Tampa Bay @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 18, 2016 ) Tampa Bay 7, Arizona 40

The Arizona Cardinals are counting on their newly acquired three-time rushing champion to improve their league-worst running game when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Arizona, which is averaging just 51.8 yards on the ground, obtained 2012 NFL MVP Adrian Peterson from New Orleans on Tuesday with hopes that the 32-year-old will resemble his former self after enduring a miserable four-game tenure with the Saints.

"I would expect they are expecting a lot, and that's OK," Peterson told reporters on Wednesday. "I have a lot left in the tank. Stay tuned and you'll be able to see it first-hand." The seven-time Pro-Bowler and two-time rushing touchdowns leader was relegated to third-string duty with New Orleans, gaining 81 yards on 27 carries while making two catches for four yards. The Cardinals look to bounce back from the 34-7 beating they took at Philadelphia last week when they take on the Buccaneers, who will have had nine days off since dropping a 19-14 home decision to New England in their last contest. Tampa Bay also is optimistic about its 27th-ranked rushing attack thanks to the return of Doug Martin, who ran 13 times for 74 yards and a touchdown versus the Patriots after serving a three-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Buccaneers -1.5. O/U: 45

ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (2-2): Kicker Nick Folk's nightmare of a first season with Tampa Bay is over as he was placed on injured reserve with a "minor injury" classification, meaning the team must release him once he becomes healthy. The 32-year-old was a dismal 6-for-11 on field-goal attempts, missing all three in the loss to New England, and also missed two of his nine extra-point tries. Replacing Folk will be Patrick Murray, who appeared in two games for Cleveland last season after converting 20-of-24 field-goal attempts for the Buccaneers in 2014.

ABOUT THE CARDINALS (2-3): Peterson's arrival spelled the end for Chris Johnson, who was released after recording 114 yards on 45 carries in four games. Larry Fitzgerald, who leads the league with 32 catches, made six against Philadelphia last Sunday to join Jerry Rice (274) and Tony Gonzalez (211) as the only players in league history to have a reception in 200 consecutive games. Fitzgerald needs 16 receiving yards to pass Steve Smith Sr. (14,731) for seventh place on the all-time list.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cardinals QB Carson Palmer's next touchdown pass will be the 292nd of his career, breaking a tie with Warren Moon for 12th in NFL history.

2. Seven of the eight players listed on Tampa Bay's injury report are on defense, with five being limited participants in Thursday's practice - including LBs Kwon Alexander (hamstring) and Lavonte David (ankle).

3. While last in the league in rushing, Arizona ranks second in passing with an average of 289 yards per game.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 27, Buccaneers 20