Buccaneers at Vikings: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

The Minnesota Vikings head back home in Week 3, as they welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a possible playoff preview to U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Minnesota Vikings looked so good in their Week 1 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, as quarterback Sam Bradford shredded them to the tune of 346 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Vikings did not have Bradford last weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as the veteran signal-caller is having issues with his left knee. He does not need surgery, and the odds are he will be back under center this weekend.

In Week 3, the Vikings have another tall order on their hands, as they welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to U.S. Bank Stadium. The Bucs throttled the Chicago Bears last weekend, which was their first game of the season. Tampa Bay and Miami had their Week 1 matchup canceled due to Hurricane Irma, though the Bucs showed no ill effects from the extra week off.

For Tampa Bay, their season is going to revolve around Jameis Winston, who has developed into one of the better young quarterbacks in the NFC. He has gradually made his team into a playoff contender, and this could be the season they finally cross that barrier. They are going to have to get good effort from their running backs, because the passing game should be able to be successful against anybody.

That passing game will be tested on Sunday, as the Vikings come into this game with one of the best secondaries in the league. Minnesota has an elite defense, so expect this game to go down to the wire. Both of these teams could be headed to a Wildcard spot this season, so you can bet there will be some added intensity when they hook up on Sunday.

Odds

Line: N/L

Over/Under: N/A

The Vikings do not know who will play quarterback on Sunday, so there is no line on the game just yet. As we get closer to kick off, head on over to sportsbookreview.com for any changes up until kickoff.

Next: NFL power rankings, Week 3: Broncos rise, Bengals fall

Prediction

The Vikings are tough at home, and they have the kind of defense that can win you a championship. However, not having Bradford would prove to be too much to overcome, so we are going to go with the Buccaneers in this one. If Bradford does play, the Vikings may be the favorite, but we are going to roll with Jameis and the Buccaneers for a solid road win on Sunday.

Final Score: Buccaneers 27, Vikings 20