Minnesota Vikings (7-6) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals 12/16/23 – Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals, each currently sitting at 7-6, will face off in what promises to be an exciting matchup this Saturday at Paycor Stadium. Both teams aim to improve their playoff positioning through this contest; so this game must not be missed by fans seeking accurate free NFL predictions today.
The Minnesota Vikings’ offense has been inconsistent this season. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has excelled with an efficiency rating of 69.5% and 18 touchdowns against 5 interceptions when passing. Meanwhile, Alexander Mattison provided steady yet unspectacular running back play; Jordan Addison has become an indispensable target, amassing 713 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 56 receptions to show he could break open games through major plays.
On the other side of things, the Cincinnati Bengals have implemented a balanced offensive approach. Joe Burrow has led them effectively with an impressive 68% completion rate and 15 touchdown throws. Joe Mixon has provided consistent runs over 689 yards for 6 touchdowns on his runs alone. Ja’Marr Chase stands out among their receiving corps with 1063 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 86 receptions; this exceptional playmaker has become Joe Burrow’s go-to receiver during crucial moments.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Paycor Stadium |
| TV: | NFLN |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Kirk Cousins QB vs. Joe Burrow QB
Kirk Cousins helms an efficient Minnesota offense that predicates itself on running and play-action. While not the flashiest quarterback, Cousins serves his role nicely – delivering accurate passes, taking care of the football with just 5 interceptions, and complementing his strong run game. Coming off a 299-yard, 3-touchdown performance, he’ll look to carry that momentum against a shaky Bengals’ pass defense.
Leading an explosive Cincinnati offense, Joe Burrow has battled growing pains after last year’s Super Bowl run. While flashing trademark big-play ability with elite receiving weapons, Burrow has been sack-prone and turnover-riddled in 2022. However, if he can regain peak form, Burrow is fully capable of winning a shootout. Minnesota offers a strong test of his progress with the playoffs nearing.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Cincinnati Bengals -110, Total Odds: 40.5
The odds are closely matched, reflecting the tight competition between these teams. The Bengals are slight favorites with a -0.5 spread, indicating a prediction of a very close game. The total set at 40.5 suggests expectations of a moderately scoring game, aligning with both teams’ recent performances.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends
Winners against the spread in 7 of their last 9 games, Minnesota plays tight contests decided by one score nearly every week thanks to a gritty defense and grind-it-out offense. The Vikings are also solid against the number away from home, covering in 5 straight road games. With the total going under in many Vikings’ matchups, beware high-flying shootouts.
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Trends
Cincinnati trends over for the season, with 4 of their last 5 going over the projected total. However, the Bengals have played lower-scoring defensive bouts with NFC North foes recently – a trend that could continue against Minnesota. While dominant at home for the past two seasons, Cincinnati is just 1-3 straight up. Still, they have risen to the occasion as 7-point favorites against playoff-caliber teams.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals 12/16/23 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis and recent trends, this game is poised to be a nail-biter. Both teams have their strengths, with the Vikings showing prowess on the road and the Bengals holding a strong home record. The key could lie in the quarterback matchup, where Cousins’ efficiency will clash with Burrow’s playmaking ability.
For the final pick, the Bengals, with their slight edge at home and a strong performance by Burrow, seem to be a prudent choice. Consider prop bets on individual performances, such as Burrow’s passing yards or Chase’s receiving yards. Given the close odds, the total going UNDER 40.5 could be a wise bet. For those looking for expert premium picks, a Bengals win in a close contest seems the most likely outcome.
Free Pick and Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 20, Minnesota Vikings 19