The good news: The Cincinnati Bengals have avoided another slow start with a 2-0 record.
The bad news: Joe Burrow could be out for three months with a foot injury, leaving Jake Browning under center for a trip to play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3.
Burrow’s absence (and J.J. McCarthy's ankle injury) scrambles the odds for this non-conference clash and makes it one of the toughest tilts to handicap on this week’s slate of games.
I do my best with my early Bengals vs. Vikings predictions and NFL picks for September 21.
Bengals vs Vikings predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Bengals vs Vikings spread pick: Vikings -2.5
The Minnesota Vikings defense is going to keep the team in a lot of games while J.J. McCarthy adapts under center. Sunday night’s game with Atlanta was a perfect example, as the Vikes checked the Falcons to 1-for-5 success in the red zone.
Minnesota’s aggressive defense will be licking its chops against this Cincinnati Bengals offensive line. The Vikings love to bring blitz and own the second-highest pressure rate generated heading into the Week 2 MNF doubleheader.
Cincinnati’s offensive line is the reason Burrow is out, and for all the good Browning did in relief versus Jacksonville, he still threw three interceptions. Minnesota is all about causing chaos and turning that mayhem into takeaways.
Even with McCarthy out and Carson Wentz under center (the line moved to -2.5) and the offense should also find success in Game No. 3, given the Bengals' defense is almost as bad as the offense line. I’ll lean home team.
Early Bengals vs Vikings total pick: Under 41.5
The Bengals didn’t hold back with Browning stepping in for Burrow. The backup finished 21-for-32 passing for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Given the supporting cast of receivers and game script, I don’t see Zac Taylor shying away from throwing the ball.
That plays into the teeth of this Vikings defense. Minnesota sits No. 2 in EPA allowed per dropback and can create game-changing plays with pass pressure causing ill-timed throws.
On the other side of the field, the Vikings’ offense has looked horrible for all but 15 minutes so far in 2025. And while the Cincy defense isn’t elite, cluster injuries on the offensive line are concerning for Minnesota.
Center Ryan Kelly is dealing with a concussion and top OL Christian Darrisaw is still out. That’s forced a lot of shuffling up front, tricking down to McCarthy facing pressure at the fourth highest rate in the NFL (22% of dropbacks). He's likely out with an ankle injury, putting veteran Wentz under center in Week 3. That dropped this total to 41 points on Monday afternoon.
The look-ahead total before Burrow’s injury was 47.5 points. Six points is a significant drop but not enough considering the make-up of these teams. Leaning Under.
Bengals vs Vikings odds
- Bengals vs. Vikings spread: Vikings -2.5
- Bengals vs. Vikings moneyline: Bengals +124, Vikings -146
- Bengals vs. Vikings Over/Under: 41.5
How to watch Bengals vs Vikings
- Bengals vs. Vikings matchup
- Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET
- City: Minneapolis, MN
- Venue: U.S. Bank Field
- TV: CBS
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
