The 6-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the 3-8 Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs are riding a three-game losing streak and will strive to get back on track against a reeling Cardinals' club that is last in the NFC West. Tampa Bay fell to the Los Angeles Rams, 34-7 in Week 13 as the home team dominated in all phases and while the Cardinals are also riding a three-game skid, the team has top-tier playmakers on both sides of the football in Trey McBride, Budda Baker, Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell. Following kickoff at 1:00 p.m. ET, here are five Buccaneers to keep an eye on:
Lavonte David
Trey McBride, the engine of the Cardinals' offense, is tied for second in the NFL with 80 catches and has found the end zone seven times in 2025 (fourth in the NFL). He primarily is utilized out of the slot and is proficient at in-breaking routes, generating 345 yards after the catch. McBride can hurdle over defenders to gain additional yardage and has sticky hands in contested catch situations. He can win against corners, safeties and linebackers, anchoring Arizona's offense. For Tampa Bay, Lavonte David will be tasked with containing the fourth-year tight end. David is second on the team with 78 tackles and has nabbed an interception, two passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2025. Instincts are the formula to David's game, whether rushing the passer or covering tight ends. He is fluid in transition and is effective in both man and zone coverage.
Bucky Irving
Bucky Irving will make his highly-anticipated return to action against the Cardinals, after missing seven games due to foot and shoulder injuries, respectively. In 2024, Irving led rookies with 1,122 rushing yards, 1,514 yards from scrimmage and eight rushing touchdowns. He led the NFL last season in forcing a missed tackle on 38.5% of his totes and possesses effective lateral cuts. Irving is decisive downhill and fortifies the ground attack with shifty moves. He will face Budda Baker on Sunday, the Cardinals' tackling machine. Baker leads Arizona in tackles with 78 and has recorded five run stuffs in 2025. Baker has a rare ability in the box, forcing offensive coordinators to change plays based on where No. 7 is lined up. He is disciplined in filling gaps and can mirror change of direction in space with his play speed.
Chris Godwin
Chris Godwin returned in Week 12 against the Rams after a five-game absence due to a fibula injury but the Bucs had him on a limited pitch count. Head Coach Todd Bowles confirmed that Godwin will play an increased role in the offense this week and could work his way to becoming the go-to target on third down. Godwin also missed the first three games of the 2025 season while returning from a severe ankle injury suffered last November but he has been one of the Bucs' most lethal weapons out of the slot throughout his tenure. Before his injury in 2024, Godwin led the NFL in receptions and receiving first downs. He plays with outstanding body control and is effective on out-breaking routes, crossers, comebacks and jet sweeps. With a less restricted release from the slot, Godwin takes advantage. When he is moved inside, Godwin will face Cardinals' nickel corner Garrett Williams. Williams has totaled five passes defensed and is twitchy from zone coverage. He can match routes from his backpedal and plays with controlled movements.
Tristan Wirfs
The Cardinals' Josh Sweat ranks seventh in the NFL with 9.0 sacks and is so disruptive that oftentimes quarterbacks do not have enough time to get their feet set. Teams employ double teams to try and mitigate his effectiveness and he sets the tone against the run. Sweat has a variety of moves in his bag, including an elite long-arm, spin, swipe, and he can win with power. He rushes from both the left and right ends and on Sunday, he will face Tristan Wirfs. The four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro has freaky athleticism and is quick out of his stance. He is proficient on pulls and can slide with the best edge rushers. For Tampa Bay, keeping Sweat out of the backfield will be a priority.
Emeka Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka, the September Offensive Rookie of the Month, was the only player in NFL history with 25-plus receptions, 400-plus receiving yards and five-plus receiving touchdowns through his first five career games. His yards dipped against both the Rams and Bills, but he is averaging 15.6 yards per reception. Egbuka has consistently demanded double teams, a testament to his ability during his first year in the NFL. The Ohio State product commands the catch point and runs his routes with tempo and has an understanding of when to utilize subtle fakes to manipulate coverage. He is smooth in and out of breaks and pairs stupendous ball-tracking skills with adjustments at the stem to bait defenders.
