Cincinnati Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings Picks and Predictions for Sunday, September 21, 2025

By: David Anicetti Updated 09/19/2025, 03:13 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals (2–0) visit the Minnesota Vikings (1–1) at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET on CBS. The Bengals edged Jacksonville 31–27 last week, following a close win over Cleveland, while the Vikings lost 22–6 to Atlanta after a road win at Chicago. The current odds are Vikings -1, total 43.5, with moneylines CIN -105 and MIN -115. Join a passionate community of fans who rely on our data-driven free NFL picks to secure their victories.

Cincinnati Bengals Preview

The Bengals are unbeaten, but quarterback health is a question with Joe Burrow listed as doubtful. Jake Browning has stepped in with mixed results: 241 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Browning has looked to receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who already has 16 catches for 191 yards and a touchdown. Cincinnati’s run game has been inefficient at just 2.4 yards per carry.

On defense, Cincinnati has kept games close with pressure and timely takeaways. Trey Hendrickson leads the front seven with two sacks, and Dax Hill has 18 tackles through two games. Safety Jordan Battle has two interceptions, giving the secondary confidence heading into Week 3. The defense will need to continue forcing turnovers to support an offense that will be without its star quarterback.

Minnesota Vikings Preview

Minnesota split its first two games and comes in off a lopsided home loss. Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy has shown promise with 301 passing yards and two touchdowns, but has also thrown three interceptions and taken nine sacks. Protection remains a concern, and the Vikings need better balance on offense. Jordan Mason leads the backfield with 98 yards, but the Vikings average just 99 rushing yards per game.

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The Vikings have the weapons to test Cincinnati’s secondary. Justin Jefferson already has 125 yards and a touchdown, and Jalen Nailor gives McCarthy another sure-handed target to throw to. The defensive front is anchored by Javon Hargrave, who has two sacks, and Ivan Pace Jr., who leads with 14 tackles. The defense can generate pressure, but the secondary must tighten after giving up big plays against Atlanta.

Bengals vs Vikings Prediction

Cincinnati is likely to play without starting signal-caller Joe Burrow. The Bengals have the more dangerous receiver in Chase and a defense that has forced turnovers early. The Vikings counter with Jefferson and a pass rush that can disrupt opposing offensive game plans. In a low-scoring contest, the Vikings, playing at home and looking to bounce back from a loss, give Minnesota the advantage. Final Score Prediction: Minnesota Vikings win and cover ATS 27-23.