Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended the Minnesota Vikings’ unbeaten start to the 2026 NFL season with a 26-14 victory at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
The Vikings arrived in Florida with a 2-0 record after wins over the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, but struggled to contain Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ attack as Tampa Bay secured its first win of the campaign.
Mayfield completed 44 of 62 passes for 398 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Running back Bucky Irving added 134 rushing yards and a score, while Chris Godwin Jr led the Buccaneers with 86 receiving yards.
Minnesota restored Kyler Murray to the starting line-up after he had missed time following a concussion sustained in the season opener. The quarterback completed three of five passes for 18 yards and threw one interception before Carson Wentz took over.
Wentz finished with 276 passing yards and three touchdowns, but the Vikings could not sustain enough momentum against a Tampa Bay defence that had been heavily criticised after its opening two games.
Justin Jefferson remained a bright spot for Minnesota, catching 11 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Aaron Jones Sr also produced 145 rushing yards, although the Vikings’ offensive production was not enough to prevent their first defeat of the season.
Dallas Turner continued his impressive start to the campaign with three sacks for Minnesota, but the Buccaneers’ offensive line held firm at crucial moments and Tampa Bay pulled clear in the second half.
The result moved Tampa Bay to 1-2, while Minnesota slipped to 2-1 ahead of its next regular-season fixture.
