NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings Odds & Prediction

Game Info: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 1:00 PM ET, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN

Betting Odds

Spread: Vikings -3

Moneyline: Vikings -159 | Bengals +134

Total: 41.0

The line has stayed steady at Vikings -3, but the total has dropped from 47.5 to 41 after hearing about Joe Burrow’s injury. This is a significant change, showing concerns about both offenses.

Bengals Betting Preview

Cincinnati has started the season strong with a 2-0 record, but losing Joe Burrow (turf toe, out for at least three months) is a big worry. Jake Browning is taking over as the starting quarterback, and while he knows the role well, wrapping up last season with a 4-3 record as a starter. He’s up against a tough Vikings defense that is second in pressure rate and really good at creating chaos.

Browning passed for 241 yards and threw 2 touchdowns last week, but he also had three picks. The Bengals’ offensive line is a big problem, sitting at the bottom of the league for pass-block win rate. This creates a tough matchup against a Vikings defense that loves to blitz.

Nevertheless, Ja’Marr Chase is an absolute game-changer. He caught 14 passes for 165 yards in Week 2 and will be the primary target again. Expect Cincinnati to depend on quick throws and screen passes to Chase Brown to combat the rush.

Vikings Betting Preview

Minnesota is sitting at 1-1 and is now looking to Carson Wentz since rookie J.J. McCarthy is out with an ankle injury. Wentz may not be the most exciting player, but he brings the experience of 94 career starts. Honestly, McCarthy hasn’t really stood out, sitting near the bottom in both EPA/play and completion percentage.

The Vikings’ defense is definitely impressive. They’ve only given up an average of 153 passing yards per game and are designed to take advantage of weak offensive lines. On the other hand, their offense has had a tough time, scoring just 33 points over two games. In contrast, the Bengals’ defense is allowing 363.5 yards per game and sits at 28th in pass defense.

Matchup/League Facts

Both teams starting backup QBs: Browning vs. Wentz.

Cincy’s O-line: 28th in pass-block win rate.

Minnesota’s defense: Top 5 in pass yards allowed.

ATS Trends: Vikings have covered 7 of their last 10 at home.

Head-to-head: Bengals have won 1 of last 3 vs Vikings.

Bengals at Vikings Prediction

This Bengals vs. Vikings game is a tough one. Both squads are without their star quarterbacks, relying heavily on their defenses to step up. I’m not convinced that Wentz can bring any spark to Minnesota’s offense, and I believe Browning even with the interceptions has done enough to keep Cincinnati in the game.

Sportbook.AG Final Prediction: Pick: Bengals +3 Lean: Under 41

In a game with so many uncertainties, I’m going to take the points and have faith that the Bengals will stay competitive. It seems like it’s going to be a 20-17 kind of match, not many points, close, and likely to be settled in the last few minutes.