The Cincinnati Bengals are set to visit the Minnesota Vikings at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis for an afternoon game on September 21, 2025. The Bengals enter Week 3 with a perfect 2-0 record, having secured victories against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns. The Vikings, currently 1-1, will seek to rebound from their recent home defeat to the Atlanta Falcons.
Head Coach Zac Taylor will lead the Bengals, supported by Offensive Coordinator Dan Pitcher and Defensive Coordinator Al Golden. On the other side, Kevin O’Connell will guide the Vikings with Wes Phillips overseeing the offense and Brian Flores managing the defense. The Vikings are looking to leverage their home-field advantage, despite a recent home loss, as they aim to even their record.
The weather forecast anticipates mild conditions with overcast clouds, though the dome setting of U.S. Bank Stadium ensures no wind impact on play. According to consensus odds, the Vikings are slight favorites with a moneyline of -160, while the Bengals stand at +134. The spread is set at 3 points, and the total over/under is 41.5.
Vikings vs Bengals At a Glance
- Stadium: U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN USA — Dome
- Game Date & Time: Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM (Afternoon Game)
- TV Channel: CBS
- Weather Forecast: Mild day with calm, overcast clouds. Wind will not impact play due to the dome.
- Cincinnati Bengals Record: 2-0-0 in the 2025 regular season
- Game Odds: Vikings favored with a moneyline of -160 and a spread of -3.0 (-110)
The Vikings’ Quest for Victory: Analyzing Minnesota’s Upcoming Game
Team Offense
The Minnesota Vikings enter this game with a well-rounded offensive unit. Ranked 9th in scoring last season, they posted a respectable 432 points. Their passing game, led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, was particularly strong, ranking 6th with 4,043 passing yards.
While their passing game shines, the Vikings’ rushing attack ranks 19th with 1,855 yards. Improving this aspect of their game could be crucial for offensive balance. First downs were a strong suit as well, with the team ranked 9th, securing 353 of them.
Team Defense
Defensively, the Vikings were stout, allowing just 332 points, ranking them 5th in the league. Their pass defense was exceptional, leading the league with 24 interceptions. The defensive line was equally effective, recording 49 sacks, ranking 4th.
Minnesota’s defense was also adept at creating turnovers, recovering 9 fumbles, placing them 6th in that category. However, they allowed 5,702 opponent offensive yards, indicating room for improvement in containing yardage. Overall, the defense’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and create turnovers has been a key strength.
Recent Game Performance
In their recent Week 2 game, the Vikings struggled against the Atlanta Falcons, losing 22-6. Their offense found it challenging to move the chains, securing only 10 first downs compared to Atlanta’s 19. The team also suffered from turnovers, with 4 fumbles and 2 interceptions.
Their Week 1 game was a different story, as the Vikings edged out the Chicago Bears with a 27-24 win. The passing game was efficient, and McCarthy’s two touchdown passes were vital for securing the victory. This ability to bounce back after setbacks is critical for their season’s success.
Key Players and Injuries
Justin Jefferson remains a key offensive weapon, with 81 receiving yards against Atlanta. However, J.J. McCarthy’s status is doubtful for Week 3 due to an ankle injury. This could be a significant factor in the Vikings’ offensive strategy going forward.
The team is dealing with a number of injuries, including the absence of Aaron Jones Sr. and other key players. These injuries might affect the Vikings’ depth and performance in upcoming games. Ensuring key players return healthy will be essential for maintaining their competitive edge.
Team Betting Trends
- Last 10 regular season games as favorites: 9-1 (90.0%) SU and ATS
- Last 12 regular season games overall: 10-2 (83.3%) SU and ATS
- Last 3 regular season games with totals ≤ 42: 3-0 (100.0%) SU and ATS
- After a win in last 10 regular season games: 8-2 (80.0%) SU and ATS
- Home games in last 6 regular season games: 5-1 (83.3%) SU and ATS
The Cincinnati Bengals: Road Warriors on the Horizon
Offensive Strengths
The Cincinnati Bengals have been a dominant force in the air, leading the league with 4,640 passing yards. This aerial assault is spearheaded by star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who already has 191 receiving yards this season. Despite their passing prowess, the Bengals’ ground game has struggled, ranking 29th with only 1,574 rushing yards.
