NFL Thursday Night Football preview: Cowboys get a break by facing shorthanded Buccaneers

Key Points:

• The Week 5 Thursday night NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers was initially expected to be competitive, but the Buccaneers' poor start (0-4) and injury to QB Baker Mayfield have made them a weaker opponent, with rookie undrafted Jalon Daniels starting at quarterback.
• The Cowboys, at 2-2, have a strong offense led by WR CeeDee Lamb, who is having an outstanding season and is the NFL's top receiver in yards per game; however, their defense remains one of the worst in the league.
• The Buccaneers' struggles, including a 2-11 record in their last 13 games and a lack of offensive production under Daniels, suggest the game holds more importance for Dallas, who need a win to stay competitive in the NFC East.
• Betting markets favor the Cowboys heavily, with the spread moving from -3.5 to around -8, reflecting Tampa Bay’s difficulties and Dallas’ offensive strength; public bettors expect Dallas to cover the spread in a primetime home game.
• Fantasy football watchers should note key themes: Daniels' development in his second start, the distribution of passes in Dallas’ offense beyond Lamb, and the usage of Buccaneers' running back Bucky Irving, who has seen reduced involvement in the passing game.