The Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are both facing quarterback challenges as they prepare for their Week 13 matchup during the 2025 NFL season. With Kyler Murray remaining on injured reserve, it has been confirmed that he will not be playing. On the other hand, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to start despite dealing with a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder. As the Cardinals vie for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, the Buccaneers aim to secure a spot in the postseason for the sixth consecutive year.
The game will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. The Buccaneers are currently favored by 3.5 points, while the total points over/under is set at 44.5.
The odds could change depending on Mayfield’s final status. Fortunately for the Buccaneers, they are anticipating the return of running back Bucky Irving, and wide receiver Chris Godwin has recently been on the field. If Mayfield plays, the offense will be nearly complete, and Tampa Bay has demonstrated its ability to score impressively when healthy. The Buccaneers hold a 5-6 record against the spread (ATS) and are 6-5 to the Over, while the Cardinals also have a 5-6 ATS record, but are 7-4 to the Over for the season.
A score prediction model favors the Buccaneers, projecting them to win comfortably. The model indicates that Tampa Bay covers the 3-point spread in 65% of simulations, winning outright in 68% of cases, with the over hitting at least 58% of the time when the total is set at 44. This could set the stage for a high-scoring affair, with a predicted score of Buccaneers 28, Cardinals 20.
As football fans gear up for this crucial matchup, the anticipation builds not only for the teams involved but also for the potential impact on their respective seasons.