Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings 09/21/2025
Cincinnati heads north to face the Vikings in a measuring-stick Week 3 matchup Sunday, Sept. 21, at 1:00 PM ET inside U.S. Bank Stadium. The game carries added intrigue with a major quarterback question: Joe Burrow exited last week’s home win over the Jaguars with a left toe injury, thrusting backup Jake Browning into the starting role. Browning, who has experience leading the Bengals in high-pressure situations, including a memorable comeback win against the Vikings in 2023, will need to step up if Cincinnati hopes to compete.
Despite Burrow’s absence, Ja’Marr Chase remains a constant threat, hauling in 14 catches for 165 yards and a touchdown in Week 2, while Tee Higgins provides another dynamic target. On paper, this is a clash of efficient offenses and narrow margins: Minnesota has averaged 27.0 points scored while allowing 24.0 in their lone game, and Cincinnati is scoring 24.0 points per contest while giving up 21.5. Recent form gives both teams reason for confidence. Minnesota is 2-3 over its last five games, while Cincinnati is 3-2. Head-to-head, the Bengals hold a 3-2 edge, including a tense 27-24 overtime win last season.
Minnesota’s defense will need to adjust to Browning, and while backup QBs historically present challenges, the Vikings’ unit could capitalize on the change. Expect betting lines to lean toward the Vikings, but don’t count Browning out—his ability to connect with Chase and Higgins could keep Cincinnati competitive in a fast-paced, dome-friendly shootout.
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Our betting predictions for the match Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings
Below are three separate picks for the primary markets—Moneyline, Game Totals, and Spread—based on early-season performance, matchup dynamics in a dome, and how these two teams typically play in late-game situations.
Main Tip: Moneyline – Minnesota Vikings to Win
Our betting tip (Moneyline): Minnesota to win at bet365 at very competitive odds. At home, with that fast surface and a balanced passing script, the Vikings get a slight edge. Cincinnati’s been solid, but Minnesota’s 27.0 per-game scoring pace is the best single-game data point of the four samples we have, and Kevin O’Connell tends to script early momentum well in these settings. The Bengals travel well, but home-field and the dome tilt this just enough toward the hosts.
Tip 2: Game Totals – Over 46.5 Points
Our secondary prediction (Game Totals): Over 46.5 points at odds -120 with Fanatics. With these offenses, the pace potential indoors, and both teams averaging north of 21 points per game so far, the Over gets a meaningful look. Minnesota’s one-game sample was a 27-24 contest (51 points), and Cincinnati’s two games landed on 48 total points per game combined for both teams. The Vikings can score in spurts, and Cincinnati’s pass game—if protected—will answer. Over 46.5 is live.
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Tip 3: Spread – Cincinnati Bengals +1.5
Our final betting prediction (Spread): Bengals +1.5 at odds -115 with Fanatics Sportsbook. Even if you lean Vikings on the moneyline, Cincinnati catching a point and a hook is appealing in a tight game script. Zac Taylor’s crew has averaged 24.0 per game so far while allowing 21.5, and they’ve already bagged a road win this season. With the Bengals’ ability to keep games within one score and often get to the high 20s, this line offers a safety net in a likely one-possession finish.
Team news
- Vikings: Head coach Kevin O’Connell is coming off a poised road win over Chicago. The Vikings haven’t logged a home game yet this season (0-0 at home), so this is the debut at U.S. Bank for 2025. The early emphasis appears to be balanced offense and efficient red-zone trips. Keep an eye on the Friday practice report for any late-week surprises, but nothing seismic is trending ahead of this one.
- Bengals: Head coach Zac Taylor has his team at 2-0, including a road victory already, and they’re coming off a 31-27 home win over Jacksonville. The offense has hit 24.0 points per game across two, and the defense has allowed just 21.5 per game. Cincy’s road composure is a positive signal in a loud dome environment. As always, monitor injury designations closer to the weekend.
