Vikings Open as 7-Point Favorites Over Buccaneers in Week 1

The Vikings open the season with a very winnable game against the Tom Brady-less Bucs.

The Vikings have opened up as seven-point favorites over the Buccaneers in their Week 1 matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium, according to BetOnline.

For the second consecutive year, the Vikings will kick off the season in front of their home crowd in Minneapolis. Last year, they took it to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, winning 23-7 behind a Justin Jefferson explosion in Kevin O'Connell's first game as a head coach. This time, they get a less daunting matchup — at least on paper — as Tampa Bay will come to town without retired legend Tom Brady.

The Buccaneers went 8-9 last season and bowed out in the first round of the playoffs, finishing 24th in scoring offense as they struggled through injuries and a poor season from offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich. This offseason, they replaced Leftwich with longtime Seahawks assistant Dave Canales and signed Baker Mayfield, who will compete with Kyle Trask for the starting quarterback job.

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There's still some big-name talent on this Buccaneers team, which is just three years removed from winning the Super Bowl. Offensively, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are a formidable duo at wide receiver and Tristan Wirfs and Ryan Jensen lead a strong O-line. Todd Bowles' defense has talent at all three levels with standout players like Vita Vea, Lavonte David, Shaquille Barrett, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Jamel Dean. First-round pick Calijah Kancey will pair with Vea at defensive tackle and provide a nice immediate test for the interior of the Vikings' offensive line.

Still, quarterback is the most important position in sports, and the Vikings will have a major advantage in that regard with Cousins going against either Mayfield or Trask. Minnesota's offense against Tampa Bay's defense should be a fun matchup, and facing a non-star QB is a nice way for Brian Flores' Vikings D to kick off the year.

With the Eagles, Chargers, Chiefs, and 49ers looming as four of the Vikings' next six opponents following this game, starting out the season with a win at home will be absolutely crucial for O'Connell's team.

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