It’s the battle of backup quarterbacks at U.S. Bank Stadium this weekend, as both the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings turn to their No. 2 signal-callers in Week 3.
My Bengals vs. Vikings predictions and top NFL picks expect the Minnesota defense and veteran quarterback Carson Wentz to lead the way to a win over Cincy.
Bengals vs Vikings prediction
Bengals vs Vikings Best bet: Vikings -3 (-110)
I’m not convinced there’s a downgrade at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, with Carson Wentz stepping in for the injured J.J. McCarthy (ankle).
McCarthy ranks second last in adjusted EPA per play with an underwhelming 58.5 completion percentage through two weeks, and Wentz has 94 NFL starts on his resume. The Vikings have also been held to just 33 points through two weeks.
Additionally, the transition behind center should be all the more smooth at home against a Cincinnati Bengals defense that’s had the luxury of going up against the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars.
On the flip side, Minnesota has had a road division matchup against the flawed but talented Chicago Bears, as well as a solid Atlanta Falcons club.
With the Bengals also starting backup Jake Browning behind center, the Minny defense should have its best showing of the season against a weak Cincy offensive line.
The Vikings will pull away and cover the number on Sunday.
Bengals vs Vikings same-game parlay
The Minnesota defense should have a field day against a Cincinnati offensive line that ranks 32nd in pass-block win rate and 24th in PFF pass block grade, while also checking in at 30th in both run-block win rate and run block grade.
I’m anticipating the Vikings holding the Bengals in check to do the heavy lifting for this total going Under the number.
Turning to the final leg of this same-game parlay, Bengals running back Chase Brown has recorded 14+ receiving yards in nine of his past 10 games dating back to last season.
Considering Brown has caught 42 of 50 targets for 255 yards and an average of 25.5 receiving yards per game during the run, I think we’re landing a fair number, and I also expect the Bengals RB to serve as a quick-hit option in the passing attack to help mitigate the Minny pass rush.
Bengals vs Vikings SGP
- Vikings -3
- Under 42.5
- Chase Brown Over 13.5 receiving yards
Our big-ticket SGP: Cut to the Chase
- After Ja'Marr Chase caught 14 of 16 targets for 165 yards in Week 2, I’m anticipating Cincy forcing the ball his way again Sunday.
Bengals vs Vikings SGP
- Vikings -3
- Under 42.5
- Chase Brown Over 13.5 receiving yards
- Ja'Marr Chase Over 69.5 receiving yards
Bengals vs Vikings game predictions
Bengals vs Vikings moneyline prediction
I expect the Vikings to be a popular and winning addition to moneyline parlays this week, given their 8-2 home record dating back to last season.
Cincy backup QB Jake Browning will also have his fair share of trouble commanding the offense behind a suspect offensive line.
Bengals vs Vikings spread prediction
The Vikings have covered the number in seven of their past 11 home games, while the Bengals haven’t covered the number in two straight on the highway.
Cincinnati has also played the third-easiest schedule to date, per PFF, so the uptick in class will be too much for the Bengals on Sunday afternoon.
Bengals vs Vikings Over/Under prediction
This total has dipped considerably from the lookahead 47.5 number all the way down to 42.5, with both teams set to start their No. 2 quarterbacks.
I’m anticipating the Minny defense having a sizable say in this total going Under the number.
Bengals vs Vikings odds
- Spread: Bengals +5.5 (-110) | Vikings -5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Bengals +195 | Vikings -235
- Over/Under: Over 44.5 | Under 44.5
More NFL picks and odds from Covers
Bengals vs Vikings trend to know
The Vikings have covered the spread in seven of their past 11 games at U.S. Bank Stadium (+2.60 units / 22% ROI). Find more NFL betting trends for Bengals vs. Vikings.
How to watch Bengals vs Vikings
| Location | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date | Sunday, September 21, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
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