The Minnesota Vikings (2-0) visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2) on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 4:05 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium, with Kyler Murray back at quarterback for Minnesota. Kalshi traders have the Vikings at 53% to win.
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When and where do the Vikings play the Buccaneers in Week 3 of the 2026 season?
The Vikings and Buccaneers kick off Sunday, Sept. 27 at 4:05 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on FOX.
Who is favored to win the Vikings vs. Buccaneers Week 3 game?
Minnesota went 9-8 in 2025, winning its final five games to finish above .500, then signed Murray after Arizona released him in March. Murray suffered a concussion on his 11th snap as a Viking in Week 1, and Carson Wentz led a fourth-quarter comeback in a 39-22 win over Green Bay before starting a 9-3 win at Chicago. Brian Flores' defense has allowed 25 points in two games. Kevin O'Connell said Monday that Murray has cleared the concussion protocol and will start. Running back Aaron Jones (knee) practiced fully Friday and carries no designation, while punter Brett Thorson is out, with Johnny Hekker punting, as of this writing.
Tampa Bay started 6-2 in 2025, then lost seven of its last nine to finish 8-9 and miss the playoffs. Todd Bowles is back, with Zac Robinson as the new offensive coordinator, but the offense no longer has longtime receiver Mike Evans, who is now with San Francisco. The Buccaneers lost 33-27 at Cincinnati in Week 1, when Baker Mayfield fumbled three times, then lost 23-19 at home to Cleveland. Mayfield has completed 71% of his passes with one touchdown and one interception. Outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. and linebacker Josiah Trotter are out, as of this writing.
Kalshi power rankings
The Vikings enter as the No. 9 team in the league with a Power Score of 69.0, and Kalshi traders have them at 61% to qualify for the playoffs. The Buccaneers rank 23rd with a Power Score of 26.9, and Kalshi traders have them at 28% to reach the postseason. That is a 14-spot gap heading into Sunday, after Minnesota climbed three spots this week and Tampa Bay fell two.
What the Kalshi market says
Kalshi traders have the Vikings at 53% to win and the Buccaneers at 47%, as of this writing. That makes Minnesota only a slight road favorite, a much closer price than the gap between these teams in the power rankings.
What is the point spread for Vikings vs. Buccaneers in Week 3?
Kalshi traders have the Vikings winning by more than 1.5 points at 48%, as of this writing.
What is the projected point total?
Kalshi traders have over 42.5 total points at 51%, as of this writing.
What is the biggest storyline in the Vikings vs. Buccaneers Week 3 game?
It is Murray against Mayfield, his former teammate at Oklahoma. Murray has won all three of their previous NFL meetings, but he has barely played for Minnesota, and the Vikings have won both games on the strength of their defense. Mayfield has to protect the ball against a Flores defense that blitzes often, after turnovers helped Cincinnati score 24 points in Week 1. Tampa Bay is trying to avoid an 0-3 start at home.
What are the Vikings' and Buccaneers' expectations entering the 2026 season?
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings brought in Murray to settle the quarterback position and are 2-0 against division opponents for the first time since 2003. A healthy Murray is the missing piece for a team with a strong defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs lost the NFC South in 2025 after four straight titles and are trying to get back on top in a wide-open division. A slow start has put more pressure on Mayfield and a retooled offense.
Conclusion
Kalshi traders have Minnesota at 53% in what the market sees as close to a coin flip. The swing factor is whether Murray looks sharp in his return and whether Mayfield can avoid the turnovers that have hurt Tampa Bay. Kalshi's prices for Vikings vs. Buccaneers will keep moving until the game ends.
What are the score predictions for Vikings vs. Buccaneers? Kalshi traders have over 42.5 total points at 51%, as of this writing.
What is the spread for Vikings vs. Buccaneers? Kalshi traders have the Vikings winning by more than 1.5 points at 48%, as of this writing.
Who is favored to win, the Vikings or the Buccaneers? Kalshi traders have the Vikings at 53% to win, as of this writing.
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