The Dallas Cowboys spoiled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ playoff aspirations Sunday night with a 26-24 victory at AT&T Stadium. While the Cowboys were already eliminated from postseason contention earlier in the day, they played spoiler to Tampa Bay’s hopes, forcing the Buccaneers (8-7) to relinquish control of their playoff fate in the NFC South.
The defeat snapped a four-game winning streak for the Buccaneers, leaving them tied with the Atlanta Falcons atop the NFC South. However, Atlanta holds the crucial tiebreaker, having swept the season series against Tampa Bay. With just two games left, the Bucs will need outside help to secure a postseason berth and extend their four-year playoff streak.
The Cowboys (7-8) have been resilient despite being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention before kickoff. This victory marked their fourth in five games, a sharp turnaround following a five-game losing streak earlier in the season. Cooper Rush, filling in at quarterback, led the charge with 292 passing yards and a touchdown, while kicker Brandon Aubrey connected on four field goals, including two impressive 58-yarders.
The Buccaneers found themselves down 23-14 at halftime but rallied late behind Baker Mayfield’s 303 passing yards and two touchdowns. Mayfield’s 13-yard strike to Ryan Miller with 2:36 remaining brought Tampa Bay within two points. After forcing a Dallas punt, the Buccaneers got the ball back with 1:40 left, but their hopes were dashed on the very next play.
Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland made the game’s defining play, stripping Tampa Bay running back Rachaad White at the Bucs’ 32-yard line. Bland, who set an NFL record last season with five interception return touchdowns, delivered his first forced turnover of an injury-plagued campaign. Dallas recovered the fumble and ran out the clock to seal the victory.
Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was a key contributor, particularly in the first half, where he recorded 100 yards for the second consecutive week. Lamb’s 52-yard reception in the second quarter set up Ezekiel Elliott’s 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Cowboys a 20-7 lead. Despite dealing with a nagging right shoulder injury, Lamb finished with 105 yards on the night, showcasing his toughness and playmaking ability.
The Buccaneers’ defense, which had allowed an NFL-low 15 points per game during their winning streak, struggled against the Cowboys’ balanced attack. Rush found Jalen Tolbert for a 10-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and Aubrey’s three field goals of 50-plus yards—including two from 58—highlighted Dallas’ ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The Buccaneers return home to face the Carolina Panthers next Sunday in a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Cowboys travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles, looking to finish their season strong despite missing the postseason.
For Tampa Bay, this loss serves as a harsh reminder of how slim the margins are in a tight NFC South race. While their playoff streak is still alive, the Bucs no longer control their destiny. As for Dallas, Sunday’s win showcased a team that refused to quit, proving they can still compete even in a season of disappointment.
