Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 Bold predictions for Week 14 vs. Vikings
1. The Tampa Bay defense will recapture their magic
The Buccaneers’ defense has looked like anything but the dominant unit we saw during the first half of the season. They have had blown assignments and have been picked on in the passing game. The Vikings provide a good cure for some of the issues.
The Vikings deploy a run-first offense which is perfect for the Tampa Bay defense. The Buccaneers lead the NFL in rush defense and are still only giving up 74.2 yards per game.
Some of the success in the running game can be attributed to how poorly the team has been against the pass lately, but they are still only giving up 3.3 yards per carry for the season. Look for this success to continue on Sunday.
Although Dalvin Cook is one of the best running backs in the league, the Vikings’ offense is often too predictable especially for opponents that can match their physicality in the run game. The matchup is perfect for the Buccaneers and the Vikings will take too long to adjust.
Also, look for the Buccaneers to force a turnover from Cook himself. Cook has four fumbles on the season and has lost three of them. Three of his fumbles have been in the last four games so it should not be a shock if he coughs the ball up again.
dark. Next. NFL picks, score predictions for Week 14
Once the Buccaneers can build an early lead and force Minnesota to lean on Kirk Cousins, the pass rush will be able to take off and force turnovers. Expect an interception and also a fumble from Cousins. He does not take care of the ball when he is under pressure and the Buccaneers can take advantage of this.