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Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys NFL Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

The Dallas Cowboys and the Super Bowl were perhaps mentioned in the same sentence more than any other NFL team through the first three week, but following a trio of losses, Dallas is just hoping to make the playoffs. Odds makers have given Dallas the edge to get back on track this week, making the Cowboys the slight 2-point favorite with the total set at 40.5.

It looks like Dallas is going to have to get it done without All-Pro QB Tony Romo again as he is not expected to return until mid-November.

The expectations could not have been any higher in Big D following a 13-win season in 2007. After opening with wins over Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Green Bay, it looked like Dallas might run the table, but losses in three of its last four games have hit the Boys with a harsh dose of reality.

Dallas was destroyed 34-14 last week against a St. Louis team which has opened the season 0-4. Romo was not in the lineup and said Wednesday that he does not expect to play until November 16th at Washington. That is not what the Cowboys wanted to hear as they find themselves with the same loss total as they had all of last season and in third place in the tough NFC East.

It appeared Dallas might begin weathering the storm last week when it scored on the game’s first possession, but then it allowed the Rams to score 34-straight unanswered points.

They are going to need a better performance from backup QB Brad Johnson this week if they want to turn things around. Johnson threw three interceptions in his first start since 2006.

Johnson led the Buccaneers to their only Super Bowl title in during his stint there from 2001-2004. He is going to have to do a much better job of valuing the football against his former team this week as the Bucs are second in the NFL with 12 picks this season.

One way to help Johnson out would be for the stars to start doing their part. Running back Marion Barber has rushed for only 255 yards and one score over the last four games. Terrell Owens has only caught eight passes over the last three contests, and Roy Williams was held without a reception in his Cowboys debut. If you think Dallas can get it together this week, bet the Cowboys at -2 at Bookmaker and receive a 20% cash signup bonus.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to rely on a strong defense for their success. The Bucs rank 8th in the NFL in total defense at 303.3 yards per game and 4th in scoring defense, allowing just 15.3 points per game.

A win this week would give the Bucs six wins in their first eight games, something they haven’t done since their Super Bowl season.

Tampa Bay followed up its impressive 27-3 win over Carolina with a hard-fought 20-10 victory over Seattle last Sunday night.

The score really did not show just how badly the Bucs dominated the Seahawks. They outgained Seattle 402 to 176 and limited the Seahawks to just seven first downs.

Jeff Garcia filled in nicely for Brian Griese once again, looking like the QB who led Tampa to a division title a season ago. He was 26 of 37 for 310 yards last week.

Garcia has passed for 483 yards and two touchdowns the last two games. He will get a chance to go at a Dallas secondary which is banged up this week. Cornerback Terence Newman, safety Roy Williams, and cornerback Adam Jones will not be in the lineup. If you think Tampa Bay can take advantage of Dallas’ thin secondary, bet the Buccaneers at +2 at Bookmaker.

Make sure you’re playing Jimmy Boyd’s Week 8 NFL expert picks to guarantee yourself a winning week on the gridiron.

Editor’s Note: Do your NFL Betting this week on Jimmy’s 5* NFL Underdog of the Year, 4* Major AFC East Game of the Month, and 4* Major NFL Fade of the Week in Jimmy’s Sunday 5-Pack.

Check the NFL odds each week from all of the top sportsbooks on the web right here at Locksmith Sports.

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