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Photo: CBS Sports
As chill fall winds float through the air, students return to school, and fantasy drafts around the world wrap up, the athletic juggernaut known as the NFL kicks off it's 102nd season. To begin the 2021 festivities, the reigning Super Bowl Champs in Tampa will host the Dallas Cowboys.
If you're looking to up the stakes for yourself in tonight's kickoff game, here are six of my favorite Bucs-Cowboys bets.
All odds are according to MGM Sportsbook
Props
Ezekiel Elliot OVER 3.5 Receptions Made (+100): After a slight down year, Zeke has his work cut out for him this year as the primary producer on the Cowboys' offense. In his first game back from injury, I doubt Dak will look to run the ball himself a lot. Against last year's best rushing defense, look for Zeke to start most of his snaps on passing routes.
Mike Evans OVER 62.5 Receiving Yards (-110): I feel very confident about this one, so feel free to throw this one into a parlay with Mike Evans OVER 3.5 Receptions Made (-200). In the same vein as my Zeke pick, Mike Evans is going to have his work cut out for him as Brady's primary target tonight, as both Antonio Brown and Chris Godwin were limited in practice this week due to injury.
Leonard Fournette OVER 35.5 Rushing Yards (-105): Again, due to some lingering issues in Tampa Bay's receiving staff, look for Brady to hand the ball off a considerable amount of time, giving Fournette plenty of opportunities to hit this relatively low objective.
Game Prediction
Last year, Dallas struggled against the spread, going 5-11 overall, and 2-6 on the road. On the flip side, Tampa excelled at Raymond James Stadium, going 6-3 ATS at home, and 12-8 overall in regular season and playoff games combined.
Injuries aside, Tampa enters 2021 with all 22 of their Super Bowl starters back in the lineup, and against a recovering Cowboys squad, they should have no problem getting the jump on Dallas early and holding a lead for nearly the entire game. In terms of a total score, Brady will likely hand off the ball once building a solid lead, so the under would be a solid pick.
ATS: Tampa Bay -8.5 (-110)
O/U: Under 51.5 Points (-110)
See you Sunday for the first Sunday Spreads of the Year!