5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Week 1

Prediction No. 3

Alexander Mattison will run for 100 yards and a touchdown

A lot of the hype surrounding the Vikings offense has gone to the passing game, but their offseason moves may have a bigger impact on the running game.

The Vikings moved toward a more physical brand of offense when they signed Josh Oliver and extended fullback C.J. Ham. The overhaul continued when the Vikings re-signed Alexander Mattison and cut Dalvin Cook, and the product is what should be a younger and more efficient backfield.

This could play out in Week 1 as the Vikings will look to neutralize the Buccaneers offensive line. Calijah Kancey is an agile force in the middle of the defensive line, but the biggest obstacle could be the 6-foot-4, 347-pound Vita Vea.

“He’s a circle... a very powerful circle,” Minnesota offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said of Vea. “They want a big nose [tackle] in there that can push the pocket, and there are times where you can adjust with some of those things and get help, but they do try to isolate him in the middle. He’s a force inside, so I think the combination of several different things – run and pass mixed with play-action – just to keep guys off-balance. Because if it does become a straight drop-back game, it can be difficult.”

With Ed Ingram and Ezra Cleveland ranking first and third in pressures allowed last season, the Vikings wouldn’t be wise to have Cousins sling passes into a strong secondary. This means the Vikings will look to establish the run and have Mattison play a key role on Sunday.