- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have -115 odds to cover 8.0 points against the Dallas Cowboys.
- Tom Brady has a rushing total of 0.5 yards and the Under is a -125 betting favorite.
- Ezekiel Elliott’s line for total rushing attempts is set at 14.5 with the Over having -125 odds.
- Ronald Jones II has -105 odds to have Over 11.5 rushing attempts.
TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys will take part in the first NFL game of the 2021 season on Thursday night. The game has many interesting betting lines that could be worth looking into.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Spread: -8.0 Points
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have seen their line move quite a bit over the last 48 hours. Online gambling sites had listed the line as low as 6.5 points and has been bet up all the way to Tampa Bay -8.5 before coming back down a bit to what seems to be its final resting place.
Buccaneers vs Cowboys Spread Odds
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers -8.0 -115
- Dallas Cowboys +8.0 -105
Most individuals have their own way of deciphering line movement, but more often than not when a line starts swinging one way relatively quickly, it’s smart to follow the line movement.
Tom Brady Rushing Yards: Under 0.5
Tom Brady is almost unanimously considered the greatest quarterback of all time but if there’s one thing he can’t do, it’s run the football.
Brady finished last year with a grand total of six yards on 30 rushing attempts.
Tom Brady Total Rushing Yards
- Over 0.5 -105
- Under 0.5 -125
Brady recorded positive rushing yards in just four of the 16 games last season and yet NFL betting sites are offering just -125 odds on him to do it again. Even if Brady has a QB sneak to gain a yard or two, it could easily be offset by a kneel to end the first half or game.
Ezekiel Elliott Rushing Attempts: Over 14.5
It’s entirely possible that Ezekiel Elliot finds himself in a game script that doesn’t favor him getting as many touches, but if the Cowboys can keep the game close for even a little, Elliot could easily reach this number.
Ezekiel Elliott Rushing Attempts
- Over 14.5 -125
- Under 14.5 -105
Elliot had at least 14 carries in 10 of his 15 games last season and did so in a season where his team was trailing more often than not. He reached double-digit carries in every game he played in, giving Elliott a very low floor for this bet.
Ronald Jones II Rushing Attempts: Over 11. 5
Ronald Jones II does have to compete with Leonard Fournette for carries but is likely still the top running back on the depth chart. The Bucs struggled to rush the ball last season, but sports betting sites may still undervalue Jones’ ability to get the touches needed for this bet.
Ronald Jones II Rushing Attempts
- Over 11.5 -105
- Under 11.5 -125
Jones had at least 12 carries in nine of the 14 games he played in last season. The expected game script favors a rush-heavy attack which benefits Jones.
Lastly, the Cowboys allowed 158.8 rushing yards per game which were the second-most in the league a year ago. He could find success early and often in the rushing game.