Preview for Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys will look to continue their impressive form when they welcome the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers to AT&T Stadium for Thursday Night Football in Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season.
Dallas have established themselves as one of the NFL’s most entertaining teams through the opening four weeks, although their success on offence has been accompanied by significant defensive problems.
The Cowboys are averaging 30.5 points per game, however, they rank last in the NFL for yards allowed per play, 31st in third-down defense and explosive plays conceded, and 27th in red-zone touchdown percentage allowed.
Those weaknesses were particularly evident against the Houston Texans in Week 4.
Houston averaged 7.6 yards per play against Dallas, with quarterback C.J. Stroud producing one of the most prolific performances of his career.
The Cowboys’ offense has been able to compensate for those shortcomings, but their inability to prevent opponents from moving the ball is still a big concern.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, arrive in Arlington following a difficult opening month.
The Buccaneers have lost all four of their games this season and were beaten 17-14 by the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.
Their offensive problems have been compounded by the absence of starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, leaving rookie Jalon Daniels to lead the team.
Daniels made his first NFL start against Green Bay and completed a challenging afternoon with 27 passing attempts.
However, the quarterback offered an additional threat on the ground, rushing eight times for 55 yards.
His mobility could prove valuable against a Dallas defence that has already conceded a league-high 188 rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks.
Prediction for Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
Dallas should have more than enough offensive quality to take advantage of Tampa Bay’s problems and secure a third win of the season.
However, the Cowboys’ defensive struggles make it difficult to predict a completely one-sided contest.
Daniels showed against Green Bay that he can create opportunities with his legs, and Dallas have been particularly vulnerable against mobile quarterbacks.
The Buccaneers should therefore have opportunities to contribute points, even if their offence continues to struggle without Mayfield.
With the Cowboys’ last 10 games all relatively high-scoring, another looks likely here.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-34 Dallas Cowboys
How to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys kicks off at 1:15am BST on Friday, October 9, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The game will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports NFL and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at midnight. Supporters can also stream the matchup through NFL Game Pass on DAZN.
In the United States, Thursday Night Football will be available on Amazon Prime Video.
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