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The Call: The Vikings will beat Tampa Bay if ....

By Ben Goessling

September 23, 2017 at 9:58PM

A strong day by Vikings rookie running back Dalvin Cook would take some of the heat off Case Keenum against the Buccaneers defense. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Case Keenum will get his second start of the season at quarterback, and the Vikings can hope he's more in sync with the offense than he was last week in Pittsburgh. An energetic Buccaneers defense, though, could make things difficult. Prediction: Buccaneers 16, Vikings 13.

Three big story lines

Keenum back at QB

The Vikings will again turn to Keenum, who threw for just 167 yards in a loss to the Steelers. Keenum's mobility could help the Vikings against Tampa Bay's defense, but his footwork also got him in trouble last week.

WINSTON RISING

Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston is turning into one of the NFL's better young passers, having thrown for more than 4,000 yards in each of his first two seasons.

Looking to cook

The Buccaneers were 24th in the league against the run last year, and after breaking three runs of 25 yards or more in his first two games, rookie Dalvin Cook could be counted on for a big day.

Two key matchups

BUCCANEERS WR MIKE EVANS VS. VIKINGS CB XAVIER RHODES

Rhodes did an impressive job on Antonio Brown last week, containing the All-Pro receiver after being flagged for an early 22-yard pass interference penalty. The Vikings could ask Rhodes to shadow Evans on Sunday.

VIKINGS OFFENSIVE LINE vs. BUCCANEERS DT GERALD MCCOY

McCoy, who's playing through an ankle injury, had 42½ sacks in his first seven seasons. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer compared him to former Viking Kevin Williams, and McCoy's speed off the line is certainly reminiscent of Williams'.

One stat that matters

0 The number of turnovers the Vikings' defense has forced this year. Against Winston, a timely takeaway or two could make the difference this week.

The Vikings will win if ...

They can turn a couple drives into TDs, particularly early in the game, so they can keep Cook involved and force Winston into a mistake or two with their pass rush.

The Buccaneers will win if ...

They're as successful as the Steelers were in throwing at targets other than Rhodes, while using their defensive speed to keep Keenum from finding a rhythm.

Goessling's win probability

45%

Evans (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) looks to pass, during the first half of an NFL football gam against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) ORG XMIT: OTK (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

about the writer

Ben Goessling

Sports reporter

Ben Goessling has covered the Vikings since 2012, first at the Pioneer Press and ESPN before becoming the Minnesota Star Tribune's lead Vikings reporter in 2017. He was named one of the top NFL beat writers by the Pro Football Writers of America in 2024, after honors in the AP Sports Editors and National Headliner Awards contests in 2023.