Cardinals vs. Buccaneers bold predictions for Week 13 matchup

Week 13 brings an unexpectedly intriguing matchup at 3-8 Arizona Cardinals travel east to face 6-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s a team clinging to first place in the NFC South, but trending in the wrong direction. Tampa Bay is on a three-game losing streak and uncertainty at quarterback. Meanwhile, Arizona embraces the role of spoiler behind the steady veteran Jacobi Brissett. As such, this game has the makings of one of the week’s treacherously close battles.

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The Cardinals did not play as a typical 3-8 team. Despite a three-game skid, they have consistently kept games close. Much of their recent competitiveness has come from Brissett, who has brought stability and patience to the offense. His ability to distribute the ball gives Arizona a chance against a Buccaneers pass defense that has been exposed in recent weeks. Tampa Bay’s secondary has given up explosive plays in back-to-back games. With cornerback Jamel Dean nursing a hip injury, Arizona will look to aggressively push the ball downfield. The Cardinals defense must contain the run to avoid being physically exhausted late. It’s something that has plagued them in close losses.

Buccaneers, meanwhile, are teetering on the edge of danger. Their once-commanding lead in the NFC South is threatened by a three-game slide. Even more concerning is the quarterback status Baker Mayfield. He was unable to practice due to a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder. If Mayfield can’t go, Tampa Bay turns to Teddy Bridgewater. He’s a reliable veteran, but a clear step back in terms of offensive explosiveness. That puts more pressure on running back Bucky Irving. He should bounce back and become a central part of Tampa Bay’s game plan. The Buccaneers defense also needs to tighten up after several weeks of breakdowns. With both teams capable of forcing turnovers, this matchup could come down to who protects the ball and who manages the moment.

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Here we take a look and discuss some bold predictions for the Cardinals vs. Buccaneers Week 13 game of the 2025 NFL season.

Jacoby Brissett’s passing offense explodes with more than 300 yards

Brissett has attempted more passes per game than any quarterback since becoming the Cardinals’ starter. In fact, he averages 43.5 attempts. That volume sets the scene for a statistically significant day. Dean is busted and Tampa Bay’s assistant is struggling to communicate. As such, Michael Wilson and the rest of Arizona’s young receiving corps will have opportunities to generate chunk plays. Expect Brissett to remain aggressive. He will take advantage of soft zones and mismatches on his way to exceed 300 yards through the air.

Bucky Irving returns with over 100 yards

Tampa Bay’s offense needs a stabilizing force. Irving’s return could be just what the team calls for. Full participation in practice, Irving seems ready to handle a heavy workload. The Cardinals showed some fight on the defensive end. However, they tend to fade in the fourth quarter, often surrendering long runs late. Irving faces an Arizona defense that has given up 132 yards and 4.7 yards per carry over the past five weeks. Tampa Bay will rely on him early and often to control the tempo. His dual threat ability gives him a path to 100+ yards from scrimmage and at least one score.

The Buccaneers force three turnovers

Although Arizona’s offense has improved with Brissett, the Cardinals are still prone to losses. Tampa Bay ranks in the top five in blitz rate. Todd Bowles will not hesitate to turn up the pressure. Brissett’s approach to big numbers increases the risk, and Tampa’s desperate front seven should play with increased urgency. Expect more interceptions, layups, or both, with one turnover turning directly into a defensive touchdown that energizes the home crowd.

Mike Evans and Chris Godwin combine for less than 100 yards

With the uncertainty surrounding Tampa Bay’s quarterback situation, this seems very real. If Bridgewater starts or Mayfield plays while limited, the Buccaneers’ pass game will lose its vertical explosiveness. The Cardinals’ secondary will likely overshadow Evans and Godwin’s coverage. They will force Tampa Bay to rely more on tight ends and the run. Given Arizona’s ability to muck up passing lanes, the star duo can be unusually quiet.

The Cardinals keep it a one-score game until the final whistle

Despite their record, the Cardinals have consistently competed against playoff-caliber teams. Their toughness, paired with Tampa Bay’s recent struggles and injury concerns, suggests this won’t be a bust. Historically, West Coast teams flying east for early kickoffs have struggled. Arizona’s effort level, however, remained high throughout the season. Expect a tight, defensive battle with the Cardinals staying within one possession deep into the fourth quarter.

Again, the Bucs bring back Irving at the perfect time. Still, with Mayfield likely out, this matchup becomes a true coin toss. The Cardinals are fully capable of stealing it, but will come up short, 23-20.

Looking ahead

Both teams enter Week 13 with urgency. Tampa Bay wants to stay atop the NFC South. Arizona wants to play spoiler while building the future. Whether it suits Mayfield or not, the Buccaneers can’t overlook a Cardinals team that struggles every week. Fans should brace themselves for a tense, hard-fought game that remains undecided until the final moments.