It’s the backup quarterbacks bowl at U.S Bank Stadium this weekend, with both the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings turning to their No. 2 signal callers in Week 3.
My Bengals vs. Vikings predictions expect the Minnesota defense and veteran QB Carson Wentz to lead the way to a win over Cincy.
Find out more in my NFL picks for Sunday, September 21.
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: Let's 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 odds
- Spread: Bengals +5.5 (-110) | Vikings -5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Bengals +195 | Vikings -235
- Over/Under: Over 44.5 (-115) | Under 44.5 (-105)
More NFL picks and odds from Covers
Bengals vs Vikings trend to know
Minnesota has covered the spread in seven of its 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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