Bold predictions for Thursday Night Football in NFL Week 5

Prior to Baker Mayfield’s injury, this game could’ve been one of the more entertaining Thursday night NFL primetime games. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys are performing at different ends of the spectrum. Offensively, Dallas is just outside the top 10 in yards per game, while Tampa Bay ranks 28th.

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The teams are opposites on defense. Tampa Bay has surrendered the 4th–lowest YPG while Dallas is surrendering the 3rd–most. It’s safe to flip a coin as to whether the game will be a clunker or a good old-fashioned shootout. As we enter the first game of Week 5, here are four bold predictions.

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Bucky Irving sets a new personal best, surpassing the 152 yards rushing from his 2024 rookie campaign

Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys have been terrible at stopping opposing running games. Through four weeks, the team has allowed the 2nd–most rushing yards. This bodes well for a Tampa Bay team without its starting quarterback. Backup Jalon Daniels has struggled, throwing an interception on three pass attempts in Week 3 and two in Week 4. The Buccaneers will look to establish the run out of the gate.

Prediction: Bucky Irving takes advantage of Dallas’ run prevention, finishing with 175 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

CeeDee Lamb will reach 150 receiving yards for a second consecutive game

Nov 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) celebrates after a play against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

As efficient as the Buccaneer’s defense has been, the secondary has been burned by big-play receivers. Over four weeks, Tee Higgins, Denzel Boston, Jordan Addison, and Christian Watson averaged at least 15.7 YPC, with Higgins, Boston, and Addison averaging 18+ YPC. Thursday night’s game is the perfect matchup for Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Prediction: CeeDee Lamb has success as a serious threat and finishes with 160 receiving yards and one touchdown.

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Cowboys’ kicker Brandon Aubrey will make a 68-yard field goal

Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) kicks the game-winning field goal against the New York Giants during overtime at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The former first-round MLS player and Notre Dame alum has a big leg, and the team doesn’t shy away from trotting him out during fourth-down situations. It’s only a matter of time before Aubrey surpasses his career-long field goal of 65 yards and ties Cam Little’s record of 68 yards (2025). The time will be Thursday night. Rather than kneel and head into halftime, Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer will send out his field goal kicker.

Prediction: On the last play of the first half, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brand Aubrey nails a 68-yard field goal, tying the NFL record.

The Dallas Cowboys score a season-high 52 points

Sep 13, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

It’s not that Tampa Bay’s defense can’t stop Dallas’ offense; it will be the fact that they tire out from being on the field too often. The team’s rookie backup struggled in his first start and won’t produce differently in primetime. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys will possess the ball more than in any of their previous four games, scoring seven touchdowns and Brandon Aubrey’s record-tying field goal before halftime.

Prediction: The Buccaneers’ defense will not have an extended stay on the bench, leading to fatigue. The Cowboys’ offense will exploit their tired opponents, scoring seven touchdowns.

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