NFL 05/12/21: Tampa Bay Bucs and Atlanta Falcons face off, Arizona Cardinals meet Chicago Bears
It was another high-scoring round of games last weekend. Perhaps the biggest upset was the San Francisco 49ers picking off the Minnesota Vikings. In this preview, we will look ahead to three games taking place on Sunday. These include the Atlanta Falcons v Tampa Bay Bucs, and the Chicago Bears v Arizona Cardinals. We will also take a quick check of the latest match odds.
Tampa Bay Bucs claim a huge win on the road against Indianapolis Colts
The Bucs have a sense of togetherness about their squad. Against the Colts last weekend, they showed true grit and determination to get over the line. Bruce Arians’ men beat the Colts at their own turnover game, as they recovered from a 10-point deficit to clinch a 38-31 victory.
Rob Gronkowski was instrumental in attack, taking seven catches for 123 yards. While running back Leonard Fournette gave a stirring speech that inspired the Bucs to victory. When asked after the match about his pep talk, Fournette said: “At halftime, I said you have to have a will and a want. You have to be willing to risk everything.” The Bucs heeded his message.
- Tampa Bay Bucs to beat Atlanta Falcons @1.18 with Casumo
- Total Points including Overtime Over 50.5 @1.89 with Casumo
Injuries mounting up for Tampa Bay Bucs as Bruce Arians provides updates
The Bucs are seeing their injury list swell. Following the win over the Colts, there are four players who are considered doubts to face the Falcons. Arians appeared to have ruled out an imminent return for Aaron Stinnie. And it is purely a case of playing a waiting game to see if Mike Edwards will be passed fit.
Atlanta Falcons get their act together against Jacksonville Jaguars
Against the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots, the Falcons were on the receiving end of some bruising scorelines. But the Falcons picked themselves up from the canvas last weekend and ran out 21-14 winners against the Jaguars. The Falcons are currently second in the NFC South. While beating the Jaguars won’t move the needle too much, it is a much-needed confidence booster.
Arizona Cardinals in a good spot despite Kliff Kingsbury rumours
There have been a couple of bumps in the road, but the Cardinals are in good shape as they top the NFC West division with a 9-2 record. This is despite speculation suggesting Kliff Kingsbury could leave the Cardinals to take a coaching role at the University of Oklahoma. But Kingsbury tried to deflect attention, claiming he “doesn’t get into those things”.
Arizona Cardinals should be feeling fresh after bye week
The Cardinals currently boast the best record in the NFC Conference. With just six games remaining, can the Cardinals maintain their form? It doesn’t seem like a tough run-in, but one good bit of news is that Richard Lawrence (calf) could come off the injured reserve list soon.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears have been largely underwhelming this season. At the time of writing, their record stood at 4-7, and they are third in the NFC North. On the stats side, they are 31st in the league for yards per game (296.1). They have also conceded the most sacks (37) through 12 weeks of action.
- Arizona Cardinals to beat Chicago Bears @1.25 with Casumo
- Arizona Cardinals to score the first touchdown of the match @1.45 with Casumo
However, the Bears ended a five-game winless streak with a 16-14 win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. Perhaps the three defensive changes helped the Bears’ cause, especially with Artie Burns given the nod ahead of Kindle Vildor. Although Burns allowed two catches for 55 yards, and a touchdown on the first drive, he’s in the frame to start against the Cardinals.
Baltimore Ravens develop a knack of grinding out wins
The Ravens may sit top of the AFC North with an 8-3 record, but they have had their backs against the walls on a few occasions this term. And one of the most unlikely victories came against the Cleveland Browns last weekend. This was despite Lamar Jackson throwing four interceptions.
Nevertheless, they will be up against a Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday that is down on its luck. The Steelers were dismantled by the Cincinnati Bengals 41-10 last weekend. It was the third time in a row that the Bengals had beaten the Steelers. The Steelers need to hit the reset button on their campaign before it fizzles out.
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