Now that the 11-game winning streak of the Dallas Cowboys is over, can you guess which team currently has the longest streak in the NFL? If you said the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you would be right. The Bucs won their fifth straight game to remain tied at the top of the NFC North standings and hold a precarious lead for a wild card spot heading into the final weeks of the season. It’s a strange position for the Bucs, who haven’t played beyond the regular season since 2007. They can strengthen their grip on a postseason berth with a Week 15 victory.
This matchup in Week 15 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, December 18, 2016, at 8:30 p.m. ET at ATT Stadium.
Odds Analysis
With the Cowboys playing the Sunday night game, the spread and total have yet to surface. It’s easy to see the Boys being pegged a touchdown favorite at home, however, and the odds are in their favor. Though they’ve failed to cover in the last three games, two of those were back door covers by the opponent and the Boys are still 9-4 ATS. Tampa Bay has recovered nicely to win five straight going 5-0 ATS in that stretch, surprising a lot of people in the process. A win over the Cowboys on the road would solidify their position as a playoff team.
Injury Report
Demar Dotson – Tampa Bay’s ability to block for Jameis Winston is compromised with the absence of Dotson, who has yet to clear the concussion protocol. The Bucs produced just 270 yards against a Saints defense that has struggled to stop anybody this season with Winston throwing for just 184.
Morris Claiborne – The Cowboys secondary continues to miss the presence of Claiborne, who suffered a setback in his recovery from a groin injury. The Cowboys’ five interceptions are the second-fewest in the league and the absence of Claiborne and safety J.J. Wilcox hasn’t helped.
Matchup to Watch
Part of Tampa Bay’s resurgence can be directly attributed to the ability of the defense to force turnovers. The Bucs had three takeaways against New Orleans, intercepting Drew Brees each time, and during their five-game winning streak have a total of 14 takeaways with at least two in each game. They are plus-9 in turnover differential during that span. While the Bucs have forced opponents to cough up the football, they’ve done a much better job themselves of holding onto it.
During their first eight games the Bucs turned the ball over 14 times but have just five giveaways in the past five games. Overall the Bucs have a turnover differential of plus-6 and their 25 takeaways are tied for the most in the NFL.
Free ATS Pick
The Cowboys came back to earth with Sunday night’s loss to the Giants and Dak Prescott looked like the rookie that he is. Prescott had thrown just two interceptions through the first 12 games but was picked twice by the G-Men. It’s hard to say if the pressure is getting to him or perhaps after so many quality outings, a bad one was due. Either way, all eyes will be on Prescott to see how he responds. Jason Garrett said he had no plans of turning to Tony Romo against the Giants, likely a move to calm his rookie, but you know if that happens again, the coach might have the hook. The Cowboys have clinched a playoff berth, but the division and No. 1 seed in the NFC are still out there.
This sets up as a huge game for the hopes of the Bucs, who have been the best team in the NFL over the past five games. The defense has carried the club during that stretch while Winston and the offense still sputter at times. I expect Prescott to bounce back and have another impressive outing. All he really has to do is hand the ball to Ezekiel Elliott and avoid the turnovers. As long as that happens, the Bucs are in trouble since their offense won’t be able to keep up. The Cowboys got their wake up call against the Giants and show up on Sunday night to handle the Bucs.
NFL Odds: Cowboys 23, Buccaneers 16
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