The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will try to get back to their early-season success and snap a three-game losing streak when they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Tampa Bay has had tough times against quality teams lately, but I expect a bounce-back win and cover against Arizona in my Cardinals vs. Buccaneers predictions and NFL picks below.
Cardinals vs Buccaneers predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Early Cardinals vs Buccaneers spread pick: Buccaneers -2.5
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the darlings of the NFL over the first two months of the season, jumping out to a 6-2 start while quarterback Baker Mayfield earned praise as a potential MVP candidate.
Tampa Bay has now lost three straight, and Mayfield’s performance has fallen off in recent weeks, punctuated by throwing two interceptions before injuring his shoulder in Sunday’s loss to the Rams.
Mayfield’s status is unclear for Tampa Bay’s next game; bettors should get more information on that as the week progresses. Regardless, there’s reason to suspect the Bucs can rebound against the Arizona Cardinals.
Tampa Bay’s last three opponents have a combined record of 26-8, with the Rams and Patriots having two of the best three records in the NFL. On Sunday, they’ll instead face an Arizona team that's 3-8 and has lost eight of its last nine games after starting the season with two wins.
The Buccaneers need a win and get a much-needed opportunity to face an opponent they can handle. I’m expecting a clean win for Tampa Bay, and as long as the spread remains under a field goal, there’s good value on the Bucs to cover.
Early Cardinals vs Buccaneers total pick: Over 44.5
Both teams have had serious issues on defense. The Cardinals are allowing 25.7 ppg and are getting gashed in both the running and passing games, without an offense that can keep up with that deficiency. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are allowing 25.8 ppg to their opponents, and have only managed to stay afloat thanks to Mayfield’s heroics.
Poor defense tends to lead to more points across the board, and that’s certainly been the case for Arizona. The Cardinals have hit the Over in six of their last seven games, scoring 21+ points in every single one of those contests while also allowing 27+ points in five of their last six.
Tampa Bay’s lean isn’t nearly as strong, which may be why oddsmakers aren’t going too high with this total, but the Buccaneers have allowed 24+ points in four of their last five games as well, and the Over is 6-3 in their last nine games overall.
If Mayfield is hurt, that might limit Tampa Bay’s offensive potential a bit, though there’s still plenty of talent to help backup Teddy Bridgewater move the ball against a vulnerable Arizona defense. With both teams regularly putting up — and giving up — points, I’m taking the Over.
Cardinals vs Buccaneers odds
- Cardinals vs. Buccaneers spread: Buccaneers -2.5
- Cardinals vs. Buccaneers moneyline: Cardinals +115, Buccaneers -135
- Cardinals vs. Buccaneers Over/Under: 44.5
How to watch Cardinals vs Buccaneers
- Cardinals vs. Buccaneers matchup
- Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET
- City: Tampa
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium
- TV: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
