Cowboys vs Bucs: 2 players to buy, 2 to sell
The Dallas Cowboys enter Thursday’s showdown with Tampa Bay riding a momentum shift after a dominant 34–30 victory over Houston, where CeeDee Lamb delivered one of the most electrifying individual performances in franchise history. Lamb finished with 17 receptions for 189 yards and the game-winning touchdown, extending his four-game stretch with 37 catches, 498 yards, and four touchdowns—both NFL leads.
His efficiency (13.5 yards per catch) and volume have made him the linchpin of Dak Prescott’s output, with Lamb drawing 21 of the quarterback’s 45 targets against Houston, the highest rate for any receiver running that few routes in modern NFL data. The Bucs, meanwhile, have struggled offensively (0–4) but boast the league’s fourth-best defense in total yards allowed, forcing three straight opponents under 285 yards.
With Tampa Bay’s rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels starting for the second time and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. sidelined by a rib fracture, Lamb’s ability to exploit mismatches—especially from the slot—could again prove decisive for Dallas.
Despite the offensive fireworks, concerns have emerged about tight end Jake Ferguson’s blocking, which has become a liability in recent weeks. Ferguson’s three catches for 11 yards against Houston included a crucial fourth-down grab, but his inconsistent effort and technique left the Cowboys’ linebackers exposed against Houston’s pass rush.
With Tampa Bay’s defense stifling opponents and Ferguson’s role in pass protection under scrutiny, Dallas will need to find ways to minimize his impact while maximizing Lamb’s dominance—a formula that has already defined the Cowboys’ early-season success.
