Last meeting
Arizona kicker Neil Rackers kicked four field goals to lead the host Cardinals to a 12-7 victory on Jan. 1, 2005.
Streaks
The Buccaneers lead the all-time series, 8-7, but the Cardinals have won seven of the last 11.
Last week
The Cardinals had a bye last week following a heart-breaking 21-19 loss at Washington. Kurt Warner battled to lead the Cardinals back, but the rally fell just short as Rackers missed the potential game-winning field goal as time expired. The Buccaneers suffered their own share of heartbreak, as Jeff Garcia's last-minute rally fell just short in a 24-23 loss to the Jaguars.
At stake
The Cardinals are in second place in the NFC West and need to keep pace with the Seahawks. The Buccaneers have the same number of wins as the first-place Panthers, but they really need to keep an eye out for the Saints, who have crept back into the NFC South race with three consecutive victories.
Key matchup:
Cardinals running back Edgerrin James vs. Buccaneers run defense. Teams have been able to scheme for the immobile Warner, meaning the Cardinals need to establish the run early. James is second in the NFC with 603 rushing yards and his teams are 47-6 when he rushes for more than 100 yards. Tampa Bay's defense isn't what it once was, especially against the run; the Bucs are allowing 125 rushing yards per game.
Did you know?
Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald leads the NFC with 642 receiving yards. ... Buccaneers receiver Joey Galloway has four touchdowns this season and averages 55 yards per touchdown.
