- CARDINALS at BUCCANEERS
- 11 a.m. Sunday
- Raymond James Stadium
- Line: Cardinals +3 (For more NFL odds, visit the BetMGM online sportsbook)
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NAME: CODY SIMON
After you lose a starter at a key position like inside linebacker, you have to hope that there isn't a dropoff in play. While Cody Simon isn't as much a thumper like Mack Wilson Sr. is, the rookie has been really solid as the QB of the defense. This weekend against the Bucs, the door is open for Simon's unit to take advantage of a banged up Tampa Bay offense. It appears that Teddy Bridgewater could be in line for his first start since 2022. The team is also prepared for running back Bucky Irving to return. Might they rely on Irving a tad more since (if?) Baker Mayfield is out? If so, Simon and Co. need to be ready to stop the Buccaneers rushing attack.
-- Zach Gershman
NUMBER(S): 25, 303
It's one thing to be given an opportunity, but it's another to take advantage of the opportunity. Michael Wilson has definitely excelled in the latter. In fact, no one has been better. Not on the Cardinals. Not on any other team in the NFL. With Marvin Harrison Jr. sidelined, Wilson has stepped up his level of production. His 25 receptions and 303 receiving yards since Week 11 lead the league. Plus, the 25 receptions are the most in any two-game span in franchise history. Again, what do you do when an opportunity presents itself? Wilson answered the bell.
-- Craig Grialou
NUANCE: LESS MAY BE MORE
Enough about that other contact sport, Black Friday. Let's talk about a black Cardinals jersey currently on display in the Hall of Fame. Because you can't spell Brissett without the 'set' and that's exactly what the AZ QB did recently with an NFL single-game record 47 completions. What's more, Jacoby Brissett currently leads the NFL in passing yards per game (314.5). Thing is, the Cards win in Dallas coincided with -- envelope please -- Brissett's season low in pass attempts (31). So, although nobody wants to hear "less is more," especially during a football feedbag weekend (#GobbleGobble), a more balanced offense means an attack less reliant on the turkey wing, err, right arm of your QB. Not to mention less susceptible to a Tampa defense ranked Top five in blitz rate and QB pressure percentage.
-- Paul Calvisi
