Buccaneers vs Vikings: Game Pick – Vikes without Bradford

JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 17: Jameis Winston
JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 17: Jameis Winston /
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The 1-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers go on the road to take on the 1-1 Minnesota Vikings in week 3. Here is the pick for Buccaneers vs Vikings.

The Minnesota Vikings lost in week 2 on the road to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  After an impressive win in week 1, they now return home for Buccaneers vs Vikings having to play again without quarterback Sam Bradford.

Bradford played well in week 1 against the Saints and enthusiasm was high for the Vikings.  However, Sam Bradford revealed he had sustained a non contact injury to his knee.  The same knee he’s had problems with in the past.  Bradford was unable to play last week and according to head coach Mike Zimmer, Sam Bradford won’t play this week either.

This is bad news because the Minnesota Vikings could use Bradford to face off against Jameis WInston and the Buccaneers offense.  The Vikings will start Case Keenum at quarterback for the second straight week.  Keenum is a good backup but as a starter he doesn’t bring what Bradford can to the offense..

However, the Vikings do have some talented players on defense and Mike Zimmer will need his defense to play well.  The Vikings will also need to run the ball well.  So rookie Dalvin Cook must have a good game running the ball to take some of the pressure off Case Keenum.

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Jameis Winston has some outstanding weapons on offense to throw to.  Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson form a dynamic receiving duo.  On the other side is Stefon Diggs, who had a great game 1.  But without Sam Bradford throwing to him, he’ said not as effective a receiver.

Case Keenum will play better in front of his home fans than he did on the road against the Steelers.  So the Vikings will keep things close.  However, the edge at quarterback goes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jameis Winston.  Bucs win.  Who do you think will win this game?

Next: NFL Power Rankings – Week 3: A Shake up in Top 10

Winner:   Buccaneers

Score prediction:       24-17  Buccaneers

Points spread:      Buccaneers  -2.5

Over/under:  39.5 – Over

1:00pm – FOX