Vikings vs. Buccaneers Live Score Updates: NFL Regular Season Week 1
It's finally here. Football time. Games that count.
The Buccaneers are in Minneapolis today to take on the Vikings in Week 1. As the Vikings kick off year two of the Kevin O'Connell era, they'll be debuting their classic throwback uniforms and honoring the greatest coach in franchise history — the late Bud Grant.
Perhaps the most intriguing element of Sunday's game for Minnesota is the unveiling of Brian Flores' aggressive defensive scheme. Flores was hired to replace Ed Donatell and change the team's philosophy on that side of the ball, and the creativity of his scheme flustered the Vikings' offense quite a bit during training camp. Will Flores' system be enough to outweigh the Vikings' lack of talent and experience at certain defensive positions? They're going to come after Baker Mayfield all game long.
Vikings vs. Buccaneers Preview: 3 Keys to Victory For Minnesota
Offensively, this game marks Jordan Addison's NFL debut and Alexander Mattison's first outing as the Vikings' full-time No. 1 running back. What can we expect to see from O'Connell's offense to begin year two? He's said this offseason that he wants this to be a more balanced attack, which is why the team went out and signed an elite blocking tight end in Josh Oliver. This will be a nice test for the Vikings against a Tampa Bay defense with star talent at all three levels.
Vikings OLB Marcus Davenport (ankle) is the only notable inactive for either team.
Two players were elevated from the practice squad for Minnesota.
Here's how to watch, listen to, or stream Sunday's game.
Follow along below for live updates as the contest unfolds.
Final Score: Buccaneers 20, Vikings 17
Read the recap of a brutal opening loss for the Vikings here.
Live updates
Fourth quarter
0:00 — The Vikings went three and out and then couldn't get off the field. They fall to 0-1 on the season in disappointing fashion.
Buccaneers 20, Vikings 17
5:10 — Tampa Bay takes the lead back on a 57-yard field goal from Chase McLaughlin. How will the Vikings' offense respond?
9:56 — The Buccaneers were forced to punt after picking up one first down. Then the Vikings went three and out. Who wants to win this one?
Buccaneers 17, Vikings 17
13:37 — We have a tie game once more. Kirk Cousins hit Alexander Mattison on a swing pass and Mattison broke a tackle to get in, capping a 75-yard touchdown drive. The series was extended by a Buccaneers pass interference penalty a few plays earlier.
Third quarter
0:00 — As the third quarter comes to an end, the Vikings are knocking on the door of tying this game up. They continue to move the ball effectively through the air. Getting seven points here will be crucial.
Buccaneers 17, Vikings 10
6:01 — That was a nine-minute drive for the Buccaneers to kick off the second half. They had to settle for field goal, but Jay Ward lined up in the neutral zone for a penalty that gave Tampa Bay another chance. Baker Mayfield then hit Trey Palmer for a touchdown on third and goal.
Second quarter
0:00 — What a strange half. The Vikings' passing game has been dominant, yet it's tied because they have three turnovers. Kirk Cousins just threw a pick at the goal line after another Justin Jefferson big play moved the ball downfield. Jefferson already has 138 yards.
Vikings 10, Buccaneers 10
1:09 — The Buccaneers finally got something going on offense and tied this game up. Baker Mayfield hit Mike Evans for a 28-yard touchdown. The Vikings will have a minute to try to retake the lead. Tampa Bay gets the ball to start the second half.
Vikings 10, Buccaneers 3
5:41 — The Vikings add to their lead with a short Greg Joseph field goal, but they'll be frustrated about stalling at the 6 with first and goal. Justin Jefferson already has 90 receiving yards in the first half.
Vikings 7, Buccaneers 3
11:15 — Hello, Jordan Addison. The Vikings' rookie receiver just caught a 39-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins on 3rd and long, the first of his career.
First quarter
0:00 — The Vikings trail 3-0 after one quarter. Their offense is 0-for-4 on third down and has two fumbles. The defense has done its part.
Buccaneers 3, Vikings 0
3:23 — The Buccaneers get on the board first. They didn't go anywhere after taking over in the red zone, with Danielle Hunter getting his first sack of the season, but they converted a short field goal. The Vikings' offense needs to figure some things out quickly.
5:04 — That's another fumble for the Vikings' offense, which has had a tough quarter. Antoine Winfield just picked up a strip sack against Cousins on a blitz.
8:19 — A promising second drive for the Vikings' offense ends in a turnover. Cousins appeared to have the ball knocked out of his hands while trying to hand it off.
13:36 — Both offenses quickly go three and out to start the game. Kirk Cousins has already taken two hits.
