Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2020 NFL schedule: 5 must-win games

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for yardage during the third quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 01, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

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3. Home: Minnesota Vikings

Much like Green Bay, the Minnesota Vikings haven’t tangled with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2017. The NFC South and NFC North have not met since that season, and Tampa’s struggles have prevented a commonplace matchup in the last two years.

Minnesota has been a steady contender in that span, reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2017 and the Divisional Round last season. Salary cap considerations have caused the Vikings to begin a reload as key pieces like Everson Griffen, Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes have departed in free agency.

The Vikings also dealt wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills for a pair of draft picks. There is still enough talent on the roster for Minnesota to contend for a playoff spot, but this team is unquestionably weaker than the one that has taken the field over the past several years.

The Buccaneers are more likely to be in the wild card hunt than contending for the division this season, so games like this one are critical in that effort. If Minnesota walks into Tampa Bay and picks up a win, that would give the Vikings the all-important head-to-head tiebreaker.

That tiebreaker is the first distinguishing marker to separate teams tied for postseason spots, so losing it simply isn’t an option for the Buccaneers. Finding a way to top another contender at home is a must for Tom Brady’s team.

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