The 6-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers begin a three-game homestand on Sunday afternoon as the 3-8 Arizona Cardinals visit Raymond James Stadium. The Cardinals possess a high-octane passing attack behind Jacoby Brissett and have only suffered two losses by more than four points. The Buccaneers are trying to get back on track after a three-game losing skid. To find out how to watch, listen and livestream the game, click here.
The top concern among nearly all NFL analysts regarding Sunday's game is the health of Baker Mayfield. That uncertain situation has led some to believe the Bucs are in danger of a fourth straight loss, though others contend that Teddy Bridgewater would do just fine n Mayfield's absence. One expert who picked the Bucs think they will lean on an improving run game and will combine that with more inspired defensive play than in recent weeks. Of course, that defensive performance of late is a sticking point for some analysts, one of whom pointed out that the Bucs have allowed the most touchdown passes and the third-worst passing EPA over the past three weeks. The return of Bucky Irving gives some experts more faith in the Bucs' Week 13 fate. And the Cardinals' long trip east plus an early kickoff time factored into the equation for at least one analyst.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports explains why he thinks the Bucs will win regardless of who starts at quarterback:
"Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered a shoulder sprain Sunday night that puts his status in doubt for this one. That means it could be Teddy Bridgewater. He is more than capable. The Cardinals have had success with Jacoby Brissett throwing it, but they are one-dimensional. The Tampa Bay defense wasn't good against the Rams, but I think they bounce back here. Bucs take it."
The Buccaneers are 3.0-point favorites at home and are generally favored by the experts, though there are plenty of dissenters. Here's what some of them are predicting will occur on Sunday when the Bucs and Cardinals battle it out:
NFL.com – It's close to a split but the Bucs pull three of five analysts to their side
ESPN.com – Among a whopping 11 prognosticators, only Eric Moody dissents, picking Arizona
CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco predicts a 27-20 Buccaneers win
USA Today – Five of six experts lean in Bucs' direction
Bleacher Report – Picking against the spread, four of seven analysts take the underdog Cards
Pro Football Talk – In a rarity, Mike Florio and Chris Simms agree on a Bucs win
Sports Illustrated – The Bucs get the nod from four of six prediction-makers
Sporting News – Vinnie Iyer predicts a close Bucs victory
