The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a win against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in the worst way. 

If the Bucs lose and fall to 0-3, their chances of returning to the playoffs after missing out last season will suffer a huge blow. 

Since 1980, only seven teams have reached the postseason after an 0-3 start. 

Beating the 2-0 Vikings will be a tall order, but it is possible. Check out my five keys to a Buccaneers victory. 

Tampa must play like its season is on the Sunday because it is. 

Unfortunately, not much about the Bucs’ play over the first two games has inspired much confidence that they will be able to knock off a good team like Minnesota. 

Tampa is coming into the contest with quarterback Baker Mayfield and its offensive line struggling. That is not a great recipe, especially against Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ attacking defense. 

Mayfield and the line must play to their potential this week. These are the games that Mayfield’s new contract extension demands he rise to the occasion and lead his team to victory. 

The defense will also have its hands full. The Vikings are getting starting quarterback Kyler Murray back against Tampa. Murray presents problems with both his arm and his legs. 

The Bucs must have their pass rush get home on Sunday, and they must play disciplined and keep Murray in the pocket and not allow him to beat them with his scrambling ability. 

Tampa’s young cornerbacks will also have to be strong to contain Vikings’ wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Tampa's CBs had a terrific showing in Week 1 against the Bengals’ stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, albeit in a loss. Another tremendous effort from the group will be required against Minnesota. 

As much as the Bucs need to find a way to win, the way each team has played thus far makes it extremely tough to predict a Tampa victory. 

Aside from running back Bucky Irving, nobody on the offense has met expectations through two games. To win, the Bucs need massive improvements from their quarterback, offensive line, and wide receivers. That’s a lot to ask. 

Defensively, the Bucs will be without their two top rookies, Rueben Bain Jr. and Josiah Trotter. 

Though Bain has been a huge disappointment so far, missing him in this game will hurt. 

Trotter, on the other hand, has been the defense’s best player. Not having him out there hurts the entire unit, and places a huge burden on fellow linebacker Alex Anzalone, who has gotten off to a horrific start with his new team. 

The Vikings look like the wrong team at the wrong time for Tampa. Too much has to go right for the Bucs to pull this one out. 

Expect an 0-3 start and the calls for Todd Bowles’ job to reach a fevered pitch. 

Prediction: Vikings 27, Bucs 16