The Minnesota Vikings have reached Week 3 undefeated, but they're still waiting to see what their offense looks like with Kyler Murray under center for a full game.
That wait ends Sunday. Murray has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will return against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after missing Week 2 and most of Minnesota's Week 1 victory over Green Bay. The veteran quarterback suffered the concussion early in the opener, completing just 3-of-5 passes for 18 yards and an interception before exiting.
Carson Wentz deserves plenty of credit for keeping the Vikings rolling in Murray's absence. Wentz came off the bench against the Packers and helped Minnesota complete the comeback before starting Week 2 against Chicago and leading the Vikings to
a 9-3 victory. He finished that game with 143 yards and no turnovers, giving Kevin O'Connell's offense exactly what it needed while Murray recovered.
Now O'Connell's offense gets another chance to find its rhythm against a Tampa Bay defense that struggled to contain Deshaun Watson and the Browns in Week 2. But the bigger concern for Todd Bowles could be on the other side of the ball. Baker Mayfield has struggled through two games, and facing Brian Flores' blitz-heavy Minnesota defense offers little reason to expect an easy afternoon.
Mayfield already has four turnovers, while the Bucs are averaging just 19.5 points per game. There are also intriguing playmakers to watch. Justin Jefferson has gotten off to a strong start after a disappointing 2025, while Bucky Irving has provided Tampa Bay with an explosive weapon, rushing for 134 yards on 25 carries through two games.
At 0-2, Tampa Bay desperately needs to avoid falling into an even deeper hole. Minnesota, meanwhile, finally gets Murray back. Can the Bucs slow him down - or will the Vikings finally show what this offense can be at full strength?
Vikings at Buccaneers live odds
Opening Lines
- Spread: Vikings -1.5
- Moneyline: Vikings -120; Buccaneers +105
- Over/Under: 42.5
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Vikings at Buccaneers picks against the spread
Adam Kaufman: Vikings -1.5
As the spread indicates, this one's a coin flip. I'm inclined to back the road team that's simply playing better football. Kyler Murray returns from his concussion to take over a team Carson Wentz helped guide to a 2-0 start, but defense has been the story. Isn't it always with Brian Flores? Murray doesn't need to be spectacular. Protect the football, make the occasional downfield connection with Justin Jefferson and let Minnesota's pressure do the rest. Tampa Bay has a minus-four turnover margin and has allowed seven sacks, while Baker Mayfield has looked sloppy since receiving his big payday. The Bucs have failed to cover an NFL-record-tying 11 straight games. Soon, they'll stand alone.
Tom Viera: Buccaneers +1.5
The Buccaneers are officially in desperation mode. Tampa Bay is 0-2 after letting a 16-6 lead slip away against Cleveland, and another loss would put the Bucs in a serious hole this early in the season. Minnesota is 2-0, but we still haven't seen what this Vikings offense looks like with Kyler Murray. That uncertainty, combined with Tampa Bay's home-field advantage as this is their second straight at home and the Vikings' second straight on the road, makes this a spot where I'm willing to back the underdog. The Bucs need Baker Mayfield to deliver and now we do too.
Nick Brinkerhoff: Buccaneers +1.5
Well, the Baker Mayfield revenge game didn't go according to plan. The Bucs are now of the league's biggest disappointments through two weeks, even if expectations weren't necessarily great coming into the year. Questions about Mayfield's big contract extension are already being asked, something we know the quarterback will use as fuel. While the Vikings are 2-0, we still have no idea what the offense will look like with Kyler Murray – who is returning on Sunday. This is a must-win for the Bucs. Expect them to empty the tank in search of their first win.
Blake Schuster: Buccaneers +1.5
Another fun spot for a home dog. Points will be at a premium against Brian Flores' defense and but the Vikings will have to work Kyler Murray back into the mix against a Tampa Bay team looking to avenge a brutal showing against Cleveland in Week 2. An angry Baker Mayfield is one of the NFL's most inspired performers. Take the points.
Where to watch Vikings at Buccaneers
- Matchup: Buccaneers vs. Vikings
- Date: Sept. 27
- Time: 4:05 p.m.
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium
- Location: Tampa, Florida
- TV: Fox
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Buccaneers vs Vikings spread predictions, odds for NFL Week 3 game
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