Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings Free Pick and Betting Odds. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into Minnesota to take on the Vikings in this first game of the preseason, on the turf of TCF Bank Stadium, August 15, 2015. The kickoff is scheduled for 8:00PM ET.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Tampa Bay +3/Minnesota -3
Total Line: 36
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After winning the Hall of Fame Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Vikings now face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Preseason play in the first official week. Bridgewater is expected to play a few snaps after a solid outing against the Steelers. He has already significantly improved over last year which was his rookie season and with a couple of more drives under his belt he should be ready for this year’s tough regular season. Mike Kafka and undrafted rookie Taylor Heinicke will vie for the number 3 spot.
Although we won’t be seeing any action tonight from Adrian Peterson what we will see is a big dose of Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata who are both young backs looking to find their spot on the Vikings run team. Eyes will also be on rookie Stefon Diggs and third year receiver Cordarrelle Patterson who will look to improve on a horrible showing in 2014.
The Buccaneers will be debuting their rookie QB Jameis Winston who went 1st overall in this year’s draft. Early reports suggest he has been throwing too many inceptions in training camp which could smell disaster for the Buc’s against a solid Viking defense. The Buc’s have spent a considerable amount of time rebuilding their offensive line which includes a rookie starter and another rookie who are looking to have significant roles in this year’s line and should equate to keeping Winston on his feet this year. Tampa’s defensive front has additional talent with the likes of Jacquies Smith, Henry Melton, George Johnson and Clinton McDonald. Question is will they have enough to keep Minnesota’s passers at bay.
The Viking Offense was 27th last year in overall offense with an average of 315 yards per game, while Tampa Bay was a lesser threat at 30th with 292 yards per game. The Vik’s passing game was 24th in the league with an average of 222.9 yards per game and a rush offense of 112 yards per game putting them in 14th in the league. By contrast the Buccaneers were 23rd in the league in passing with an average of 226.4 yards per game, while their run game stunk at 29th spot with an average of 85.9 yards per game.
Minnesota’s defense was ranked 14th overall keeping their opponents to an average of 344.7 yards per game while Tampa Bay was 25th overall holding their opponents to 368.9 yards per game. The Viking pass defence was 8th overall allowing only 236.8 yards per game and in rushing they gave up 121 yards per game. Tampa Bay was 25th in the league in overall defense allowing their foes 368.9 yards per game, 268 of those yards were passing while they did keep their opponents running game to an average of 113.7 putting them in 19th position in the league.
Consensus Picks (ATS)
Minnesota: 53%
Tampa Bay: 47%
Free NFL Pick
The thing about the preseason is that the scheduling is not always fair. The Vikings have already played one game compared to the Buccaneers zero which should give them an edge. Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer likes to win period and brings a 5-0 preseason record into this game. He was furious at his players for their performance in their last practice which we feel should be an extra motivational factor in this game. Look for the team to give a top effort today and cover the 3 and a hook point spread line.
Take the Minnesota Vikings -3.5 @ Stop Wasting Your Valuable Money Laying -110 When You Can Bet At 5Dimes at -105. Best Reduced Juice Sportsbook Online! – CLICK HERE
