Vikings vs Bengals NFL Pick: Can Minnesota Knock Off 2-0 Cincinnati? (Sep 21)

• The Vikings dropped to 1-1 following a double-digit loss to Atlanta.
• Cincinnati improved to 2-0 after edging out the Jaguars 31-27.
• These teams previously squared off on Dec. 16, 2023, with the Bengals claiming a 27-24 victory.

One of the games on Sunday’s NFL slate features the Minnesota Vikings hosting the Cincinnati Bengals. Who has the edge in our Vikings vs Bengals pick?

Vikings Hope To Bounce Back From Poor Showing Against Atlanta

After rallying for a come-from-behind win against Chicago in Week 1, Minnesota followed that up with a 22-6 loss to the Falcons in Week 2.

Will Reichard’s second field goal enabled the Vikings to get within 9-6 heading into intermission. Unfortunately, the home team was shut out in the second half, and Atlanta cruised to a double-digit victory.

J.J. McCarthy went 11 of 21 for 158 yards and two picks. Justin Jefferson caught three passes for a total of 81 yards.

Cincinnati Hope To Extend Its Win Streak To Three Games

The Bengals enter this contest riding a two-game win streak, including a 31-27 victory against Jacksonville in Week 2. Cincinnati trailed 17-10 at the break and 27-24 late in the final frame.

After the defense forced a turnover on downs, backup quarterback Jake Browning spearheaded a 15-play, 92-yard touchdown drive, completing 9 of 12 passes for 65 yards, allowing the home team to bounce back from a poor showing in the first half.

Browning finished 21 of 32 for 241 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Ja’Marr Chase torched Jacksonville’s defense with 14 catches totaling 165 yards and one touchdown.

The win did come at a cost, however, as Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury and will be out for at least the next three months.

Vikings vs Bengals NFL Pick

Despite a disappointing effort against the Falcons, Minnesota is currently a 3.5-point favorite. Here are a few betting trends to consider for both teams ahead of this Week 3 matchup.

• The Vikings are 10-3 straight-up (SU) in their last 13 games.
• Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its previous six September outings.
• The Bengals are 4-1 in their last five road contests.
• Cincinnati has covered the spread five times in its previous seven matchups.

Given that the Bengals will be without their star quarterback under center, Minnesota should come away with the win, while Cincinnati covers the spread.