Now 2-0 after dramatic wins against the Browns and Jaguars, the Bengals head back out on the road with Jake Browning under center to take on the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota lost 22-6 to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football in Week 2 after beating the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 1.
Vikings Offense
Minnesota will be without its starting quarterback against the Bengals, as second-year signal caller J.J. McCarthy suffered an ankle sprain in the team's Week 2 loss. In steps Carson Wentz, a former second-overall pick who signed with the team in late August. Wentz is in his 10th NFL season after stints with the Philadelphia Eagles (2016-2020), Indianapolis Colts (2021), Washington Commanders (2022), Los Angeles Rams (2023) and Kansas City Chiefs (2024). He has started 94 games in his career, helping lead the Eagles to an 11-2 record in 2017 before missing the rest of the season with a knee injury. Philadelphia went on to win the Super Bowl, and Wentz was named Associated Press All-Pro Second Team.
The news of McCarthy's injury broke Monday afternoon during Bengals head coach Zac Taylor’s weekly press conference.
"Carson's had a lot of success in this league," Taylor said. "He's always challenging, he's dynamic with his legs, he's got a big arm, he's been in a lot of big moments… He's done a lot of really good things over the course of his career."
Wentz will likely be without one of his weapons, as RB Aaron Jones injured his hamstring Sunday night as well. RB Jordan Mason is expected to lead the backfield. Mason has carried the ball 24 times over the first two games for 98 yards and has posted a 77.7 PFF rush grade, the fourth-best among running backs.
In the receiving game, WR Justin Jefferson again leads the attack. The two-time All Pro has seven receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown in the first two weeks of the season, and he tied future Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald as the youngest players to record 500 career receptions.
With WR Jordan Addison suspended for the first three weeks of the season, Minnesota acquired Panthers WR and former Viking Adam Thielen before Week 1. Thielen spent the first nine years of his career in Minnesota before making a two-year pitstop in Carolina and is a two-time Pro Bowler.
Minnesota's offensive line struggled in pass protection in the Week 2 loss to the Falcons, allowing 16 pressures and six sacks. The line was banged up ending Sunday, as starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw worked his back from a knee injury suffered in 2024. His replacement, Justin Skule, left the game and is in concussion protocol, as did C Ryan Kelly.
Vikings Defense
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores's unit has struggled a bit to open the season, posting a league-low 48.4 PFF defensive grade. However, the Vikings have allowed only three touchdowns over the first two games.
Minnesota has allowed the sixth-most yards per carry on the ground (5.2) through the first two weeks of the season. The Vikings signed former Commander Jonathan Allen and former 49er Javon Hargrave this offseason to get stronger up front despite giving up fewer than 100 rushing yards per game last season.
In the pass rush game, Minnesota has generated 45 total pressures over the first two weeks and five total sacks. The Vikings finished fourth in 2024 with 49 total sacks. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard leads the unit with 12 total pressures and eight hurries, but Hargrave leads the two with two sacks, per PFF. 2024 Pro Bowl edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel missed Week 2 with a concussion, but he had 11.5 sacks opposite Greenard last season.
S Harrison Smith has yet to play this season, out with an illness. Theo Jackson has filled in for Smith, posting a 54.7 coverage grade at safety. Josh Martellus roams next to Smith on the back end, leading the Vikings with a 73.1 coverage grade. At corner, the team's CB1 Byron Murphy Jr. has allowed the team's only passing touchdown, giving up seven receptions on seven targets in coverage in the first two weeks. The unit also has not forced an interception yet after leading the league with 24 last season.
Take a look at some of the best photos from past matchups between the Bengals and Minnesota Vikings
WR Tee Higgins stretches for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2023.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase reacts after making a catch against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati. The Bengals won 27-24.
Cincinnati Bengals' Rudi Johnson (32) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings' Pat Williams (94) in the second half Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005, in Cincinnati. Bengals center Rich Braham (74) blocks Williams. Johnson gained 90 yards in the Bengals' 37-8 win.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco (85) and Minnesota Vikings safety Eric Frampton (37) meet during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.
DE Trey Hendrickson celebrates during the Vikings-Bengals game in Week 15 of the 2023 season on December 16 at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Bengals running back Cedric Benson (32) breaks through a tackle during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, left, and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) exchange jerseys after an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati. The Bengals won 27-24 in overtime.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) meets with Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) after the Bengals defeated the Vikings 42-14 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) runs against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) has trouble getting rid of the ball in first-half action against the Bengals, Dec. 2, 1973 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Vikings Mick Tingeloff (53) provides same protection for Tarkenton against Cincinnati's Mike Reid (74).
Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vincent Rey (57) and teammate strong safety Shawn Williams (36) take down Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) during an NFL football game on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Minneapolis. The Vikings beat the Bengals 34-7 to clinch the NFC North Championship.
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (2) is lifted by teammates after hitting a field goal to defeat the Minnesota Vikings during overtime of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati. The Bengals won 27-24.
Cincinnati Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (42) is pursued by Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Chad Greenway (52) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, in Cincinnati.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Vincent Rey (57) in the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati recovered the fumble.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) runs past Minnesota Vikings defensive back Bashaud Breeland (21) after making a catch and takes it in for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) is tackled after a reception during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end B.J. Hill (92) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) runs from Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (12) fumbles as he is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle BJ Hill (92) during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. Hill recovered the humble on the play.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) catches a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati.
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