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Predicting the Final Score of Vikings vs. Buccaneers

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By @Joshmensch27

Predicting the Final Score: Minnesota Vikings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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The Week 8 matchup between the Minnesota Vikings (2-5) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-5) pairs two NFC cellar-dwellers in hopes of getting their seasons back on the right track. First-year head coaches Mike Zimmer (Vikings) and Lovie Smith (Buccaneers) have both battled injuries and inconsistencies on offense and defense. The Vikings have yet to win at Raymond James Stadium since the Buccaneers opened it up. Can they turn it around?

Offense

Teddy Bridgewater Minnesota Vikings
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Offense

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The Buccaneers' offense has been surprisingly good since second-year quarterback Mike Glennon took over for Josh McCown. Over the last three weeks, Glennon is averaging 288 passing YPG as well as a an above-average TD:INT of 2:1. Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has dealt with the ups and downs all rookies endure, hampered by the 31st ranked offensive line and wide receivers being unable to separate from man-coverage
Edge: Slight Tampa Bay

Defense

Anthony Barr Minnesota Vikings
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Defense

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After dealing with the sieve-scheme that is the Tampa-2 during his time in Minnesota, Buccaneers fans have had to deal with the same issues of Leslie Frazier's defensive scheme. Tampa Bay is allowing a league-high 422.8 yards per game on offense, as well as 294.5 yards through the air. The Bucs been vulnerable in the red zone as well, allowing a touchdown on 65.22 percent of drives that reach the scoring area.
Edge: Minnesota

Special Teams

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Special Teams

Cordarrelle Patterson Minnesota Vikings
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Cordarrelle Patterson has struggled to have the same success in his sophomore season that he did in his rookie year. Patterson is still ranked in the top 10 in average yards-per-return (24.4), and he has been close to breaking free for a touchdown on multiple occasions. Tampa Bay returner Solomon Patton is respectable in both facets of the return game (23.1) but does not offer Patterson's explosiveness.
Edge: Minnesota

Intangibles

mike zimmer
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Intangibles

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In terms of a coaching staff I am going to give the edge to the Minnesota Vikings. Even though offensive coordinator Norv Turner has seen the brunt of the blame, when you watch the tape he is doing a very good job. There are consistently receiving options open downfield, and it is up to Teddy Bridgewater to work through his progressions quicker in order to hit on the big-play opportunities.
Edge: Slight Minnesota

Outcome

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Outcome

Jerick McKinnon Minnesota Vikings
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This is a great opportunity for the Vikings to get their offense on the right track going up against the worst defense in the NFL. The Buccaneers have allowed multiple touchdown passes in five of the teams six games so far this season and have allowed over 420 yards of total offense. Look for the Vikings to get their first ever win at Raymond James Stadium.
Minnesota 24, Tampa Bay 21

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