Cardinals vs Buccaneers: Keys to Week 13 Clash

Injury Headlines Shape NFC South Showdown

The NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) host the struggling Arizona Cardinals (3-8) in a critical Week 13 matchup on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Despite facing significant injury concerns, both teams will field key stars at Raymond James Stadium, with Baker Mayfield and Bucky Irving returning to action for Tampa Bay.

Star Players Return for Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield will extend his remarkable streak of consecutive starts to 46 games after overcoming a left shoulder injury sustained in Week 12. The quarterback practiced fully Friday and is cleared to start, a major boost for the Bucs' playoff aspirations. Joining him in the lineup is explosive running back Bucky Irving, who returns after missing seven games with shoulder and foot injuries. Irving, who averaged 5.3 yards per carry before his injury, adds a dynamic element to Tampa's backfield.

Tampa Bay also welcomes back several defensive stalwarts: linebacker Haason Reddick (ankle/knee), outside linebacker Anthony Nelson (ribs), and starting left guard Ben Bredeson (hamstring). However, rookie cornerback Benjamin Morrison will miss his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury.

Cardinals Battle Roster Woes

Arizona faces a depleted roster, with running back Emari Demercado (ankle) sidelined after leading the team with 241 rushing yards. The Cardinals will also miss starting right guard Will Hernandez (placed on IR) and rookie defensive end Walter Nolen, who returned a fumble for a touchdown in his last appearance. Despite these losses, star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is active after being listed as questionable, providing Kyler Murray with his primary offensive weapon.

Betting Preview and Prediction

The Buccaneers are favored by 3.5 points with an over/under of 44.5 points. Tampa Bay enters as the healthier team, with Mayfield's return and Irving's expected impact giving them a significant edge. Computer models predict a Buccaneers victory, with simulations showing Tampa covering the spread in 65% of scenarios. The predicted final score is Buccaneers 28, Cardinals 20.

"The Bucs have shown they can put up big numbers when healthy. This offense will be nearly intact if Mayfield plays." – CBS Sports Analysis

Where to Watch

Fans can catch the action on FOX at 1 p.m. ET, with streaming available through Fubo. The game holds playoff implications for Tampa Bay as they aim for their sixth consecutive postseason appearance.