On Sunday, October 26, 2008, the National Football League will play week 8. In one of the more popular games of the week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) are visiting the Dallas Cowboys (4-3) in a 1:00 pm start.
SPREAD
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2) Under/Over 40 1/2 points
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MY PICK
Take the Buccaneers (+2) and the under (40 1/2 points)
Predicted Final Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24, Dallas Cowboys 10
TEAM STANDINGS
The Dallas Cowboys are in jeopardy of falling out of the NFC East playoff race with half the season to go. They trail the New York Giants (5-1) and Washington Redskins (5-2). The Philadelphia Eagles are right behind them at 3-3.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on the other hand, have reeled off two consecutive wins and are in a first place tie with the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South. The surprising Atlanta Falcons (4-2) and the New Orleans Saints (3-4) round up the division.
MOMENTUM
The Dallas Cowboys (4-3) started the season strong, winning their first 3 games. Since then, they have dropped three of their last four games. The Dallas defense has been disappointing all season and the offense just hasn't clicked.
The Cowboys are 2-1 at home but 2-3 against NFC teams. They are also on a 2 game losing streak. The Cowboys are averaging 27 points a game but are giving up, on average, 25 points a game.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won two in a row, are 4-0 at home, and 1-2 on the road. However, they are 5-1 against NFC teams. The Tampa Bay Bucs are averaging 23 points a game while giving up a little over 13 points a game.
INJURY REPORT
| TEAM | PLAYER | POS | INJURY | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | Mike Jefferson | WR | Suspended | OUT |
| Cowboys | Felix Jones | RB | Hamstring | OUT |
| Cowboys | Adam Jones | DB | Suspension | OUT |
| Cowboys | Terence Newman | CB | Abdomen | OUT |
| Cowboys | Tony Romo | QB | Right Finger | OUT |
| Cowboys | Anthony Spencer | LB | Hamstring | OUT |
| Cowboys | Kevin Burnett | LB | Calf | PROBABLE |
| Cowboys | Greg Ellis | LB | Calf | PROBABLE |
| Cowboys | Breadie James | LB | Elbow | PROBABLE |
| Cowboys | Tank Johnson | DT | Ankle | PROBABLE |
| Cowboys | Pat Watkins | S | Neck | PROBABLE |
| Buccaneers | B.J. Askew | RB | Hamstring | DOUBTFUL |
| Buccaneers | Maurice Stoval | WR | Hamstring | DOUBTFUL |
| Buccaneers | Warrick Dunn | RB | Back | QUESTIONABLE |
| Buccaneers | Joey Galloway | WR | Foot | QUESTIONABLE |
| Buccaneers | Brian Griese | QB | Right Elbow | QUESTIONABLE |
| Buccaneers | Ike Hilliard | WR | Concussion | QUESTIONABLE |
| Buccaneers | Matt Bryant | K | Right Hamstring | PROBABLE |
| Buccaneers | Andrew Economos | C | Shoulder | PROBABLE |
| Buccaneers | BArret Ruud | LB | Knee | PROBABLE |
| Buccaneers | Arron Sears | G | Back | PROBABLE |
THE BOTTOM LINE
Both teams are struggling with injuries. But without Tony Romo, the Dallas Cowboys must rely on Brad Johnson, the 42 year old backup quarterback. Brad has very limited mobility and does not have the confidence of his teammates.
While Romo was at quarterback, the Cowboys offense averages more than 24 points each game. But with Bard Johnson they are averaging only 14.
The Buccaneers have a banged up offense: Kicker Matt Bryant (hamstring), Quarterback, Brian Griese (elbow), Running Back Warrick Dunn (back), Wide Receivers Ike Hillard (concussion), Joey Galloway (foot) all probable. Another Tampa Bay wide receiver, Maurice Stover is listed as questionable. But with Dallas' star quarterback, Tony Romo, out, I give a big advantage to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Dallas Cowboy Head Coach, Wade Phillips, is under increasing pressure from owner Jimmy Jones. Combine that with ineffective play of the entire Dallas Cowboy defense (given up more than 30 points in their last two games), and you a recipe for disaster, for the fourth time in five games.
Expect the Buccaneers to take advantage of the Dallas defense and jump out to and early lead. They will also put a lot of pressure on Brad Johnson with blitzes and heavy pursuit. The Buccaneer will win and put them in great position in the NFC Central and the Cowboys will fade to mediocrity.
NFL WEEK 8 PICK OF THE WEEK - TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Take the Buccaneers,(getting two points) and the under (40 1/2 points).
Final score Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24, Dallas Cowboys 10
LAST WORD
Even with all thei injuries, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense will be all over Brad Johnson and the Cowboys will sink to the bottom of the NFC East.
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