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Vikings vs. Buccaneers Prediction: Week 3 Odds, Picks & Best Bet

Our Vikings vs. Buccaneers prediction for Week 3 includes our best bet, projected score, and the latest odds for Sunday's matchup.

Liam Fox

Last Updated: September 26, 2026 4:30 PM EDT • 2 minute read

Pictured: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles with the ball as we provide our Vikings vs. Buccaneers prediction. Photo by Jeffrey Becker via Imagn Images.

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Kyler Murray returns to a 2-0 Minnesota squad against winless Tampa Bay as I provide my Vikings vs. Buccaneers prediction and best bet.

Kickoff is at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (FOX), with the Vikings priced as a slight 1.5-point road betting favorite.

🏈 Vikings vs. Buccaneers picks & predictions

See all of our experts' NFL picks for Week 3 based on the latest NFL odds.

Pick	Bet size
Vikings ML (-120 via bet365)	1 unit
Under 42.5 (-105 via FanDuel)	0.5 units

Total wagered: 1.5 units | Max profit: 1.31 units

💰 Vikings vs. Buccaneers prediction & best bet

Vikings ML (-120 via bet365)

Baker Mayfield hasn't exactly come out of the gate with his hair on fire after inking a new contract. On top of starting 0-2, the Bucs QB has had turnover issues and brutal overthrows in critical situations for Tampa.

His confidence has to be at least a little shaken at this point. Now here comes a Brian Flores-led defense that will confuse him with exotic blitz packages and simulated pressures. Translation: Mayfield will have a difficult time pre-snap diagnosing how Minnesota's defense will attack him.

The Vikings' defense is why they are one of my best NFL moneyline picks of the entire Week 3 slate. I bet them at -120 odds at bet365, but there's value paying up to -130.

📡 SBR Edge: Minnesota's stifling pass rush

The Vikings are blitzing on 79.3% of snaps in 2026, over 20% higher than the next-closest team.

Murray makes Vikings more efficient

Kyler Murray will be back under center for the Vikings after leaving Week 1 early on with a concussion.

While Carson Wentz filled in admirably, I'm excited to see what an efficient passer like Murray can do in Kevin O'Connell's offense.

I wouldn't expect fireworks just yet from the Vikings passing game, but I anticipate Murray being solid on a limited workload in a Minnesota victory.

Score prediction: Vikings 21, Buccaneers 20

📊 Live Vikings vs. Buccaneers odds

See the latest NFL odds for every Week 3 matchup.

Vikings vs. Buccaneers opening odds

Moneyline: Vikings +101 | Buccaneers -125
Spread: Vikings +1.5 (-115) | Buccaneers -1.5 (-105)
Over/Under: Over 45.5 (-115) | Under 45.5 (-105)

📺 How to watch Vikings vs. Buccaneers: Week 3

Date: Sunday, Sept. 27
Kickoff: 4:05 p.m. ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Fla.)
TV: FOX

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Written by:
Liam Fox

Liam Fox is a Publishing Editor for Sportsbook Review. Liam spent the past seven-plus years in the sports media industry building his NFL experience and contributing at some of North America's top outlets. His work has appeared on Sportsnet, Forbes, and Complex. He was previously an editor for nearly four years at theScore, specializing in NFL coverage. His career highlights include asking Patrick Mahomes a question at Super Bowl LV media day and shedding light on the champion Philadelphia Eagles' use of analytics through an in-depth interview with their lead data analyst. A graduate of Carleton University's Bachelor of Journalism program, you can usually find Liam writing about sports, watching sports, or playing sports.