Buccaneers vs. Cowboys 2016 final score: Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott get Dallas to 12-2 with 26-20 win

Dak Prescott was near perfect, Ezekiel Elliott had a career day, and the Dallas Cowboys forced four turnovers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. The Cowboys won 26-20, improving their record to 12-2.

Dallas scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter, starting with a 2-yard rushing touchdown from Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott celebrated by hopping in the giant Salvation Army kettle near the end zone.

Dallas’s second touchdown was a 2-yard run by Prescott. The blocking on this play was impeccable. There was no Tampa Bay defender anywhere near Prescott, who essentially walked into the end zone.

Despite the loss, the Buccaneers showed they can hang with the top team in the NFL. Tampa Bay is still fighting to lock up a playoff spot. The Atlanta Falcons are currently on top of the NFC South, but at 8-6, the Bucs are still very much in the playoff race.

Prescott finished the day completing 32-of-36 passes for 279 yards and no interceptions. It’s difficult to sustain the Tony Romo vs. Dak Prescott drama when Prescott turns in a performance like that.

It was a career day for Ezekiel Elliott, who had 159 rushing yards and a touchdown. Before the win over Tampa Bay, Elliott’s best performance on the ground this season was 157 yards against the Green Bay Packers in Week 6. Elliott added three catches for 29 yards.

The Cowboys forced four Tampa Bay turnovers — one Jameis Winston fumble and three interceptions. Despite those miscues, the Buccaneers kept the game close throughout.

The Bucs have a real shot at locking up a postseason bid, whether by winning the NFC South or securing a wild card spot. If Tampa Bay does make it into the playoffs, the Bucs could make some noise.

The first half was really all Dallas, with those 17 unanswered points, but the second half was Tampa Bay’s show. The Bucs scored on a 42-yard pass from Winston to wide receiver Adam Humphries, with an assist from Cowboys defensive back Brandon Carr.

The Bucs were able to take a 20-17 lead into the fourth quarter after Winston hit tight end Cameron Brate for a 10-yard touchdown.

Dallas went into this game ranked No. 4 in the NFL in points per game, but Tampa Bay’s defense held Dallas to three field goals in the fourth quarter to keep the game within reach.

Tampa Bay trailed by six points with 1:36 remaining, and needed to drive 89 yards and score a touchdown to get the win. The Bucs fumbled and recovered the ball, but it took precious time off the clock. Winston’s third interception of the day to Orlando Scandrick sealed the win for the Cowboys.

Next up for Dallas will be the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions. The Buccaneers face the New Orleans Saints in Week 16.