The Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals meet Saturday in NFL action from Paul Brown Stadium. Minnesota improved to 7-6 on the season with a low-scoring win over the Raiders on Sunday. As for the Bengals, they’re sitting at 7-6 overall as well after their 20-point victory over Indianapolis. Let’s get into our Vikings vs. Bengals prediction. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have had a wild series of ups and downs this year, but they’re hanging in there thanks to an 18.6 points per game average allowed by the defense. Minnesota is scoring a tepid 20.5 points per game themselves, with 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions through the air. In the run game the Vikings have put up 95.2 yards per game and five scores.
Minnesota had another rough offensive effort in their last matchup versus the Raiders. The defense came through again however, holding Vegas to a donut in a 3-0 victory. QB Nick Mullens put up just 83 yards in the win, while Alexander Mattison added 66 rush yards. TJ Hockenson caught five balls for 53 yards as well.
Minnesota Vikings Team Facts
- The Vikings have won each of their last seven December games against AFC opponents.
- The Vikings have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six December games as road underdogs.
- The Vikings have lost the first half in seven of their last eight December games as underdogs.
- The Vikings have scored the first touchdown in seven of their last eight games.
- The Vikings have won the first quarter in each of their last three Week 15 games as underdogs.
Cincinnati Bengals
Over on the Bengals’ side, they’re averaging 21.5 points per game with 31 touchdowns total. Cincinnati has found more success through the air, with 20 scores and nine picks alongside 229.5 pass yards per game. On the ground the Bengals are struggling with 84.7 yards per game and nine total touchdowns.
The good news for Cincinnati is that they’re coming off a nice win over the Colts on Sunday. The Bengals outscored Indy 20-0 in the second half on the way to a 34-14 victory. Jake Browning threw for 275 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Joe Mixon led the rush with 79 yards and a TD of his own, while Chase Brown caught three balls for 80 yards and a score.
Cincinnati Bengals Team Facts
- The Bengals have won each of their last eight games against NFC opponents.
- The Bengals have covered the spread in each of their last eight games in December.
- The Bengals have lost the first half in each of their last six December games against NFC opponents.
- The Bengals have scored the first touchdown in each of their last four home games.
- The underdogs have won the first quarter in each of the Bengals’ last four Week 15 games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Bengals rank 31st in the NFL in yards allowed per game this season (379.2).
- The Bengals rank 31st in the NFL in rushing yards per game this season (84.7).
- The Vikings rank 1st in the NFL in forced fumbles this season (19).
- The Vikings rank T2nd in the NFL in 4th down percentage this season (68.2%).
ANDREW’S FREE VIKINGS VS BENGALS PREDICTION
I’ll stick with the Vikings. You could make a case either way here, but I’m probably staying away from this one all together. Minnesota really needs to get their offense going after another miserable showing versus Las Vegas. The Vikings notched just 231 total yards (99 passing) but were bailed out by the defense allowing 202 yards on the other side. That makes just 13 points scored over the last two games combined.
As for Cincinnati, they managed 385 total yards (274 passing) against the Colts in their latest victory. The Bengals offense has hit 34 points in each of the last two games after posting 30 combined points over the previous pair. Minnesota’s defense is going to be a tough nut to crack though, and I think they can power the Vikings to a cover.