Minnesota Vikings performance check
Kevin O’Connell’s group delivered a composed 27-24 road win in Week 1, which—on a per-game basis—sets a template: 27.0 scored, 24.0 allowed. That’s a manageable margin, and it highlights the offense’s ability to execute when it matters. The last five for Minnesota include 2 wins and 3 losses, a reminder that consistency has to sharpen as they break into the home slate. The Vikings’ dome advantage is real; the track favors precision in the passing game and dynamic yards-after-catch opportunities.
While we don’t have their season-long yardage rates yet, the Week 1 script showed a staff willing to be aggressive in the middle of the field and in situational football. With the NFC North picture always tight, holding serve at home is the kind of thing that separates a division title push from chasing a wild card later. Minnesota’s home/away split this season is just getting started (0-0 at home), but the context suggests a strong environment to build on the offense’s Week 1 rhythm. Special teams and late-down defense will be crucial, especially against a Bengals offense that can heat up in the second half. If the Vikings keep the per-game scoring pace in the mid-to-high 20s, they can make the game state favorable in the fourth quarter.
How is the current performance of the Cincinnati Bengals
Zac Taylor’s Bengals have answered the bell early: 2-0 with both offense and defense showing efficiency. Their averages—24.0 points scored and 21.5 allowed—scream “close game,” and they’ve lived it, edging teams by a few key plays and timely drives. Their last five overall sit at 3 wins and 2 losses, which fits their identity: this is a group that finds late-game solutions. They’re also 1-0 on the road this season, which matters in a dome that can crank up the volume and communication challenges. The Bengals’ offense is built to attack through the air and is complemented by a timely run game.
While the raw yardage isn’t in front of us here, the profile shows a team that can hit explosive plays when protection holds up and that is comfortable winning high-20s games, like the 31-27 result over Jacksonville. On defense, Cincinnati thrives on situational stops and forcing quarterbacks into tight-window throws; that approach will be tested by Minnesota’s route precision. If Cincy keeps its per-game scoring clip around 24 while maintaining that sub-22 points allowed pace, they’ll be live in the final minutes—again.
Statistics
– Last head-to-head result: Cincinnati beat Minnesota 27-24 in OT, a tight finish that mirrors how these teams typically play each other—possession-for-possession in the fourth quarter.
- Head-to-head last five: Bengals 3 wins, Vikings 2 wins.
- Recent form last five (all competitions): Vikings 2 wins, 3 losses; Bengals 3 wins, 2 losses.
- Last matches: Vikings won 27-24 on the road at the Bears; Bengals won 31-27 at home against the Jaguars.
- Per-game scoring so far in 2025: Vikings 27.0 scored, 24.0 allowed; Bengals 24.0 scored, 21.5 allowed.
- Home/Away note: Minnesota makes its 2025 home debut (0-0 at home); Cincinnati is 1-0 on the road.
Team Info:
- Minnesota: O’Connell’s offense appears sharp in the scripted phases. Early-down efficiency will be the tell; if the Vikings stay ahead of the chains, they keep the Bengals’ pass rush honest. Special teams and kick game were steady in Week 1—those hidden yards matter in what profiles as a one-score contest.
- Cincinnati: Taylor’s group brings road confidence and late-game poise. The Bengals have shown they can win close ones; the +1.5 spread reflects that expectation. Keeping the per-game points allowed in the low 20s is the defensive blueprint; offensively, expect tempo changes to keep Minnesota off balance.
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TrustnBet Final Thoughts
We’re looking at a close, competitive game with late drama potential. The Vikings’ home-field advantage and a strong opener give them a slight moneyline edge, hence Minnesota is our lean to win outright. The overall scoring profile—dome setting, both teams averaging north of 21 points per game—points to Over 46.5. And in a likely one-possession finish, Bengals +1.5 provides a smart cushion for a team that often hangs around to the final whistle. First tip: Moneyline Minnesota. Second tip: Over 46.5. Third tip: Bengals +1.5. That trio balances the home edge, scoring environment, and Cincinnati’s knack for keeping it close.
