Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 15 game
The Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) are convincing the country to believe in quarterback Jake Browning while the Minnesota Vikings' (7-6) own fairy-tale magic is fizzling. The two teams face off in one of three Saturday games in Week 15 at Paycor Stadium.
Browning has won two games for the Bengals after filling in for an injured Joe Burrow, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 and the Indianapolis Colts 34-14. He was 32-of-37 for 354 yards and a touchdown in a road win against the Jaguars.
The Vikings were threatening to make history with a scoreless game against the Las Vegas Raiders before Greg Joseph hit a field goal in the fourth quarter. Coach Kevin O'Connell benched Joshua Dobbs in favor of Nick Mullens. Dobbs captured the nation's attention by winning two games upon his arrival in Minnesota. But he dropped the next two games and finished Sunday's game going 10-of-23 for 63 yards.
Mullens will get the start on Saturday and Justin Jefferson is expected to return after being hospitalized with a chest injury last week.
PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week
Bengals vs. Vikings odds, moneyline, over/under
The Bengals are favorites to defeat the Vikings, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app.
Spread: Bengals (-3)
Moneyline: Bengals (-165); Vikings (+140)
Over/under: 40.5
Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds and/or Monday Night Football odds.
If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with these online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.
NFL Week 14 winners, losers: Chiefs embarrass themselves with meltdown on offsides penalty
NFL Week 15 odds, predictions and picks
Raiders vs. Chargers | Bengals vs. Vikings | Colts vs. Steelers | Lions vs. Broncos | Panthers vs. Falcons | Browns vs. Bears | Packers vs. Buccaneers | Dolphins vs. Jets | Saints vs. Giants | Titans vs. Texans | Patriots vs. Chiefs | Cardinals vs. 49ers | Rams vs. Commanders | Bills vs. Cowboys | Jaguars vs. Ravens | Seahawks vs. Eagles
Lorenzo Reyes: Bengals 24, Vikings 14
Cincinnati has been competitive with Jake Browning playing quarterback, putting up 34 points in each of its last two victories. The Vikings have slowed with Joshua Dobbs enough that Nick Mullens will now start. The concern about Justin Jefferson’s injury is a further blow.
Tyler Dragon: Bengals 21, Vikings 16
Zac Taylor deserves a tremendous amount of credit for adjusting his offense around Jake Browning. The Bengals have won two in a row and are still in the playoff mix. The Vikings won last week despite scoring just three points. Minnesota needs a better performance on the road to get a win, but the Bengals' defense tends to play better at home.
Safid Deen: Bengals 26, Vikings 17
Joe Burrow is out for the season and backup Jake Browning has led the Bengals to 34 points in two straight starts. The Vikings' defense will give Browning some trouble, but the Bengals should have enough to keep their momentum going with a win at home.
Victoria Hernandez: Bengals 28, Vikings 10
Jake Browning is not a fluke as he powered the Bengals to back-to-back wins. Meanwhile, the Vikings are on their fourth quarterback of the season and haven’t been able to put pieces together after waking up from the Joshua Dobbs dream.
Jordan Mendoza: Bengals 27, Vikings 20
Cincinnati is playing good ball with Jake Browning at quarterback, and it’ll certainly help to go against a Minnesota team that is struggling offensively. The Bengals get their third-straight win as they eye a playoff spot.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
32 things we learned in NFL Week 14: Cowboys' NFC shake-up caps wild weekend
NFL salaries: These are the highest paid NFL players
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals: Game predictions, picks, odds
