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Buccaneers vs. Cardinals Prediction and Odds for NFL Week 16 (A Christmas Day Lump of Coal)

By Josh Yourish

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12)
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) / Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY
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For a second in Week 15 it looked like Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had things going the right direction against the Cincinnati Bengals. Then, it all went bad real fast. 

Now, the Bucs are 6-8, but they’re also in sole possession of first place in the NFC South as they limp their way to the finish line.

Speaking of limping, the 4-10 Arizona Cardinals are down to their third string quarterback and Trace McSorley couldn’t outduel Brett Rypien in the game that everyone forgot happened this weekend. 

Let’s take a look at what Vegas thinks about this NFC matchup on Christmas Day. 

Buccaneers vs. Cardinals Odds, Spread and Total

Tampa Bay and Arizona Betting Trends

  • Tampa Bay is 3-10-1 ATS 
  • Arizona is 6-8 ATS
  • The Under is 4-10 in Tampa Bay’s games
  • The Under is 5-0 in Tampa Bay’s last five games against teams with losing record

Buccaneers vs. Cardinals Prediction and Pick

Colt McCoy exited the game after sustaining a concussion, so it’ll be a waiting game to see if he can get through concussion protocol to play this week and despite my personal love for McSorley for his time at Penn State, it’s bad news for the Cardinals if McCoy can’t go. McSorley went 7/15 passing with two interceptions against the Broncos in the 24-15 loss. The Cardinals offense is 21st in total yardage, and it was primarily built around Kyler Murray playing backyard football, not the scheming of Kliff Kingsbury. Without Murray I have no faith in this offense. 

That’s not to say I have any faith in the Tampa Bay offense either. The Buccaneers cannot run the ball, they haven’t been able to all season and last week they ran it for 92 yards against Cincinnati. That means a lot falls on Tom Brady’s aging shoulders and he completed 30 of his 44 attempts for 312 yards and three touchdowns, but also had two costly picks and lost two fumbles. Cincinnati capitalized on these turnovers, Arizona won’t be able to and this will be a low-scoring affair. 

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change

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