Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys preview
The Dallas Cowboys will look to continue their impressive form when they welcome the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium for Thursday Night Football in Week 5 of 2026 NFL season
Dallas has established itself as one of the most entertaining teams in the NFL through the first four weeks, although its success on offense has been accompanied by significant defensive issues.
The Cowboys are averaging 30.5 points per game, but rank last in the NFL in yards allowed per play, 31st in third down defense and explosive plays allowed, and 27th in red zone touchdown percentage allowed.
Those weaknesses were especially evident against the Houston Texans in Week 4.
Houston averaged 7.6 yards per play against Dallas, with quarterback CJ Stroud producing one of the most prolific performances of his career.
The Cowboys’ offense has been able to make up for those shortcomings, but their inability to prevent opponents from moving the ball remains a major concern.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay comes to Arlington after a rough opening month.
The Buccaneers have lost all four games this season and were defeated by the Green Bay Packers 17-14 in Week 4.
Their offensive woes have been compounded by the absence of starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, leaving rookie Jalon Daniels to lead the team.
Daniels made his first NFL start against Green Bay and completed a challenging afternoon with 27 pass attempts.
However, the quarterback provided an additional threat on the ground, rushing eight times for 55 yards.
His mobility could be valuable against a Dallas defense that has already given up a league-high 188 rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks.
