The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Minnesota Vikings for a must-win game in Week 3.
The Bucs are looking to earn their first win of the season and build some positive momentum after their disastrous start to the season.
If they’re going to beat a 2-0 Vikings team, they’ll need several key players to deliver big-time performances to power them past Minnesota.
3 bold predictions for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Minnesota Vikings
Bucky Irving rushes for 100 yards
Bucky Irving has been Tampa Bay's best offensive player through two games. His 5.4 yards per carry match the exact average he posted during his incredible 2024 rookie year.
Irving rushed for 89 yards last week against the Browns, and this week, he'll eclipse 100 yards for the first time this season in Week 3.
The Vikings blitz more than any other team in the NFL, sending pressure on over 70% of defensive plays. The best way to counter a dominant pass rush is to run the ball right at them and prevent them from pinning their ears back and attacking the quarterback. Irving and the Bucs will do just that and go run-heavy to neutralize Minnesota's pressure.
Ted Hurst catches his first career TD pass
Ted Hurst has had a decent start to his NFL career. He currently has five catches for 63 yards through two weeks. He almost caught his first career touchdown last week, which would have been a game-winner in the final seconds, but the ball slipped through his hands in the end zone.
Hurst needs to redeem himself after that back-breaking drop a week ago, and he'll come through against the Vikings. If Tampa Bay can get into the red zone, Hurst's 6-foot-4 frame makes him an ideal target for Baker Mayfield near the goal-line. He'll get another shot, and this time, he'll come down with the catch for his first career touchdown reception.
Antoine Winfield Jr. creates a turnover
Antoine Winfield Jr. hasn't made the impact Buccaneers fans have become accustomed to. Back in 2023, he was named First-Team All-Pro and had one of the best safety seasons ever with 122 tackles, 6.0 sacks, six forced fumbles, three interceptions, 12 passes defensed and four fumble recoveries.
Where has that Winfield gone?
When Winfield is making plays and forcing turnovers, the Buccaneers' defense is better as a whole. With Josiah Trotter and Rueben Bain Jr. both out in Week 3 due to injury, Tampa Bay needs Winfield to put his superhero cape on now more than ever. He'll answer the bat signal and come through with either an interception or forced fumble to notch his first takeaway of the season.
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