Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game

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Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson, the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year, hope to continue the Minnesota Vikings' winning ways when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to kick off the season.

With Tom Brady retired (seemingly for good), second-year Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles turns to former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield to lead the team with wide receiver Mike Evans. The defense is bolstered by linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White. Defensive tackle Vita Vea had 6.5 sacks last year.

The Vikings will be without Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook and veteran defenders Eric Kendricks and Patrick Peterson, but they drafted USC standouts Jordan Addison and Mekhi Blackmon to fill the gaps.

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Vikings vs. Buccaneers odds, moneyline, over/under

The Vikings are favorites to defeat the Buccaneers, according to BetMGM. This game is among the best bets for NFL Week 1 at most of the top NFL betting apps.

Spread: Vikings (-5.5)
Moneyline: Vikings (-250); Buccaneers (+200)
Over/under: 45.5

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NFL Week 1 odds, predictions and picks

Lorenzo Reyes: Vikings 28, Buccaneers 21

I think Tampa Bay will actually be better than many are expecting with Baker Mayfield at quarterback, but Minnesota’s roster is simply more explosive. I think there are better plays out there, but I expect the Vikings will come out focused and poised in defense of their NFC North title from last season.

Tyler Dragon: Vikings 24, Buccaneers 16

The Vikings lost some talent on both sides of the ball this offseason, but they still have star wideout Justin Jefferson. The Bucs are in for a tailspin in their first season without Tom Brady.

Victoria Hernandez: Vikings 27, Buccaneers 10

Let's face it: Tom Brady basically carried Tampa Bay on his back last season and they didn't exactly get a ton of tools in the offseason for Baker Mayfield. Even though they aren't quite the same team either, the Vikings shouldn't have a problem covering the spread and getting the win.

Jordan Mendoza: Vikings 26, Buccaneers 13

Tampa Bay’s offense will struggle greatly this season, and it won’t be able to match what Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson put up.

You can view the full list of Paste BN's NFL expert predictions here.

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