Bengals Could Surprise Vikings In Season Opener

Despite all of their recent troubles, the Cincinnati Bengals have been a tough out at Paul Brown Stadium, going 7-3-2 ATS in their last 12 at home. Joe Burrow and the Bengals look to improve those numbers against the Vikings, who failed to cover any of their last seven games last year.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The home underdog role is nothing new for the Bengals, who have caught points in 13 of their last 14 at Paul Brown Stadium. Minnesota was favored away from home just twice last season but is 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS in its last eight as road chalk.

Minnesota News & Notes

After fielding what Mike Zimmer called the worst defense in his seven-year tenure as Vikings coach last year, Minnesota is expected to have a much better stop unit this season. Star defensive end Danielle Hunter is back after missing the 2020 campaign with a neck injury, while the team added several veterans — including eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson — during the offseason.

Klint Kubiak makes his debut as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator, although he’s expected to use the same system as his dad, Gary, installed last season. The Vikings’ first unit hasn’t seen many snaps with Kubiak in charge, playing just six series together in the team’s last two preseason games, and running back Dalvin Cook and receiver Justin Jefferson didn’t even see the field during the preseason.

Cincinnati News & Notes

The Bengals struggled to create big plays in Burrow’s injury-shortened rookie season, but they’re expected to take more shots down the field in 2021. Rather than using its fifth overall draft pick to address the offensive line, Cincinnati selected speedy receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who led the FBS in receiving yards and touchdowns when he played with Burrow two years ago at LSU.

The two have yet to find that chemistry in Cincinnati, however, with Chase dropping the only pass attempt he saw from Burrow during the preseason. In fact, Chase dropped four of his five targets in exhibition play, perhaps showing signs of rust after opting out of the 2020 college season.

Burrow could be rusty as well in his first regular-season action since tearing his ACL and MCL last November. The 2020 first overall pick saw just three snaps in the preseason and will wear a brace on his knee, although he’s told reporters he has no concerns about it affecting his mobility. Prior to being injured, Burrow eclipsed the 300-yard mark in five of his last eight games.

Staff Betting Pick: Bengals +3

Cincinnati was 3-0-1 ATS at home last year with Burrow under center and should be live for the upset against a Vikings defense that may need time to jell.