It has finally reached the point in the season when the entire weekend is filled with NFL games. Saturday features 3 games before Sunday’s normal — yet massive — slate. The first game on Saturday takes place in Cincinnati between the Vikings and Bengals. But it’s not Kirk Cousins against Joe Burrow; it will be Nick Mullens against Jake Browning…just like everyone expected!
I have crafted a 3-leg Same Game Parlay that pays out at over 6/1 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Joe Mixon to score a touchdown (-110)
Bengals alternate spread -6.5 (+148)
Under 40.5 (-110)
Same Game Parlay: +603
Joe Mixon to score a touchdown (-110)
It’s easy to identify which player has benefited the most from Joe Burrow’s unfortunate injury. Joe Mixon has 40 carries in his last 2 games and has found the end zone 3 times in that 2-game span. He has also recorded his 2 best receiving games in the last 2 weeks, so he has been a lot more active in every facet of Cincinnati’s offense. Once the Bengals get in the red zone, Browning will be looking for Ja’Marr Chase — but that’s exactly what Minnesota will plan for. Instead, the Bengals have been giving Mixon more opportunities in the red zone, and based on his several touchdowns in the last few weeks it has been a smart idea. That should continue on Saturday afternoon in Cincy.
Check out our Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals predictions
Cincinnati Bengals -6.5 (+148) over Minnesota Vikings
It has been a brutal last few weeks for the Vikings. Cousins tore his Achilles’, Justin Jefferson finally returned from injury just to get hurt again and now the Joshua Dobbs legacy run is over. Dobbs has been benched for Mullens in Week 15. Also, Jefferson is questionable to play after sustaining a chest injury in his return last week and Alexander Mattison will miss another game. That doesn’t leave a lot of weapons for Mullens to use, and for that reason I’m expecting the Bengals to secure a big win on their home turf.
Cincinnati is 2-1 since Browning took over for Burrow. Browning has been a pleasant surprise off the bench and was great in Week 14 against the Colts. He went 18-of-24 for 275 yards and 2 touchdowns and led the Bengals to a 34-14 wi. Before that game he delivered the best performance of his career against the Jaguars. Browning ruined Jacksonville’s first Monday Night Football game in a decade by throwing for 354 yards and leading Cincinnati to a 34-31 win. The former University of Washington standout is on the rise, while the Vikings have scored just 13 points in their last 2 games. I’m confident in backing the Bengals up to a touchdown.
Under 40.5 (-110)
Minnesota’s offense has been struggling of late. Although the Vikings won their Week 15 matchup, they scored only 3 points to do it. That’s rarely going to win football games. Jefferson and Mattison are both banged up and Mullens has very little chemistry with any Minnesota receiver, which makes it hard to expect a complete turnaround for the Vikings on offense. Plus, the Minnesota defense has been solid this season. It is allowing the 5th-fewest points per game in the NFL, just behind the Chiefs, 49ers, Ravens and Cowboys. Combine that with Cincinnati’s average defense and I’m expecting a score around 20-13 in favor of the home team.
