but the intense pressure they generate upfront has helped hide their shortcomings.

Dallas Cowboys – The Dak Attack Is Back

Dallas was without their starting quarterback, Dak Prescott, for most of last season after he tore his ACL early in the year. Prescott has not played this preseason, but he reportedly is a “full go” for Thursday night.

Prescott will have plenty of weapons in Amare Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb. That group is easily one of the best wide receiver corps in the league. 

The Dallas Cowboys offensive line is above average, but they are coming into the season with several injuries. Tackle, La’el Collins, is questionable but is expected to play. RG, Zach Martin, will miss the game after testing positive for COVID-19.

Defensively, Dallas is a mess. They were one of the league’s worst defensive teams last year and that likely won’t change this season. In the preseason, they were the only defense that allows the Jaguars’ offense to easily move the ball.

Dallas’ defense will be a weak spot all season, it will be up to their offense to win games.

Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – What’s The Play?

I think there could be some value on Dallas at +8 or +7.5, but I think the best bet in this game is on the total.

Dallas’ defense is truly awful. Tom Brady should have no issues slinging the ball up and down the field and putting up 30 points against this defense. Any plan of attack from Bruce Arians should be successful. They’re a sieve.

On the flip side, Dallas’ attack under Prescott should be far more formidable than last year’s offense with Andy Dalton and an assortment of other poor quarterbacks controlling things. 

The injuries on the Cowboys’ offensive line are a concern, but it looks like they will only be without guard Zach Martin. Dak and his receivers have an advantage over this Tampa Bay secondary.

NFL Kickoff Betting Prediction

The Buccaneers’ defense may come into this game a bit overrated due to their performance last postseason, which includes the Super Bowl.

It’s still a tough matchup for Dallas, but I expect them to be able to score against Tampa Bay.

I would have preferred the over at 51 points, but I still think there is value at o52 -110 which is the current number at BetUS Sportsbook.

I expect the NFL’s first game to be a shootout with both offenses having success.