Inside The Vikings

Vikings-Bengals Predictions, Picks: Which 7-6 Team Wins in Week 15?

The Vikings are 3.5-point underdogs in Cincinnati against Jake Browning and company.
Will Ragatz|
Vikings-Bengals Predictions, Picks: Which 7-6 Team Wins in Week 15?
Vikings-Bengals Predictions, Picks: Which 7-6 Team Wins in Week 15?

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Minnesota Vikings

This is another big one for the Vikings, who are looking to win their second consecutive AFC road game before heading into a final stretch of three straight against division rivals. 

Facing the Bengals on Saturday in a battle of hungry 7-6 teams, Minnesota can take a big step towards the postseason with a victory (according to Sumer Sports, their playoff odds will be 72 percent with a win and 53 percent with a loss). It's not a must-win, but a loss would put a lot more pressure on next Sunday's massive Christmas Eve showdown against the Lions in Minneapolis.

The Bengals also have a lot on the line as they look to stay afloat in the crowded AFC wild card race. They've scored 34 points in two consecutive weeks, winning a couple key games to get right back in the thick of things — even without Joe Burrow. Former Vikings practice squad QB Jake Browning is playing with a level of confidence you don't typically see from a backup at that position.

Cincinnati is favored by 3.5 in this one. So who wins? Let's start with my prediction and then take a look at some picks from other analysts.

Will's pick: Bengals 20, Vikings 17

2023 picks record: 8-5

The Vikings absolutely have a good chance to win this game, because they've got a good chance to win any game against a non-elite team with the way Brian Flores' defense has been playing. That unit is going to make things difficult on Browning and his top-tier skill position group all afternoon long. Nonetheless, I can't quite bring myself to pick Minnesota. Not only is Nick Mullens starting at QB, the Vikings are without a couple key offensive pieces in Brian O'Neill and Alexander Mattison. They'll have Justin Jefferson, which is big, but I'm not sure how much they're going to be able to take advantage of the Bengals' leaky defense. I'll take Cincy in a close one.

Other predictions

Ben Goessling, Star Tribune: Vikings 27, Bengals 24

Mullens' first start will come with David Quessenberry starting for O'Neill at right tackle, and Ty Chandler as the Vikings' main running back with Mattison out. The Vikings will have to handle a Bengals pass rush led by Trey Hendrickson's 13½ sacks, while trying to keep up with a Cincinnati offense stocked with skill position players. This one could come down to which backup quarterback can do a better job of handling a tricky set of pressure packages, which is where the Vikings might have an edge with Flores' defense against Browning.

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Bengals 24, Vikings 17

Jake Browning has an 82% completion percentage in his last two starts, and the Bengals have enough talent to make a run to the AFC playoffs. Minnesota (92.9) ranks in the top five in rush defense, but the tandem of Joe Mixon and Chase Brown – a late-season fantasy game – will be enough against a Vikings' team that is shuffling quarterbacks, too.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Bengals 24, Vikings 14

The Vikings have a quarterback crisis now without Kirk Cousins. Meanwhile, the Bengals have a quarterback revelation without Joe Burrow thanks to Jake Browning balling in their system. The Bengals' defense also is playing more inspired and the Vikings don't have enough to slow down Browning's skill players.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Bengals 23, Vikings 17

The Bengals have won two straight to get back into the playoff race behind Jake Browning. The Vikings won 3-0 over the Raiders last week, which tells you all you need to know about the offense. Nick Mullens will be the starter this week after coming off the bench last week for Joshua Dobbs. It won't matter. Browning will play well and lead the Bengals to a third consecutive victory.

NFL.com: 5 of 5 pickers take the Bengals

Minnesota is handing the keys to yet another quarterback (Nick Mullens) this season. Kevin O'Connell had to change something after last week's dud. Mullens, whose last start came in Week 15 of 2021, apparently will have Justin Jefferson back on the field, but will that be enough? It doesn't feel all that promising, considering Jake Browning and the Bengals have scored 34 points in back-to-back wins. Shoot, even if Brian Flores' defense continues its stingy streak -- allowing just 15 points per game since Week 6 (tops in the NFL) -- can Minnesota's offense even score enough to exceed that low bar?

Bleacher Report Staff: Bengals 26, Vikings 21

Mike Florio, PFT: Bengals 24, Vikings 17

Chris Simms, PFT: Bengals 21, Vikings 20

Seth Walder, ESPN: Bengals 24, Vikings 17

Eric Moody, ESPN: Bengals 23, Vikings 15

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Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

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