Its a rematch of last years opening game and last years two top scoring teams. Both teams do have offensive line injuries which could bring havoc to things as well. The Cowboys last years top scoring team put up 34.2 at home, 30.4 in all for 2021. Last year these two got together in Tampa Bay week 1 and it was 31-29 Tampa winning, however that game opened at Tampa Bay -8, this one Tampa Bay -2.5. Brady has seen the Cowboys 6 times in his career winning every game, 1,733 yards, 14 TD and 4 INT. Last year the Bucs overcame 2 interceptions and 4 turnovers in the game which they were outgained, Dallas held the ball for almost ten more minutes, Dallas had 30 to their 24 first downs, and Dallas won the turnover battle 4-1. Both teams top receiver from that game is no longer on their team.
There has been speculation as to what’s going on with Brady as he was absent from training camp for a time with him retiring and coming back after two weeks we can only assume that Brady in his mind feels like he isn’t done yet. However he is the oldest QB to ever start a game in the NFL. Godwin is a game time decision but Mike Evans and Julio Jones will be in action as well Cameron Brate and Kyle Rudolph at tight end so Brady will have plenty of places to target. The questions for them is on the interior of the line with injuries at starting center and guard.
For the Cowboys talk has centered around Tyron Smith and the o-line, however they are 22-17 with him and 14-12 without him the last five years. They signed Jason Peters as they had Tyler Smith the rookie out of Tulsa to fill in against the talented Bucs D. They lost Amari Cooper and now its Cee Dee Lamb, Michael Gallup is out with injury and rookie Jalen Tolbert is expected to start as the other wide out. Dalton Schultz the other big target for them at tight end he had 78 receptions for 808 yards last year. That may or may not change the offensive game plan as last year it was 58 pass plays and 18 run plays for Dallas.
Who knows how this thing will play out here, the consensus money 43% Tampa and 57% Dallas out of 156K bet so far. The total the heaviest bet total on the board 46% on the over and 54% under of 68K bet. Like all the week 1 games we will have to wait and see what happens but with Dak not hitting the field in preseason and Brady seeing only limited work in week 3 I’m not sure these offensive units will be hitting on all cylinders. My prediction 27-23 Buccaneers.