Tampa Bay Needs a Win More Than Anyone: Vikings vs. Buccaneers – NFL Picks & Predictions (9/27)
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Fri Sep 25, 2026, 5:12 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nfl
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+0.0
-120
42.5
-110u
-120
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+1.5
-110
42
-110o
+101
Out of all the 0-2 teams in the NFL, I think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the ones who need a win the most. Sure, some would make a case for Harbaugh and the Chargers, but I believe it's Baker and the Bucs. They play in arguably the weakest division in football, they watched the Falcons get their first win of the year last night in Green Bay, and now they host the 2-0 Vikings, making things look even more grim. Can they pull off the upset as short home underdogs against this NFC opponent? Tap in to our expert NFL picks below to find out how they're wagering on this one.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game Information
Nobody needs a win more than Baker and the Buccaneers. Will they find one this Sunday at home?
The Buccaneers have now lost two one score games, and things don't get easier. Next week they host a Packers team coming off a loss with a mini bye beforehand, and after that they go to Dallas on a short week for Thursday Night Football. The NFC South has shown us that it doesn't take a winning record to top the division, so Tampa Bay is far from out of it. But a loss this week could snowball into an 0-5 start (or worse).
As for Minnesota, their offense was firing against the Packers in Week 1, but the defense turned it on in Chicago last Sunday. They held the Bears to just three points after they put up 59 in Carolina. I believe the defense is what's going to set these two teams apart. Obviously we know what Brian Flores' squad is capable of, and I expect the Bucs to lean on that side of the ball until their offense figures things out.
Matchup Information – Minnesota vs. Tampa Bay – September 27
- Venue & Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)
- Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Kick Off: 4:05 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: FOX
Vikings vs. Buccaneers Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of BetOnline as of Friday, September 25, 2026 at 4:15 p.m. eastern.
Spread
- Vikings -1.5 (-104)
- Buccaneers +1.5 (-116)
Moneyline
- Vikings -120
- Buccaneers +100
Total
- Over 42.5 (-110)
- Under 42.5 (-110)
Vikings vs. Buccaneers NFL Analysis and Insights
Tampa Bay has been passing the ball a ton, roughly 60.5% of the time which is top 10 in the NFL. And they boast a top 5 completion percentage. Yet they are No. 26 in yards per pass, and fourth worst in sacks allowed. Not to mention their secondary is allowing a 75% completion rate, while the defensive line is bottom 10 in sacks. However, the rushing defense is performing as a top 5 unit, so they should be able to force Kyler Murray to beat them with his arm.
So far this season, the Vikings run the ball more than anyone, but rank No. 25 in yards per carry. I see them struggling against the Buccaneers front seven. Luckily their defense will make up for it, leading the league in opponent completion percentage, ranking No. 4 in points per play allowed, and No. 8 in third down conversion rate allowed. Both will lean on stopping their opponent, rather than scoring as many as possible.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Expert Picks
Will Aaron Jones struggle to run against this Buccaneers defense in Tampa?
Best Bet: Vikings/Buccaneers 1H Under 21 (-110) BetOnline
Like I said, defense is the name of the game for these two, and I expect it early and often. Tampa Bay's defense struggled early against Cincinnati, giving up 24 on their own, but held the Browns to a couple of field goals before losing. While the offense fine tunes everything, the other side of the ball is going to need to step up, and I see them doing so early against Minnesota.
The Vikings offense did not look like themselves in Week 2 against the Bears. Perhaps the weather played a role, but on the road again, it might be tough for them to score early. Adjustments can certainly be made in the second half, but with Murray back in the lineup, there might be rust left to shake off. I did find this at 21.5, which is still out there, so please do your shopping, and get at least three touchdowns, not 20.5.
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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