Game: Arizona Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Date: November 30th at 1:00 PM ET

Where to Watch: FOX

After getting embarrassed on a national stage last week in Los Angeles, the Buccaneers are looking to bounce back in a big way against the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona has struggled this year, coming into the game with a 3–8 record and riding a three-game losing streak. The Cardinals rank 15th in yards per game (332.8) and 18th in points per game (22.5). Defensively, they’re 19th in yards allowed per game (337) and 25th in points allowed per game (25.7).

The Bucs’ loss last week extended their own three-game skid, but they enter this matchup at 6–5. Offensively, they’re 20th in yards per game (319.5) and 14th in points per game (23.5). Defense has also been an issue, as they rank 20th in yards allowed per game (341.2) and 26th in points allowed per game (25.8). This Bucs team is definitely a wounded animal heading into the matchup, but they should come out ready to fight.

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Weather

It looks like it’s going to be a really nice day in Tampa tomorrow, with temperatures in the low to mid 80s. Precipitation sits at just a 7% chance, and we’re looking at mild winds averaging 7 mph with gusts up to 14 mph.

Betting Overview

The spread in this one hasn’t moved, opening at -3.5 in favor of Tampa and holding steady. Unsurprisingly, the moneyline hasn’t budged either, with Arizona at +168 and Tampa at -180. The total has dipped slightly, opening at 48.5 and now sitting at 44.5.

Position Group & Coaching Comparisons

Coaching: Jonathan Gannon and his staff have struggled to build momentum with the Arizona organization. While Todd Bowles doesn’t have elite talent at every position, he has proven to be a master schemer. The edge in coaching clearly goes to the Bucs.

DLs vs. OLs: Both teams have had issues up front, with Arizona holding a slight advantage on the offensive line and Tampa being stronger defensively. This matchup in the trenches is essentially even.

QBs: Baker Mayfield appears likely to play despite his shoulder injury. Even with that concern, he is an NFL starter going up against Jacoby Brissett, a career backup.

RBs & TEs vs. LBs: Tampa has the edge here, primarily due to a stronger running back group. The Cardinals are heavily banged up in the backfield, although they do have the superior tight end. Neither team is particularly strong with off-ball linebackers.

WRs vs. Secondaries: The Buccaneers hold the advantage here as well, even though Arizona’s secondary is slightly better. The return of Chris Godwin should make a noticeable impact this week.

Betting Trends

Arizona enters this game 5-6 ATS, with a 4-1 record on the road, 3-1 as a road underdog, and 4-3 in non-divisional contests. Totals have leaned toward the over, hitting in 7 of 11 games. On the road, the under has been more common, hitting in 3 of 5 games and splitting 2 others as a road dog. In non-division matchups, the over has hit in 5 of 7 games.

Tampa is also 5-6 ATS this season, with a 1-3 record at home, 1-2 as a home favorite, and 3-6 in non-divisional contests. Totals have favored the over in 6 of 11 games, hitting in all 4 home games and 6 of 9 non-divisional matchups.

Final Thoughts

This is a pivotal week for the Buccaneers, as they could either coast through the remainder of the season or come out aggressively. With Baker Mayfield playing through his shoulder injury, I expect this team to attack from the start. I like them to cover the spread, and I also anticipate the over hitting in this contest.