It took this game nearly the full week to get a point spread, but when it did the oddsmakers decided the Minnesota Vikings (1-1) would be home dogs when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0).
The game is slated for a 1 p.m. start time on your local FOX affiliate.
The Game: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings (+2.5)
O/U: 39.0
The History
These two teams shared a division, the now defunct NFC Central, from 1977 to 2002 so they’ve played a ton of games. The Vikings lead the all time series 32-22.
Since the NFL realigned in 2002 and put the Buccaneers in the NFC South, the two teams have met just six times. Tampa Bay has won five of those games, all consecutive, with Minnesota breaking the streak with a 19-13 overtime victory in October, 2014.
Minnesota has posted two five-game win streaks in this rivalry. The first came started in November, 1984 and ended in November, 1986. The second started in November, 1987 and ended in November, 1989.
Tampa Bay won six in a row, beginning with their final game in the same division, a 41-14 victory in October, 2001 and ending in October, 2012.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-0)
The Bucs had to wait a week to begin their season thanks to Hurrican Irma and took it out on the Chicago Bears last Sunday with a solid 29-7 beat down. Quarterback Jameis Winston was 18 of 30 for 204 yards, one touchdown and, most importantly, no picks. Winston is a gunslinger and has been fearless to his detriment. That zero in the picks column is a good stat for him.
Tampa Bay will still be without suspended running back Doug Martin, but got a decent game from Jaquizz Rodgers. Rodgers had 19 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown. He’ll be a better weapon when he can compliment Martin, but he can get the job done.
Mike Evans has emerged as one of the five best wide receivers in the NFL and DeSean Jackson on the other side only makes him more dangerous. O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate were seriously underused last week, catching just three balls between them. They should have more opportunities this week as Evans and Jackson will have their hands full with one of the best secondaries in football.
On defense, the Buccaneers recorded only one sack against Mike Glennon and that has to be a concern. They’ll be without linebacker Kwon Alexander for sure who is nursing a hamstring. Chris Baker and Jacques Smith are both listed as doubtful and Tampa has a list of stars that are questionable including Gerald McCoy and cornerback Brent Grimes.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-1)
As banged up as the Buccaneers are, the Vikings are in worse shape. The reason being is their only guy not slated to play is quarterback Sam Bradford, still the victim of a sore knee. In his place, Case Keenum will take the field and quickly eat shit as he always does.
Last week Keenum was 20 of 37 for 167 yards, no touchdowns and no picks. He found Stefon Diggs only twice, which seems insane since a shaky QB should really be looking at his slot guy and outlet, especially on third down. With Keenum keeping the Steelers defense dishonest, Dalvin Cook was bottled up for just 12 carries for 64 yards.
If the Vikings have a chance in this game, it will be because of their defense. Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith are two of the best defensive backs in the NFL and Everson Griffen is already in midseason form after sacking Ben Roethlisberger twice last Sunday.
The Pick
With Keenum in at quarterback, this seems like a good game with which to make a little cash if one were so inclined. While Minnesota has a shutdown corner in Rhodes, I doubt even he can shut down Evans and he definitely can’t play on both sides of the field. Buccaneers 23, Vikings 13
This week
Straight up: 1-0
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 11-5
Against the spread: 8-8
Season
Straight up: 22-10
Against the spread: 16-16
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