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

Prediction No. 5

The Vikings will get off to another hot start under Kevin O’Connell

The last time the Vikings opened the season against Tampa Bay was 2005. The Vikings were coming off a playoff appearance and made a major change by trading Randy Moss. There was optimism that the team could carry on under Daunte Culpepper and compete in a winnable NFC North Division.

The Buccaneers won that season opener at the Metrodome 24-13, and the Vikings went into a freefall that included the Love Boat scandal, a season-ending knee injury for Culpepper, and a coaching change at the end of the season.

Chances are the aftermath won’t be as dramatic if the Vikings lose this game, but there is one way they can write a similar script to last season’s 13-win campaign.

Scoring an opening drive touchdown could be just as important to the Vikings on Sunday as it would give them an early lead and control the tempo. If Mattison can pace the backfield, the Vikings can control the game, allowing Flores to pin his ears back and make life miserable for the Tampa Bay offense.

If the Vikings want to be contenders in the NFC, they can’t afford to lose a game like this, and it looks like they’ll be able to get off to the hot start that helped them one year ago.

Prediction: Vikings win 24-17