Bucs vs. Cardinals Prediction
Tom Brady and the Bucs have had a rough season and yet, they’re still in the driver’s seat when it comes to winning the NFC South and advancing to the playoffs. However, will the Bucs even cover against the Cardinals and third-string QB Trace McSorley on Christmas night?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
479 Tampa Bay Bucs (-7.5) at 480 Arizona Cardinals (+7.5); o/u 39.5
8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday, December 25, 2022
State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Bucs at Cardinals Public Betting Information
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 58% of public bettors are currently backing the Bucs when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Tampa Bay Bucs DFS Spin
Tom Brady completed 30-of-44 attempts for 312 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in the Bucs’ Week 15 loss to the Bengals. Brady and the Bucs were in control in the first half. They used play action far more than they have at any point this season and kept the Bengals defense off balance, helping Tampa wideouts create consistent separation and leaving the pocket clean for Brady. The Bucs curiously abandoned the heavy play action usage in the second half and the Bengals swamped Brady with consistent pressure. His passes were tipped and thrown off course, leading to two picks in a dominant second half performance by the Cincy defense. Without an effective running back, the Bucs should lean into the pass, as they did in 2020 and 2021. Hopefully for Brady and the Bucs pass catchers’ fantasy prospects, they do just that in Week 16 against the pass-funnel Cardinals. Brady will be a top-12 option against Arizona.
Arizona Cardinals DFS Spin
Trace McSorley will start for the Cardinals in Week 16 against the Bucs. Colt McCoy will miss Week 16 while recovering from a concussion. McSorley has 29 passes in relief duty this year. He has thrown for 166 yards and three interceptions. Expectations for him and the entire offense will be shockingly low this week. DeAndre Hopkins and James Conner will still be WR2 and RB2 options respectively, but fantasy managers shouldn’t look any deeper on this roster for FLEX options.
Bucs at Cardinals Betting Trends
Under is 5-1 in Buccaneers last 6 road games
Under is 10-4 in Buccaneers last 14 games overall
Over is 7-1 in Cardinals last 8 games overall
Over is 4-1 in Cardinals last 5 home games
Bucs at Cardinals Prediction:
The Bucs are 0-4 against the spread in the last four meetings between these two teams, while the underdog is 4-1 against the number in the last five meetings. The Bucs are also 1-10-1 against the spread in their last 12 games overall, are 0-4 against the number in their last four road games and are 0-8-1 at the betting window in their last nine games coming off an ATS loss. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games coming off an ATS loss and have covered in seven of their last nine games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous contest.
NFL WEEK 16 PREDICTION: ARIZONA CARDINALS +7.5
