Cincinnati Bengals vs. Minnesota Vikings Picks and Prediction, September 21, 2025 

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On Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals will play the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, and we have you ready to go with our Bengals vs. Vikings prediction. Kickoff from Minneapolis is at 1:00 p.m. ET.

The Vikings are three-point spread favorites, and the game total is 42 points scored.

Cincy and Minny last met in 2023, a 27-24 Bengals victory. The teams have met five times since 2009, with Cincinnati up 3-2 straight-up (2-2-1 ATS). The over was 3-2 in those games. If you want the Bengals vs. Vikings prediction, read on and check out our NFL Picks to beat the sportsbooks!

Bengals must rally behind a new QB

Cincinnati (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS, and 1-1 O/U) beat Jacksonville 31-27 last week and Cleveland 17-6 in its season opener.

The Bengals held off the Jaguars last Sunday, overcoming a toe injury to QB Joe Burrow that will sideline him for months. Backup Jake Browning threw three interceptions, but passed for 241 yards with two passing touchdowns and one rushing score to lead Cincinnati to the win. Jacksonville outgained the home team 400-350 in total yards, but was 3-for-6 in the red zone and committed two turnovers.

“Resilient group that found a way. It feels like that’s what this year is turning into already,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “You know, just a group that believes in each other and never flinches, even when things are difficult.”

Cincinnati scores 24.0 points per game (9th) and averages 245.5 total yards (30th), including 198.5 passing yards (21st) and 47.0 rushing yards (32nd). The Bengals' defense surrenders 21.5 points (16th) and 363.5 total yards (23rd), including 269.5 passing yards (27th) and 94.0 rushing yards (10th).

Cincinnati Bengals Football Injury Report:

DJ Turner II CB — Questionable Cam Taylor-Britt CB — Doubtful Erick All Jr. TE — Out

Minnesota has been turnover-prone

Minnesota (1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS, and 1-1 O/U) beat Chicago 27-24 in its season opener and lost 22-6 to Atlanta last Sunday.

The Vikings suffered a disappointing loss to the Falcons, as QB JJ McCarthy was 11-for-21 passing with two interceptions and a lost fumble (6.3 QBR). The second-year pro also went down with a high ankle sprain, sidelining him for the next two to four weeks. Veteran Carson Wentz will take over as the team's starter going forward. Atlanta outgained Minnesota 326-198, as the Dirty Birds rushed for 218 yards on 39 carries (5.6 YPC). With an ineffective passing game and four turnovers, the Falcons dominated the time of possession.

“We’ve got to find a way to stay on the field longer, because it’s an important part of how we need to play as a team, especially against a team like that,” Minnesota coach Kevin O'Connell said.

The Vikings score 16.5 points per game (27th) and average 226.0 total yards (31st), including 127.0 passing yards (30th) and 99.0 rushing yards (21st). Minnesota's defense allows 23.0 points (18th) and 321.5 total yards (16th) per game, including 153.0 passing yards (4th) and 168.5 rushing yards (29th).

Minnesota Vikings Football Injury Report:

Andrew Van Ginkel LB — Questionable Harrison Smith S — Questionable Justin Skule OT — Out Ryan Kelly C — Out Christian Darrisaw OT — Questionable J.J. McCarthy QB — Out Austin Keys LB — Questionable Gabriel Murphy LB — Questionable Gavin Bartholomew TE — Out

Bengals vs. Vikings Pick

Spread Pick for Bengals vs. Vikings

• Minnesota -3 (5 Units)

Is Wentz a downgrade from McCarthy? I don't believe he is, as the first-year starter was struggling, ranking second last in adjusted EPA per play with a 58.5% completion percentage. He clearly looked like a player who was attempting to find his footing and adjust to the speed of the pro game. The Vikings have the more talented overall roster, and while Cincinnati has the better record, its competition has been weak compared to Minnesota's. The Bengals' offensive line (24th in pass blocking and 30th in run blocking, per Pro Football Focus) will struggle to contain the home team's pressure, making life difficult for Browning, who certainly wasn't flawless last week in relief of Burrow.

Minnesota's defense will shine, and Wentz will be an effective game manager, leading Minnesota to a win and cover on Sunday.

Over/Under Pick for Bengals vs. Vikings

• Over 42 (4 Units)

This total is low, which isn't surprising for a matchup between backup quarterbacks. That said, Browning has played well in Burrow's absence in the past, completing 70.4 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns in nine games two seasons ago. He knows the Bengals' offensive system like the back of his hand and should be game-ready after playing in most of last week's win. Wentz is also superior to McCarthy at this point in JJ's career. The former second-overall pick has 98 career games under his belt and will be eager to seize the moment after spending the last three seasons in a reserve role. He has plenty of pass-catching weapons at his disposal with Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Adam Thielen, and Jalen Nailor, as well.

Betting on the under seems logical on paper, but I don't see much breathing room in a wager on that outcome, with the total set at just 42 points.

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