NFL Predictions: Will Peterson Make a Difference? 10/15/17

Posted on October 15, 2017

There will be extra buzz at the University of Phoenix Stadium for NFL Predictions Buccaneers Cardinals as Adrian Peterson makes his debut with the hometown Cardinals. The future Hall of Famer was acquired this week, leaving his disgruntled New Orleans backfield to take over the workload for the injured David Johnson. Tampa Bay comes to town under the spotlight in lieu of Peterson’s introduction – a spot that they like.

Odds

There’s line movement this game with Tampa Bay being the 6th most popular bet of the weekend. 62% of the public likes Jameis Winston and company which has moved the line from a PK at open to where it currently stands with the Buccaneers -2.5. A bet on the Arizona ML isn’t looking bad at +116, but there’s also some good value in Tampa Bay outright at -136. The total is set at 46 for two teams who are versatile in both the run and the pass.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After starting off the season with a win, Tampa Bay (3-2) has dropped two of their last three games. The offense has gone defunct in the losses as they averaged just 15.5 PPG. The only win in that span was against the hapless Giants – a close 25-23 victory at that. What’s surprising is that the Buccaneer offense is putting up numbers – 6th in total yards, 3rd in passing. Unfortunately their defense has been a bottom feeder (30th in total yards allowed including 31st in passing). Arizona’s offense may be ready to resurrect themselves in the NFL Predictions Buccaneers Cardinals.

Arizona Cardinals

The signing of Peterson was done because the Cardinals had to do something. Their only two wins of the year required OT and their offense was especially stagnant last week in a 7-34 loss to Philadelphia in which the Cardinals ran for just 31 yards. Bettors shouldn’t expect much from AD in NFL Predictions Buccaneers Cardinals though, first because he’s only known the offense for a couple days but also due to the fact that Tampa Bay sports a top 10 rush defense.

NFL Predictions Buccaneers Cardinals

Neither team has looked especially great lately but Arizona was able to capture a 40-7 win in this game last year. The Cardinals are a veteran team who, despite their slow start, is still only a game out of first in the NFC West. The Bucs dropped their only road game of the season thus far and the home field advantage should be a bit more on the side of Arizona today.