Vikings vs. Bengals 2021 NFL Week 1 Odds, Preview and Pick

By Carlos Chacon • September 6, 2021

The Minnesota Vikings start their 2021 NFL campaign with a road game against the Cincinnati Bengals. After a mediocre season that saw the Vikings finish with a 7-9 record, Mike Zimmer and company are ready to bounce back and start things off on a positive note. This time around, the team aims to bring in enough wins to qualify for the playoffs.

On the other hand, the Bengals are in a similar situation following a poor finish last season with 4 wins, 11 losses, and a tie. The team hasn’t seen the light of the playoffs since 2015, which should be a wake-up call for Zac Taylor and company.

NitroBetting gears you up for the upcoming NFL season with the most informative game previews. In here, you will find essential event details, key team and player statistics, and the latest betting odds. Additionally, we provide you with timely betting trends and expert betting predictions that bring you a step closer to the best picks. Don’t forget to check out the latest 2021 NFL odds at out online Bitcoin sportsbook.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals Game Information

A lot to look forward to in 2021. #Skol
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 4, 2021

When: Sunday, September 12, 2021, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
TV: NBC
Radio: KFAN FM 100.3 Sports (Vikings) / ESPN 1530 (Bengals)
Live Stream:NFL Game Pass
NFL Odds: Minnesota Vikings (-3.0) / Cincinnati Bengals (+3.0)

Why Bet on the Minnesota Vikings?

The Vikings drafted a new quarterback in Kelle Mond but Kirk Cousins will continue to lead the team’s offense this year. The 33-year-old quarterback ended his previous season on a high with 4,265 passing yards, 35 interceptions, and 13 interceptions. Giving him a helping hand is Dalvin Cook who finished last season with 1,000 rushing yards, while Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen will hold their ground as a terrific wide receiver duo. If the team’s defense operates properly this time, they can find their way to the playoffs.

The Minnesota Vikings came close to a playoff appearance last year. What held the team back was a poor defense that ranked 29th in scoring defense and 27th in total defense. But after a busy offseason, the team receives plenty of reinforcement with the return of several key players. The list includes a healthy Michael Pierce, Anthony Barr, Danielle Hunter, and Eric Kendricks; all of which missed out on significant playing time due to injuries. Furthermore, the introduction of cornerback Patrick Peterson gives more life to Minnesota’s defense.

Why Bet on the Cincinnati Bengals?

Meanwhile, the grind continues for the Bengals under head Zac Taylor. Since joining the team in 2019, the 38-year-old coach triggered a revamp, and it looks like the team is headed in the right direction. Of course, their success is heavily reliant on quarterback Joe Burrow. If he remains consistent throughout the season, the Bengals can produce a better win-loss record this season.

The offensive line has been improved with the addition of offensive tackle Riley Reiff and guard Jackson Carman. Moreover, rookie wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will try to take some of the scoring duties this season.

Gong over the defense, the Bengals finished 22nd in scoring defense and 26th in total defense. We expect this to improve this year with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo introducing a more aggressive pass rush. The latest acquisitions Larry Ogunjobi and Trey Hendrickson are anticipated to do plenty of damage up front. Ultimately, Cincinnati enters the 2021 NFL season with an improved defensive unit.

Vikings vs. Bengals Betting Trends

The Vikings are 3-2 in their last 5 away games.
The Vikings are 2-3 against the spread in their last 5 away games.
The totals have gone under in 2 of the Vikings’ last 5 away games.
The Bengals are 2-3 in their last 5 home games.
The Bengals are 3-2 against the spread in their last 5 home games.
The totals have gone over in 2 of the Bengal’s last 5 home games.

Vikings vs. Bengals Expert Betting Predictions

Despite having home-field advantage, the Bengals might feel the pressure of the Vikings pushing for a top-10 offense in the league this season. But there’s a good reason to back Cincinnati covering the spread. The team is capable of firing back and keeping a close scoreline if they get some pace going early on. Meanwhile, the Vikings enter the competition as the favorites, all things considered. Nonetheless, we look forward to a thrilling contest from start to finish.

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.