The Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to play each other Sunday at 11 a.m. Arizona time at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs are 4.5-point favorites.
However, both teams are riding losing streak, as the Cardinals have lost their last two games and the Bucs have lost four in a row.
Tampa scores a lot of points and gives up even more. Arizona can score a lot of points and they also have a statistically bad defense.
Tampa turns the ball over. Arizona does not.
How will this game play out? Bucs Wire managing editor Colin Liotta and I each give our picks for the game. Both predict a close, high-scoring game.
Jess Root: Cardinals 34, Buccaneers 31
I think this is a shootout. The Cardinals will be able to get a lead but the Bucs will come back. However, the Cardinals will force a late turnover and hold on for the win.
Colin Liotta: Buccaneers 37, Cardinals 34
I think these two teams are very evenly matched, and the only reason I’ll give the Buccaneers the edge is because of where this game is being played. Tampa Bay hasn’t played a true home game at Raymond James Stadium since Week 3’s loss to the New York Giants. Since then, they’ve traveled for games in Los Angeles, New Orleans, London, Tennessee and Seattle, respectively. They went just 1-4 during that span but have shown toughness the past two games. A homecoming game in front of their fans should give them the boost they need. I see this game coming down to the wire, with the Bucs winning on a game-winning field goal.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
