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Tampa Bay considers itself a playoff contender, and flexed its muscle in a blowout of the Bears to begin the season 1-0. The Bucs didn’t play in the opening week because of Hurricane Irma. The Vikings dominated their opener against the Saints but struggled last week against the Steelers. Quarterback uncertainty for Minnesota makes this one a hard one to judge as Sam Bradford is dealing with a troublesome knee injury. Check for clarity in that area as the game gets closer.
This contest in Week 3 of the regular season will go down Sunday, September 24, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Odds Analysis
The Vikings would likely be slight favorites if Bradford was unquestionably starting, but right now his status is uncertain. The bookmakers will wait for a clearer picture before putting a spread on this game. Bradford’s status will also affect the scoring total, as the Vikings offense may have some trouble if he is sidelined.
Injury Report
Sam Bradford – The Vikings’ signal-caller tested out his knee before the game in Pittsburgh but wasn’t ready to go. The diagnosis is reportedly a bruise, so he should be back sooner rather than later. However, for this week’s betting purposes, it’s tough to know if he will play. Case Keenum is the backup and an inferior option, so it’s a situation that must be monitored up to kickoff.
Doug Martin – The Buccaneers’ starting running back is suspended and won’t be back until Week 5. Jacquizz Rodgers is filling in and is a decent running back, although Minnesota has a stout defense.
Kwon Alexander – Tampa Bay’s middle linebacker made an early impact in the Bucs’ big win over the Bears Sunday by intercepting a pass in the red zone on Chicago’s opening drive, but left the game early with a hamstring injury. He also missed time in the preseason with a hamstring injury.
Matchup To Watch
Buccaneers passing game vs. the Vikings’ defense -- Tampa Bay has a young and talented arm in Jameis Winston at quarterback. If he continues to progress this year, the Buccaneers could be dangerous. However, this is a tough matchup for him.
Minnesota has some talented players in its secondary as well as a fierce pass rush. The Vikings aren’t a super explosive team no matter who is at quarterback, and so its defense is usually the unit leading the way to victory. If Winston can consistently find success through the air, the Buccaneers will have a decent shot at pulling off this upset.
However, if the pass rush gets after him, interceptions could come and the Vikings would then take control.
Free ATS Pick
Much of this outcome depends on the health of Bradford. Assuming he plays, the feeling is that the Vikings should have enough to win a close one. The fans will give the team a nice home field advantage, and the defense should have a good showing.
Keep an eye on the quarterback situation for Minnesota, but as long as the Vikings are able to bring out their starter, they will have the slightest of edges. Watch for the spread because even if the Buccaneers lose they could cover if the Vikings have to give up a few points.
The scoring total is also something to check out when it is released. Consider the “under” if the total looks too high when it is released.
NFL Odds: Vikings 19, Buccaneers 17
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