Ali Siddiqui’s Prediction for Vikings-Buccaneers in Week 3

The Minnesota Vikings (2-0) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2) will be facing off at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, September 27th.

Minnesota won 9-3 last week at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears. Tampa Bay fell 23-19 at home to the Cleveland Browns. The Vikings-Buccaneers game therefore involves a team trying to get to 3-0 as the other seeks to avoid going 0-3.

Vikings-Buccaneers | The Recent Past

Minnesota leads the all-time series 33-24, but has lost the past two matchups.

These two teams last faced each other in week one of the 2023 season at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Endorses the Unthinkable
Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) stiff arms Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III (24) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

Kirk Cousins went 33/44 for 344 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Justin Jefferson caught nine passes for 150 yards. Jordan Addison caught four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut.

On defense, Camryn Bynum recorded a team-high 10 tackles.

Tampa Bay won 20-17.

“There was quite a few self-inflicted mistakes,” coach Kevin O’Connell said.

For Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield went 21/34 for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Mike Evans caught six passes for 66 yards and a touchdown.

On defense, Devin White recorded a game-high 12 tackles.

Cloud Hangs
Oct 9, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) runs with the ball after a catch during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota finished the season at 7-10, missing the playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC South at 9-8. They lost to the Detroit Lions on the road in the second round of the playoffs.

Minnesota has a great chance to win this game. Starting 3-0 would be very beneficial, especially given that they have some very tough games the rest of the season. A loss would be disappointing without being damning.

The pass rush will once again be one of the keys to the game for Minnesota. Mayfield is one of the best quarterbacks in this league, so the more they make him uncomfortable the better. He has struggled so far this season and Minnesota has one of the best defenses in the league, but Mayfield also got that big contract for a reason.

Tampa Bay has allowed seven sacks so far this season, which is great news for Brian Flores and his defense.

Brian Flores stands on the sideline during the Vikings’ playoff game against the Rams at State Farm Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is shown on Jan. 13, 2025, during the NFC wild card matchup with the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, taking in the atmosphere as his defense prepared for another postseason test. The moment captured Flores’ steady demeanor and leadership presence, traits that have defined his work with Minnesota’s rebuilt defense throughout the 2025 campaign. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Dallas Turner has been off to an incredible start and could have another big game this week. Andrew Van Ginkel has also looked very good. Both are likely very pumped for this matchup.

Prediction: Vikings win 30-13.