With a high third down conversion rate of 46.7% (ranked 5th), the Bengals have shown their ability to sustain drives. Their offense is also effective in moving the chains, accumulating 376 first downs, placing them 5th in the league. This offensive consistency has translated to a total score of 472 points, making them the 6th highest-scoring team this season.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, the Bengals have room for improvement, allowing 434 points, ranking them 24th in the league. They have been susceptible to allowing yards, with opponents gaining 5,921 yards against them, ranking 25th. Despite these challenges, the Bengals’ defense has excelled in creating turnovers, ranking 5th with 15 interceptions and 10 fumbles recovered.
Their pass rush has been reasonably effective, with 36 sacks on the season, placing them 13th in the league. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson has been a key contributor, consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks. The Bengals’ secondary, led by standout players like Dax Hill, continues to be a bright spot with timely interceptions.
Recent Performances
In their recent victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals showcased their offensive depth. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were instrumental, combining for over 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Despite throwing three interceptions, quarterback Jake Browning’s two-touchdown performance helped secure the win.
In their season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals’ defense was pivotal, allowing only 16 points. Jordan Battle’s interception and Demetrius Knight Jr.’s defensive prowess highlighted a strong defensive effort. The team managed to eke out a narrow 17-16 victory, demonstrating their ability to win close games.
Injury Concerns
The Bengals face significant injury challenges with key players on the injured reserve list. Quarterback Joe Burrow is a notable absentee due to toe surgery, which will sideline him for at least three months. The offensive line is also impacted, with guards Lucas Patrick and Cordell Volson out for extended periods.
Defensively, the team is missing Cedric Johnson and Daijahn Anthony due to injuries, affecting their depth. Additionally, Erick All Jr. and Shemar Stewart’s uncertain status further complicates the Bengals’ roster decisions. These absences could impact their upcoming games, particularly in maintaining their offensive and defensive balance.
Betting Trends
- SU – All Games (REG): Last 7 REG Games (2024–2025) → 7-0 (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite (REG): Last 7 REG Games (2024–2025) → 7-0 (100.0%)
- SU – After Win (REG): Last 6 REG Games (2024–2025) → 6-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Away Games (REG): Last 4 REG Games (2024–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – As Underdog (REG): Last 3 REG Games (2024) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Home Games (REG): Last 3 REG Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Home Games (REG): Last 3 REG Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – All Games (REG): Last 7 REG Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- ATS – As Favorite (REG): Last 7 REG Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
Vikings vs Bengals Prediction: Vikings -3.0
The Minnesota Vikings are set as 3-point favorites against the Cincinnati Bengals for their Week 3 matchup. The Vikings have a strong track record at home with a 5-1 ATS record in their last six regular-season games. This success is likely to continue as they take on a Bengals team that, while undefeated, faces a formidable challenge in Minneapolis.
On the other hand, the Cincinnati Bengals have shown a strong start to the season with a 2-0 record. However, their defense has previously struggled, ranking 24th in opponent scoring last season. The Vikings’ robust offensive capabilities, including a top-10 passing attack from last year, could exploit this vulnerability.
The Vikings’ betting trends as favorites are particularly compelling, with a 90% ATS success rate over their last 10 games in this role. This suggests a high likelihood of them covering the spread against the Bengals. Given their home advantage and historical performance, backing the Vikings -3.0 appears to be the prudent choice.
In predicting the final score, the Vikings’ well-rounded team, especially their defense ranked 5th in opponent scoring last year, should hold the Bengals in check. A projected score of Vikings 27 – Bengals 21 supports the pick for the Vikings to cover the spread.
- Vikings vs Bengals Prediction: Vikings -3.0
- Vikings vs Bengals Score: Vikings 27 – Bengals 21
