The Tampa Bay Buccaneers narrowly defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-24 in a tightly contested Week 5 matchup of the 2026 season. Both teams were hungry for a win, but it was the Buccaneers who ultimately came through in the clutch, solidifying their position in the playoff race. Baker Mayfield led the Buccaneers' offense with an impressive 271 passing yards, showcasing his ability to stretch the field when it mattered most. Bucky Irving contributed significantly on the ground, racking up 78 rushing yards, while Emeka Egbuka was a standout in the passing game, finishing with 94 receiving yards. Together, this trio powered Tampa Bay's offense, allowing them to keep the scoreboard ticking. Defensively, the Cowboys struggled to contain the Buccaneers' dynamic playmakers, but Markquese Bell stood out with eight total tackles, trying to keep the game within reach. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when the Buccaneers' defense held strong, forcing a crucial turnover that enabled them to maintain their slim lead and secure the victory.