Buccaneers vs Vikings: TV Info, Over/Under, Spread and Final Game Predictions

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings are matching up in Week 2 of the 2011 NFL season in what is sure to be a very important game on both of their schedules.

Both teams are coming off of tough losses, so a win here is going to be important.

The Buccaneers suffered a pretty disappointing home loss to an up and coming Detroit Lions team. They are favored to win this game, but the doesn't mean the Vikings are just going to roll over.

While most are counting the Vikings out of the NFC North picture, they do have a good team and can end up surprising the division. While they didn't get off to a good start in Week 1, they have a chance to make amends here in a winnable game.

Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb needs to come out and prove that he has what it takes to lead his team. With Adrian Peterson behind him and a pretty solid defense, he doesn't have many excuses.

On the other side of the ball, the Buccaneers have a lot to prove. They looked pretty bad against the Lions, and for a team that is supposed to be a playoff contender, frankly they were pretty underwhelming.

The defense struggled getting pressure on the quarterback, and the offense looked like it forgot how to move the ball.

Both teams need a win here. The catch is only one of them will get it.

Where: Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, MN

When: September 18th, 1:00 p.m EST

Watch: Fox; DirecTV 710, Sirius 113 Minnesota; DirecTV 710, Sirius 104 Tampa Bay

Over/Under: 42, according to Bodog.edu

Advice: Personally I would go with the under. Neither team looked great last week offensively and I don't see a comeback this week. I expect a defensive dogfight.

Spread:  Vikings -3 1/2, according to Bodog.eu

Advice: I just don't see how the Buccaneers are going to lose two in a row, especially with the expectations that were placed on them this season. It's hard to trust Donovan McNabb under center for the Vikings as well. I'd take Tampa to at least cover.

Key Injuries

-Buccaneers Receiver Sammie Stroughter is definitely out of the game with a foot injury.

-Vikings receiver Michael Jenkins was dealing with a groin injury but is listed as full participation in practice.

Fantasy Big Plays

No matter what happens this season I think you have to start Vikings running back Adrian Peterson every week. He is the driving force of the Vikings offense. Everything goes through him, and he should put up some good yards.

Sit Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman. He looked incredibly inconstant against the Lions, and I don't see that improving against a good Vikings defense.

Keys To Vikings Win

Simply put, Donovan McNabb has to just concentrate on managing this game and not playing outside of himself. If the Vikings can manage the clock and keep giving it to Adrian Peterson, I think he can put the team on his back.

Keys To Buccaneers Win

Josh Freeman has to have a major bounce back game. He looked horrible in Week 1, so he has to change just about everything. The Buccaneers need to find an offensive rhythm and move the ball. Be smart with passes and set up the run with the pass. 

Prediction

I just don't see how the Buccaneers can lose two games in a row with all the pressure that they are under. They have a good defensive front that should be able to get after Donovan McNabb, and cause Peterson some trouble. I expect a close and somewhat ugly game.

Buccaneers: 17 Vikings: 10