Cowboys vs Buccaneers Odds - Romo, Cowboys too talented for disorganized Bucs

The Cowboys vs Buccaneers odds have seen some movement in recent days as the Buccaneers disarray is becoming more of a national story. Very quietly, the Bucs were having a horrific offseason but now everyone – not only online betting handicappers – will take notice.

Cowboys vs Buccaneers odds: Cowboys -5

• WHAT: NFL betting
  
• WHEN: Monday, September 13th – 1:00 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, FL
  
• PICK: Cowboys -5, Under 40.5

Cowboys vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
In comparison to all of the pressure the Cowboys faced last year, they head into this season with no storylines and no pressure. They are still the Dallas Cowboys, which means expectations are still high, but they don’t have that hot spotlight shining on them and adding extra pressure.

For the Bucs, it’s the beginning of the Raheem Morris era, even though it began much earlier in the offseason. It’s been a messy offseason for him and the Bucs but nothing would make it feel better than a win. They’ll be trying to impress on opening day.

Betting Edge: Even

Cowboys vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Cowboys may have subtracted Terrell Owens off their roster but their offense is still one of the more talented units in the NFL. The offensive line is sturdy, Tony Romo is an elite quarterback, Jason Witten is a Pro Bowl tight end and the backfield is loaded. The key for the Cowboys will be getting their ground game going on the road and if the way the Bucs defense finished up in December is any indication, running the ball shouldn’t be a problem for the Cowboys.

NFL betting cappers know that the Bucs offense might be seriously challenged now that Jon Gruden is no longer around. Gruden helped the offense, including wide receiver Antonio Bryant, overachieve, so there’s some real concern now that he’s gone. The quarterback situation is a mess, the offensive line was shoddy in the preseason and Kellen Winslow Jr. has yet to be a factor. Another bad sign is that the Bucs fired offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski just one week prior to the season. That’s never a positive.

Betting Edge: Cowboys

Cowboys vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Cowboys defense is one of the more underrated units in the NFL. Wade Phillips may not be a good head coach but he sure knows how to build a defense. The Cowboys will send an array of exotic blitzes in their 3-4 scheme featuring DeMarcus Ware and this team is very stout against the run. There aren’t many holes on this unit.

For the Bucs, they are a defense in transition. They used to be among the best in the league but right now, they are switching from their renowned Cover 2, which raises a lot of questions. They don’t have the proper personnel. That’s been evident in the preseason as the Bucs gave up 50 points in their first two preseason games. They should expect that regularly throughout the season.

Betting Edge: Cowboys

Cowboys vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Both teams are relatively healthy but keep in mind that the Bucs will be without safety Tanard Jackson for the first four games due to a league-imposed suspension.

Betting Edge: Even

Cowboys vs Buccaneers odds for total: 40.5
The under figures to be a good play in this game because the Bucs may not do much scoring. Look for the Cowboys to do some scoring but the Bucs won’t hold up their end of the bargain.

Pick: Under

Cowboys vs Buccaneers betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Cowboys have jumped up to a five-point favorite in the sportsbook and it might climb all the way up to a touchdown by kickoff. Their game plan is simple: shut down the Bucs’ running game and don’t give away the football on offense. It’s a fairly simple plan for the Cowboys and one that they’ll execute rather easily en route to a win and cover to start the year.

D.J.’S PICK: Cowboys -5

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Devon Jordan “D.J.” Tomkins doesn’t own turntables, but the sound of screaming fans at a football game is music to his ears. He had quite the following as a speedy wide receiver during his high school days and went on to successful coaching career. Now, he moonlights as an expert handicapper, combining his practical knowledge of the game with a penchant for memorizing numbers and stats. If you want informed football picks, DJ is your man. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.