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Expert prediction

NFL Odds, Predictions: Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Week 5 Preview & Picks (Oct 8)

  • Nikola Velickovic
  • Oct 5, 2026 at 2:50 AM EDT

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • Buccaneers vs. Cowboys odds favor Dallas by 10 points.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers are winless after 4 rounds.
  • The Cowboys have the 2nd-best offense in the NFL, averaging 30.5 ppg.

The Cowboys are back home after a win over the Texans in the state derby. They have the injured Buccaneers coming to town for Thursday Night Football, who are without Baker Mayfield.

Here is the full NFL Week 5 odds and picks list.

How to Watch

  • When: Thursday, October 8, 2026, 8:15 PM ET
  • Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
  • How to Watch: Prime Video

Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Odds

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotals
Buccaneers+410+1047.5
Cowboys-550-1047.5

Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Predictions – Cowboys -10

Expert NFL Pick:

Here’s why we bet on the Cowboys -10.

Things aren’t going well for the Buccaneers, who are 0-4 and missing their top star, QB Baker Mayfield. They will be under heavy pressure in Dallas facing one of the best offenses in the NFL. Second-string QB Jalon Daniels isn’t the passer the Bucs got used to, and he showed that in the 17-15 loss to the Packers, throwing for 148 yards, one TD, and two picks. He was rushing OK, posting 55 yards on the ground, yet Tampa Bay’s offense didn’t do well with him in charge.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys beat the Texans in Houston, 34-30, precisely the way we predicted – through high-scoring and offensive focus. Their defense may be one of the weakest in the league, but their offense is currently the second-best at 30.5 ppg. Prescott threw for 335 yards, 189 to fantastic CeeDee Lamb, who also had a TD. Javonte Williams ran for three TDs.

So even though Tampa has a good defense, their offensive side can’t match Dallas’. Now, add that the Cowboys are hyped after the win in Houston and are coming home in high spirits, them covering the spread is a logical outcome of this one.

  • Buccaneers are without Mahomes.
  • Cowboys have the 2nd-best attack in the NFL.
  • Dallas is high on morale following a win in Houston.

How to bet on the Buccaneers vs. Cowboys (Week 5)

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