The Arizona Cardinals, with a record of 4-7, are gearing up for an important matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who hold a 6-5 record, this Sunday. As 2.5-point underdogs on the road, the Cardinals are still holding onto a slim chance of playoff contention, despite needing a significant turnaround from their current trajectory. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers, leading the NFC South, are looking to regain momentum after suffering four losses in their last five outings.
A key player for the Cardinals is Marvin Harrison Jr., who is making his return to the field but has been listed as questionable. The team’s first-round pick in 2024 has not shown his expected potential due to having missed the previous two games following an appendectomy. Despite this, reports indicate that he has a strong chance of playing this week, though he was limited during practice.
From a fantasy football perspective, if Harrison Jr. is able to suit up, he may face some competition for targets. With Michael Wilson stepping up and recording 23 receptions for 303 yards during Harrison Jr.’s absence, there will be several playmakers vying for attention in the passing game, including the tight end Trey McBride.
A positive aspect for the Cardinals is the performance of quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who has been effective in stepping in for Kyler Murray. Brissett has consistently thrown for over 44 pass attempts in his last three games, indicating a pass-heavy game plan that could play well against the Buccaneers’ defense. If Harrison Jr. does take the field, he, along with Wilson and McBride, could all be viable starts in fantasy this week, particularly given the expected game script.
With both teams needing a victory for different reasons—Arizona to stay in the playoff hunt and Tampa Bay to stabilize their season—this matchup promises to be crucial for both sides as they look to finish the season strong.