Squandered Opportunities Sink Vikings 26-14 in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady threw for 196 yards and two touchdown in helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolster their playoff hopes with a 26-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

Vikings Kicker Dan Bailey missed three field goals and an extra point. Over the past two games Bailey has missed four field goals and three PATs.

Brady tossed TD passes of 48 yards to Scotty Miller and 2 yards to Rob Gronkowski  to rebound from losing two straight home games entering Tampa Bay’s bye. Ronald Jones had a 1-yard TD run and Ryan Succop kicked field goals of 18 and 48 yards.

The Bucs entered Sunday holding the sixth playoff spot in the NFC, with the Vikings nipping at their heels after winning five of six following a 1-5 start.

The Minnesota loss combined with Arizona's win drops the Vikings to eighth in the NFC, one spot out of the playoff hunt.

The Vikings host the Chicago Bears next Sunday at Noon at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.