Final score predictions for Bengals vs. Vikings in Week 3

The Cincinnati Bengals’ first attempt at keeping their heads above water without Joe Burrow occurs Sunday in Minnesota against the Vikings.

That Week 3 matchup is one of the first showdowns between backup quarterbacks of the season. Jake Browning will start in place of Burrow, while Carson Wentz commands the Vikings offense in place of JJ McCarthy.

Browning has shown what he can do in the past in place of Burrow, appearing in nine games in 2023 and completing 70.4 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He’s the best non-Kirk Cousins backup in the NFL and will have a game plan specifically tailored to him.

Wentz, on the other hand, only joined the Vikings just three weeks ago and has appeared in five games over the last two seasons. But Minnesota is more balanced than the Bengals offensively, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Justin Jefferson, obviously, is a matchup nightmare.

Al Golden’s Bengals defense continues to show signs of life to start the season, though. While it’s probably inflated somewhat by getting to start the season against Cleveland and Jacksonville, the four interceptions and knack for causing turnovers can certainly be viewed as a good sign.

How the Bengals responded on the field last week after Burrow went down and the fact we’ve seen them rally around Browning in recent history makes it easier to predict the Bengals move to 3-0.

That, and the fact Browning’s a capable passer with weapons like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins creating matchup problems, of course. A more Browning-centric gameplan and an offensive line that can continue to improve as Dalton Risner gets his feet under him in the offense are factors to consider when suggesting the Bengals squeak this one out, too.

Prediction: Bengals 24, Vikings 20

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Final score predictions for Bengals vs. Vikings in Week 3

Final score predictions for Bengals vs. Vikings in Week 3

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