Early NFL picks, predictions for Week 1 of 2023 season

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 15: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the New York Giants during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) @ Minnesota Vikings (13-4)

Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

Most people are already writing off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2023 season, but I’m not so sure that’s the best idea. The Buccaneers will be quarterbacked by either Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask, and that’s where pretty much everyone sees this team being among the worst in the league. But just because the Bucs don’t have the greatest QB situation in the league doesn’t mean they have a bad roster, overall.

This team could be headed toward tearing things down as of the NFL trade deadline, but the roster is simply too talented at this point in time to be written off as the worst team in the league. The defense, in particular, has studs at every level.

Going up to Minnesota for Week 1, however, will be an intriguing challenge early on. The Bucs are going to have to score points, because the Vikings can score them in bunches, especially at home. They averaged 27.0 points per game at home last season compared to 22.6 points per game on the road.

Again, I’m not one who agrees the Buccaneers are just going to roll over and play dead this season for Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. I think they will have to come by that organically for it to actually happen (and it could). But playing on the road in Minnesota is always tough and the Vikings are going to come out hot to start the season with doubters like myself writing off their 2022 record of 13-4.

Prediction: Vikings win 27-19

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