The Minnesota Vikings head out on the road again in Week 3 and land in Raymond James Stadium to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here are three key Vikings in this matchup.
3 Key Vikings vs. Buccaneers
Despite ongoing QB injury woes, Minnesota has started the 2026 season well, winning both games so far. Both wins came against division opponents in the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.
The Vikings head outside of the division for the first time this season – albeit against a former division rival – and will take on the winless Buccaneers. Here are my three key Vikings who will be vital in the team coming home from Florida with a third win.
Dallas Turner
Dallas Turner has not only been one of the early stories of the season for the Vikings, but also the entire league. On the defensive side of the ball, it’s pass rushers that makes the headlines and the big money. Over the first two weeks, Turner has been playing at an elite level. He leads the league with 20 pressures, while also having 3 sacks, 11 QB hits, 2 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. There is plenty of buzz surrounding Turner after his electric start to the season.
The Vikings’ rising star can prove himself in a heavyweight Week 3 matchup against Tristan Wirfs. Turner will be up against one of the league’s elite when he lines up on the right side against Tampa Bay’s left tackle. If he can continue to have similar success this week, Turner’s star will rise even higher and we can start to think about comparing his efforts to those of the big-name pass rushers. Turner being able to get the better of Wirfs at least some of the time will go a long way to helping the Vikings win this game.
Justin Jefferson
Since the back end of last season, the Vikings have had one of the most run-heavy offenses in the league. It was a major switch from Kevin O’Connell that has led to seven straight wins for his team. However, with Jordan Mason on Injured Reserve and Aaron Jones working through a knee injury the Vikings’ passing attack might have to do the heavy lifting this week.
That means lots of Justin Jefferson. The Vikings star player has 147 receiving yards and two touchdowns from the opening pair of games. This would be the opportune time for one of Jefferson’s big 100+ receiving-yard games. He can completely take over a game when at his best with an accurate ball coming his way.
Kyler Murray
It’s take two for Kyler Murray’s Vikings debut.
After a frantic start in Week 1, Murray was knocked out of the game with a concussion. He had only attempted five passes, which was no time for Murray to settle down or the offense to get into any kind of rhythm. Carson Wentz was good enough to help the Vikings to two wins but it was largely on the back of a couple of outstanding performances from the defense. Murray is back and will return as the Vikings starting quarterback this week.
There is a lot to like about this team but before Minnesota will be considered a true contender we need to see consistently good play at quarterback. To still be waiting for that answer to even begin to take shape heading into Week 3 isn’t ideal but it was an unfortunate incident where Murray took a blow to the head while sliding on a scrambled run. Murray gets another chance on Sunday, and with the Vikings banged up at running back, a lot will fall on his shoulders.