Cowboys vs Buccaneers Wild Card Round MNF Prop Bets: Evans Benefits From Pass-Heavy Attack

Monday night features America’s Team facing off against the GOAT with a spot in the Divisional Round on the line.

For the Dallas Cowboys, a one-and-done playoff run is unthinkable (and perhaps even the end of the Mike McCarthy era). Still, there’s something in the air with the aura of Tom Brady and this Tampa Bay Buccaneers team, who are lurking dangerously despite a turbulent year. 

Whether you’re wagering on the Cowboys to show up and take care of business on the road or on another chapter in Brady’s playoff legacy, there’s a stack of tasty prop bets to weigh up for what feels like a tight, one-score game.

Here are my favorite NFL prop picks for Cowboys vs. Buccaneers on January 16.

Also, be sure to check out Jason Logan's full Cowboys vs. Buccaneers betting preview, as well as our Ezekiel Elliott spotlight props. 

Cowboys vs Buccaneers props

• Evans Over 65.5 receiving yards
• Both teams to score 20+ points
• Schultz anytime touchdown

Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.

Cowboys vs Buccaneers MNF props

Be Like Mike

The Evans renaissance tour is underway after he racked up 207 yards and three touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. The second half of the season had been pretty miserable for the Bucs receiver before that explosive performance. In fact, before that game, Evans hadn’t reached 90 receiving yards in a game since late October.

However, his chemistry with Brady looked as strong as ever against the Panthers. With their backs against the wall, the Bucs shifted away from the short and intermediate throws and unleashed Evans as a deep threat. The results speak for themselves.

The veteran receiver now comes face-to-face with a vulnerable Cowboys secondary that’s struggling to replace injured cornerback Anthony Brown. Evans had five catches for 71 yards and a score in the Week 1 meeting between these teams, and he’s the clear top target for Brady here. He could get a large chunk of the yards for this prop on a single play.

If Tampa Bay’s inability to run the ball consistently carries over to the postseason, I expect the hosts to pivot quickly to a pass-heavy attack. There should be lots of receptions to go around, and the Buccaneers have just enough other weapons in the passing game to prevent Dallas from throwing blanket coverage at Evans.

Mike Evans Prop: Over 65.5 receiving yards (-110)

20/20 Vision

There wasn’t much to like about the Cowboys’ offense in the woeful Week 18 outing against the Washington Commanders. Still, I’m choosing to see that as a motivating factor for Dallas here after a week of scrutiny rather than as a red flag. There’s so much riding on this season that the visitors have to be locked in from the first snap.

I expect Dak Prescott to be better, but this Cowboys offense isn’t fully reliant on him, with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard capable of moving the ball on the ground or leaking out of the backfield. Despite some rough moments in the final weeks of the season, this Dallas offense ranked in the Top-5 in points per game (27.5) and put up 40 points against the Philadelphia Eagles on Christmas Eve.

Tampa Bay’s offense has been a tough watch all year, but we’re talking about Brady in the playoffs here. There were enough flashes in the comeback win over Carolina to suggest the Bucs are still alive and kicking. There’s also always an outside chance that Leonard Fournette rediscovers his Playoff Lenny mojo.

I’m not expecting a shootout at Raymond James Stadium, but both teams have the weapons (including reliable kickers) to put 20 points on the board. 

Prop: Both teams to score 20+ points (+125 at bet365)

Schultz bolts for the end zone

Since shaking off early-season injuries, Dalton Schultz has steadily reclaimed his role as one of Prescott’s key targets in the passing game. He was targeted nine times in the Week 18 debacle and 10 times in the prior game against the Tennessee Titans.

A similar target share feels reasonable for Monday night. Schultz is particularly effective in the red zone, as he had 6-yard and 10-yard touchdowns in Tennessee. Schultz can exploit slower linebackers in coverage, and his height creates mismatches against defensive backs.

Most importantly, Prescott trusts Schultz to make key catches in tight windows. With CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Noah Brown occupying the Buccaneers' secondary, there should be some seams for Schultz to exploit, especially if the Cowboys fall behind and have to start throwing the ball more.

I fully expect Dallas to have some plays for Schultz in their red zone package, and I like these odds for the talented tight end to cash in on a favorable matchup near the goal line.

Dalton Schultz Prop: Anytime touchdown (+260)

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