The Final Say on Bengals at Vikings Prediction
The Minnesota Vikings need a rebound performance in Week 3 at home against the Cincinnati Bengals after a sorrowful showing in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Every week, we ask hardcore Minnesota Vikings fans for their score and winner predictions, and here’s the verdict for Week 3.
They’ll task quarterback Carson Wentz with the assignment, a passer signed late in the summer following a trade of Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles. J.J. McCarthy is on the shelf with a high ankle sprain.
So, we asked our panel of Vikings fans to predict the score and winner for Week 3. These are their thoughts.
The Fans Predict Vikings-Bengals
Most believe in the purple team to bounce back.
Score Predictions from Fans | Week 3
The group mostly picked the Vikings, probably because of homefield advantage and Minnesota’s knack for empowering reserve QBs.
These are the scores from our panel:
Bruce Johnson | @sachikojohnson: MIN Wins, 17-14
Chris | @skol227: MIN Wins, 27-20
Eric Horstman | @ehorstman23, CIN Wins, 24-17
Ivan the Czar | @up4discussion_7: MIN Wins, 20-17
Jens | @rednpurple77: MIN Wins, 29-17
Skol Tom | @SkolFrom WI: MIN Wins, 23-14
Steve Berglund | @VikesIn18: MIN Wins, 27-21
Tadd | @ST7CUbs: MIN Wins, 27-20
Horstman was the only one to go against the grain, so we shall see if he nails it.
Last week, Jens chose the Falcons — the only one in the group to do so — and he nailed it, picking Atlanta by three. The Falcons won by 14.
Standings after Week 2
Jens: 2-0
Bruce Johnson: 1-1
Chris: 1-1
Eric Horstman: 1-1
Ivan, the Czar: 1-1
Skol Tom: 1-1
Steve Berglund: 1-1
Tadd: 1-1
Minnesota puts an undefeated streak, of sorts, on the line: the Vikings have never lost a home game to the Bengals.
Verdict from the Panel
The eight-person panel has rolled with Minnesota to run their record to 2-1, collectively predicting a 24-18 dub over Cincinnati.
Official Prediction from the People: Vikings over Bengals: 24-18
What NFL Experts Say
ESPN nominated Cincinnati as the winner among its panel.
Kevin Seifert noted on the purple team: “What we’re hearing on the Vikings: The Vikings have run a league-low 95 offensive plays this season, a fact coach Kevin O’Connell has repeatedly bemoaned as he has tried to find ways to use an array of talented skill players. One of the key reasons has been a 30.4% conversion rate on third down, the fourth lowest in the NFL.
“They might find more daylight against a Bengals defense that has been on the field for 151 plays this season, fourth most in the league. Cincinnati has also allowed the NFL’s third-highest third-down conversion rate (51.7%).”
Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox picked Minnesota and wrote, “In a battle between terrific skill groups and backup quarterbacks, I’m inclined to favor the home team. While I actually trust Jake Browning more than Carson Wentz at this point, I also have no faith in Zac Taylor’s desire to establish the run. The best way to attack Brian Flores’ defense is on the ground, and I expect the Bengals to coach their way out of a winnable road game.”
The Ringer‘s Anthony Dabbundo on the matchup: “What version of Minnesota are we going to get? Christian Darrisaw is a massive loss for the Minnesota offensive line (as is center Ryan Kelly) and the Vikings defense wasn’t nearly as dominant on Sunday without Blake Cashman and Andrew Van Ginkel. Is Carson Wentz an upgrade from J.J. McCarthy? You could argue that he actually is. Wentz has only been in the building a few weeks, but McCarthy has been pretty bad to start the season.”
“Even including one great quarter against a depleted Chicago secondary, McCarthy is 71st out of 76 quarterbacks with at least 50 snaps in adjusted EPA per play. I haven’t bet on this game yet, as I’m waiting to learn more about the Minnesota injury situation, but it’s the most fascinating game on the board this week. If you have Browning and Wentz opinions, it’s a strong betting opportunity.”
Minnesota is a 2.5-point favorite over Cincinnati.
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