Vikings vs. Bengals Predictions, Odds, Picks

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

Sept. 12, 2021

Eytan Shander
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals Predictions

Score Prediction - Bengals 34 Vikings 31

Nothing says opening week in the NFL like rolling with a fresh home dog, especially one as volatile as the Bengals. The Vikings open the year with lofty expectations of possibly stealing the NFC North away from the Packers, while the Bengals will look improved but still face an uphill climb in the AFC North.

This one is all about the matchups, specifically the starting points of attack for each team. Joe Burrow is going to throw a lot, regardless of game script, and Dalvin Cook will be the primary weapon for the Vikings.

The additions to the passing game in Cincy allow Burrow to open up the air game, Ja’Mar Chase should slot in nicely alongside Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Minnesota boasts one of the game’s top 2 WR tandems in Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielan, but lost their TE Irv Smith for the year. Bottom line is Cook will have to operate on multiple levels – including the passing game – to keep up with the Bengals. The offensive lines should each have a day on the ground, as neither team has the horses to slow down the opposing running backs.

The Vikings defense last year was banged up but still rather awful. They struggled against the pass and stopping the run. Joe Mixon should be a fantastic compliment to Burrow, with the ability to sustain longer drives. The biggest concern would be protecting Burrow from an above- average pass rush, as that’s really the Vikings only hope.

Kirk Cousins should have time to throw on his end, so definitely expect this game to provide some fireworks. While Mixon and Cook should cancel each other out for the most part, the difference will be volume of throws between Cousins and Burrow. That’s where the Bengals have the edge.

The Cincinnati Bengals have seen the road team cover the spread in seven straight season opening games. (AP)

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals Best Bets

• Cincinnati ML
• Cincinnati +3

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals Game Odds

• Minnesota -175
• Cincinnati +145
• Minnesota (-3) -110
• Cincinnati (+3) -110
• Over 47.5 -110
• Under 47.5 -110

Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Resources

• Venue: Paul Brown Stadium
• Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
• TV-Time: FOX - 1:00 p.m. ET

• Vegas Odds
• Futures Odds

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Analysis

Neither one of these teams could stop the run last year, something that should factor into betting the total. Cincinnati was fourth-worst in the league against the run, while the Vikings finished two spots behind at sixth-worst. This game just screams offense and for all the right reasons. It’s overflowing with talent for both teams - especially with two star running backs having a ton of opportunity, and the QBs having enough options down field.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Trends

• Cincinnati has seen the road team cover the spread in seven straight season opening games.
• Minnesota has won seven of its last eight road games when playing as the favorite.
• Minnesota has gone OVER the point total in 10 of its last 12 game when playing during the daytime.

Where to place a bet this NFL Season?

• Use our exclusive BetMGM Bonus Code VIBONUS1500 to unlock BetMGM’s welcome offer for new sportsbook users!
• Compare the latest NFL Odds from the best sportsbooks before placing a bet on this week's games.
• Check out the North Carolina Sportsbooks just before they launch legal online sports betting.

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