Cincinnati Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings Picks, Player Props & Closing Odds

• The Vikings and Bengals both turn to backup QBs when they meet in Minnesota in Week 3
• A battered Minnesota Vikings offensive line faces a major test against a Cincinnati Bengals pass rush led by Trey Hendrickson.
• See my favorite Bengals vs Vikings picks and player props to target, plus the Bengals/Vikings closing odds on Sep. 21

It’s a battle of the backups in Minneapolis this afternoon as Jake Browning and the Cincinnati Bengals (2-0, 1-1 ATS, 1-0 away, 1-1 O/U) travel to take on Carson Wentz and the Minnesota Vikings (1-1, 1-1 ATS, 1-0 away, 1-1 O/U) at US Bank Stadium at 1:00 pm ET in a game that will be broadcast on CBS.

This Cincinnati/Minnesota preview will dissect the Bengals vs. Vikings odds, analyze critical player props, and provide my data-driven Bengals/Vikings picks and prediction.

Jump to: CIN vs MIN Odds | CIN vs MIN Player Props | CIN vs MIN Picks

Bengals vs Vikings Odds

The Bengals/Vikings point spread is a strong indication that oddsmakers really don’t know what to expect from a pair of backups, with Minnesota established as a default three-point home favorite. On the moneyline, bettors can get the Bengals as long as +140 at DraftKings. Minnesota backers will find the best moneyline price at FanDuel (-156). The total ranges from 41.5 to 42.5 points, which is a relatively low number for a Cincinnati team that both scores in bunches and surrenders them almost as quickly. The game total is mostly a reflection of the Vikings’ offensive struggles and a potential for a conservative game plan with a backup quarterback.

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CIN vs MIN Odds Movement

The betting market has reacted sharply to news coming out of Minnesota throughout the week. The Vikings were significant 5.5-point favorites in the opening NFL Week 3 odds – when it was clear that Joe Burrow wouldn’t start for Cincinnati but Minnesota’s QB situation was still a question mark. When Wentz was announced as the Viking starter, the line crashed down to Minnesota -3.

Some of the line movement may have also been due to cascading injuries along the Minnesota offensive line: a third-string tackle may potentially be protecting Carson Wentz’s blindside against one of the league’s premier pass rushers, Trey Hendrickson.

The dramatic 2.5-point shift on the spread is a direct response to the Vikings’ injury crisis.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings – Key Matchups to Watch

Cincinnati Pass Rush vs Minnesota Offensive Line

This Week 3 matchup is defined by the trenches. The Vikings’ injury-ravaged offensive line, potentially starting a third-string left tackle, is tasked with stopping Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson, who is a game-wrecker. Expect the Vikings to use tight ends and running backs to help chip and double-team, but Hendrickson’s ability to generate pressure will likely be a constant theme. If Minnesota can’t protect Wentz, their offense will be completely stalled.

For Cincinnati, it’s a golden opportunity to disrupt the pocket, force turnovers, and let their high-powered offense control the tempo.

Backup QBs

Carson Wentz takes over a Vikings offense averaging just 16.5 points per game. He faces a Bengals defense that has been opportunistic, securing four interceptions in two games and holding opposing quarterbacks to a 77.8 rating. The key for Cincinnati will be generating pressure, something they excel at, against a makeshift offensive line. If Wentz is constantly under duress, his tendency to force throws could lead to game-changing turnovers.

On the other side, Jake Browning was prolific but mistake prone while replacing Joe Burrow early in Cincinnati’s 31-27 Week 2 victory over Jacksonville. He completed 65.6% of his passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns, but threw three costly interceptions and finished with just a 69.9 passer rating.

Browning faces a Vikings defense that has struggled to create takeaways (0 INTs) but has limited opposing QBs to just a 60.7% completion rate. Browning’s quick decision-making will be crucial to neutralize Minnesota’s pass rush.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings Player Props

NFL player props as of September 21 at MGM.

Given the state of the Vikings’ offensive line, Carson Wentz’s interception prop (Over 0.5 at -154) is highly appealing. He will be under constant pressure, which historically leads to poor decisions.

For the Bengals, Chase Brown’s rushing yards prop of 67.5 looks attainable against a Vikings run defense that is giving up over 168 yards per game.

Ja’Marr Chase’s receiving total, which is as low as 68.5 at BetRivers, is another strong bet. He is the clear top option for a Bengals offense that should have plenty of opportunities.

Picks:

• Carson Wentz Over 0.5 Interceptions (-154)
• Ja’Marr Chase over 68.5 receiving yards (-114)
• Chase Brown over 68.5 rushing yards (-114)

Cincinnati Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings Picks & Prediction

• Cincinnati Bengals moneyline (+140) at DraftKings
• Under 42.5 (-110) at Fanatics

This game hinges on the monumental mismatch in the trenches. The Minnesota Vikings are not just injured; they are decimated at the most critical spots on the offensive line. Facing an elite pass rusher like Trey Hendrickson with a third-string left tackle is a recipe for disaster.

Carson Wentz, a quarterback known for holding onto the ball too long and making risky throws under pressure, is walking into a brutal situation. The Vikings’ offense, which has already struggled to score, will likely find it difficult to sustain drives, control the clock, or create explosive plays. Their best hope is to scheme quick passes to Justin Jefferson and rely on their defense to create short fields.

The Bengals, meanwhile, are riding a seven-game winning streak and come into this confident after Browning led a fourth-quarter comeback in relief last Sunday. The Cincinnati backup has been a steady hand when called upon over his three seasons in the Queen City, and he has the offensive weapons in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to exploit any defensive lapses.

The Bengals also have a significant advantage on the ground, facing a Vikings run defense that has been gashed for 168.5 yards per game. This could allow Cincinnati to build a balanced attack that can control the game’s tempo and keep the noisy Minneapolis crowd at bay.

Several trends support the Bengals, who are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a win, while the Vikings are a dismal 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games following a loss. The Bengals have also won their last four road games.