Vikings Hosting Buccaneers in Week 1 Clash: Moneyline, Spread, Total, and Storylines

Week 1 of the 2023 season features a matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay will travel to U.S. Bank Stadium to face Kirk Cousins and the Vikings.

All NFL Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Vikings vs. Buccaneers Week 1 Moneyline, Spread, and Total

• Moneyline:
  • Vikings: -270
  • Buccaneers: +220
• Spread: Vikings -6.5 (-110)
• Total: 46.0 (-110 on the over and under)

Vikings vs. Buccaneers: Super Bowl Odds and Win Totals

The Vikings have the 14th-best odds (+3500) to win the Super Bowl, according to the Super Bowl odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. The Buccaneers' odds (+7500) rank 28th.

The Vikings have a win total of 8.5, with the odds set at -142 for the over. The Buccaneers' win total sits at 6.5 with the odds set at -142 for the under.

Vikings vs. Buccaneers Week 1: Storylines to Follow

• Vikings
  • Has the defense improved?
    • The Vikings were the only team last season to finish inside the top ten in points scored and post a negative point differential. Minnesota scored the seventh-most points (424) in 2022 but finished with a -3 point differential due to defense that allowed the fifth-most points (427) in the league. Their defense sent them home early from the playoffs as well, conceding 31 points to the New York Giants with Daniel Jones accounting for 301 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and 78 rushing yards in his first playoff appearance. This offseason Minnesota made a change at defensive coordinator, hiring Brian Flores to replace Ed Donatell. They also signed cornerback Byron Murphy, defensive end Marcus Davenport, and defensive end Dean Lowry. They also drafted cornerback Mekhi Blackmon in the third round. Is that enough? A Week 1 clash with Tampa Bay will provide Minnesota with their first chance to prove that they have improved.
  • Jordan Addison's NFL debut
    • Following the departure of Adam Thielen to the Carolina Panthers in free agency, the Vikings selected wide receiver Jordan Addison with the 23rd overall pick in this year's NFL draft. The attention Justin Jefferson commands from opposing defense frees up space for Minnesota's other pass catchers to exploit. Tight end T.J. Hockenson capitalized on it last season following his trade from the Detroit Lions. The Vikings will be hoping Addison, who won the Fred Biletnikoff Award as a sophomore, can do the same. If he can, Minnesota will have one of the best pass-catching trios in the NFL. Addison is currently the favorite (+230) to lead all rookies in receiving yards this season, according to the rookie market odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.
• Buccaneers
  • Who will start at quarterback?
    • The post-Tom Brady era kicks off for Tampa Bay this season, and there is uncertainty at signal caller. Baker Mayfield was signed to a one-year, $8.5 million deal in free agency to compete with sophomore Kyle Trask. Mayfield's resume is much longer than Trask's, but the Buccaneers are his fourth team in two seasons. Whoever is under center come Week 1, they will at least be working with an experienced wide receiver group led by Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. If the Vikings' defense hasn't improved, there is the potential for Tampa Bay's offense to get off to a hot start in Week 1. At the very least, this clash will provide a glimpse of what the short-term future looks like for the Buccaneers.
  • Can Rachaad White take the next step?
    • Rachaad White handled a decent workload during his rookie season while splitting carries with Leonard Fournette. White turned 129 rush attempts into 481 yards (3.7 yards per carry) and 1 rushing touchdown, with 50 receptions on 58 targets for 290 receiving yards (5.8 yards per reception) and receiving touchdowns. With Fournette no longer in the picture, White will have an opportunity take on a larger role this season. Chase Edmonds, who Tampa Bay signed to a one-year $1.2 million deal in March, could also be involved, but White should have every chance to prove he can be a difference maker for the Buccaneers.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.