The Arizona Cardinals did not open their season the way they would have liked, and now they are in a game that should be one of the most exciting games of week two. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to Phoenix to take on the Cardinals. Week one saw the Bucs go on the road and defeat division rival Atlanta Falcons 31-24, while the Cardinals opened the season with a disappointing loss at home to the New England Patriots by a score of 23-21. Both teams are capable of putting up some serious points, and this should be a fun one.
The Bucs, led by Jameis Winston, proved they can match any other team on the scoreboard, torching the Falcons for 31 points. Winston threw for four touchdown passes while spreading his 281 yards amongst a bunch of different players. Mike Evans will always be his favorite target, but will likely be covered by Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson this week. So Winston may need to rely on Doug Martin and Charles Sims a little more this week if the Bucs want to win this one. Coming off a big divisional win, this can certainly be a letdown type of game for Tampa, especially on the road.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, are going to be hell bent on getting that win, as they do not want to start 0-2. Carson Palmer, David Johnson, and the offense began to put things together at the end of last week’s game, and will look to build on that momentum. Peterson and defense have more skill than they showed last week, and I certainly expect a better game out of the team as a whole this week.
Typically in a game with two potent offenses like this, I would take the over without hesitation. But this time, I am going to throw a curveball. Given the Bucs are going west following a divisional win, I think they struggle with this one. Peterson will take away Evans, and the Bucs only put together 14 or so points. And while I like the Cardinals offense, I do not expect 36 points out of them in this one, so I lean towards the under on this one.
Line: Ari -6.5, O/U: 50
Pick: Cardinals and the under
Result: Ari 40 – TB 7, Cardinals and the under
To see the spreads and over/under for each week two match-up, make sure you head over to our master sheet right here!