Week 3: Vikings Visit Buccaneers With Tampa Bay 0-2 and Minnesota Winning Ugly
The Minnesota Vikings visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, September 27. Minnesota is 2-0 after a 9-3 win at Chicago in which Carson Wentz threw for 143 yards and Aaron Jones Sr. ran for 105; Kyler Murray remains in the concussion protocol and Jordan Mason is on injured reserve. Tampa Bay is 0-2 after a 23-19 home loss to Cleveland in which Baker Mayfield threw for 182 yards with an interception, following a 33-27 loss at Cincinnati; Mayfield said the Buccaneers need to fight their way out of the start.
Brian Flores' defense
Three points allowed in Chicago and two takeaways; Minnesota has won with 39 points and with 9.
Mayfield's offense
Nineteen and 27 points, and Tampa Bay settled for three field goals in the first half against Cleveland.
Wentz or Murray
Murray's status through the protocol decides the Vikings' ceiling; Wentz has one touchdown pass in six quarters.
AI Prediction
Vikings 
Buccaneers Tampa Bay at home in a must-win spot
The Buccaneers have lost two close games and outgained Cleveland; 0-3 would be a season-defining hole.
Minnesota's defense keeps it low
Flores' unit has allowed 25 points in two games, so Tampa Bay's projection is 23 rather than more.
The Vikings' offense with Wentz is limited
Nine points in Chicago; a 3-point home lean is as far as the model goes.
A Low-confidence home lean. If Murray is cleared, the Minnesota offense changes and so would this pick.
Buccaneers Leaders
Vikings Leaders
Team Stats
| Vikings | Stat | Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| 24.0 | Points Per Game | 23.0 |
| 260.0 | Total Yards | 312.0 |
| 147.0 | Yards Passing | 199.0 |
| 113.0 | Yards Rushing | 113.0 |
| 12.5 | Points Allowed Per Game | 28.0 |
| 389.5 | Yards Allowed | 321.0 |
| 289.5 | Pass Yards Allowed | 246.0 |
| 100.0 | Rush Yards Allowed | 75.0 |
Venue
Closing Line
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Buccaneers Injuries