3 Bold predictions for the Vikings Week 3 matchup with the Bucs

The Minnesota Vikings‘ defense came out to play and kept the Bears‘ offense from getting going. The weather made things messy, but the Vikings did just enough to let Will Reichard’s leg do the work.

The weather did no team any favors, but the Vikings seemed to be led by their ground game and Aaron Jones Sr. He converted big plays when they needed him most. While they never found the endzone, without Jones and his shiftiness in space, this could have easily been a 3-0 win for the Bears.

While Jones was the star of Week 2, we have some new ideas for who could be the new star, or stars, of Week 3. Against the Bucs, the Vikings have a chance to showcase themselves, and it could all start with Kyler Murray, who is making his return.

Deshaun Watson passed for 238 yards against the Bucs’ defense in Week 2. If Watson can achieve that, 300 yards should be attained by Kyler Murray. He pushes the ball down the field, he extends plays, and his receivers work downfield, so why shouldn’t he achieve that significant number? Not much more to discuss, Watson and the Bucs’ defense did that for us.

The Bucs have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. They have given up seven sacks so far through two weeks, and neither defense they played in the Browns or Bengals has a top-end talent at defensive end or outside linebacker. The Vikings have both Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner, and the latter has been enjoying the extra attention that the veteran has been getting. I think Turner has a chance to make a serious impact in this game to the point that two sacks are not out of the realm of possibility.

The Bucs’ special teams unit has been prone to mistakes over the past couple of seasons. They have been better this year with veteran coordinator Danny Smith coming over from Pittsburgh, but that doesn’t mean everything is perfect. This Vikings team is well coached in special teams and on defense, so I believe between the special teams and the interceptions that Baker Mayfield is likely to serve up that they can get a touchdown. If you are playing fantasy football and need a defense, find the Vikings on the waiver wire.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 3 Bold predictions for the Vikings Week 3 matchup with the Bucs