The Minnesota Vikings' defense came out to play and kept the Bears' offense from getting going. The weather made things messy, but the Vikings did just enough to let Will Reichard's leg do the work.
The weather did no team any favors, but the Vikings seemed to be led by their ground game and Aaron Jones Sr. He converted big plays when they needed him most. While they never found the endzone, without Jones and his shiftiness in space, this could have easily been a 3-0 win for the Bears.
While Jones was the star of Week 2, we have some new ideas for who could be the new star, or stars, of Week 3. Against the Bucs, the Vikings have a chance to showcase themselves, and it could all start with Kyler Murray, who is making his return.
With the stage set,
here is our game preview ahead of this pivotal matchup in Week 3.
Where to watch/listen to Vikings vs. Bucs
- Game time: 4:05 p.m. EST/ 3:05 p.m. CST
- TV Channel: FOX
Minnesota Vikings 2026 stats
- Offensive yards per game: 260
- Defensive yards allowed per game: 389.5
- Points scored per game: 24
- Points allowed per game: 12.5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2026 stats
- Offensive yards per game: 312
- Defensive yards allowed per game: 321
- Points scored per game: 23
- Points allowed per game: 28
Head coaching matchup
Vikings
- Kevin O'Connell (45-25, in his fifth season as head coach of the Vikings)
Bucs
- Todd Bowles (61-76, in his fifth season as head coach of the Bucs)
Notable offseason moves
Notable Vikings offseason moves
- James Pierre, Cornerback
- Jauan Jennings, Wide Receiver
- Jamal Adams, Safety
- Kyler Murray, Quarterback
Notable Bucs offseason moves
- Alex Anzalone, Linebacker
- A'Shawn Robinson, Defensive Lineman
- Kenneth Gainwell, Running Back
- Al-Quadin Muhammad, Defensive End
Minnesota Vikings rookies to watch
- Caleb Banks, Defensive Lineman
- Jake Golday, Linebacker
- Domonique Orange, Defensive Lineman
- Caleb Tiernan, Offensive Tackle
- Jakobe Thomas, Safety
- Max Bredeson, Fullback/Tight End
- Charles Demmings, Cornerback
- Demond Claiborne, Running Back
- Gavin Gerhardt, Center
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings Game Preview for matchup against the Bucs in Week 3
