Minnesota Vikings (7-6) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals December 16, 2023 – The Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals face off this Saturday in a pivotal Week 15 NFL matchup. Both teams sit at 7-6 and are battling for playoff positioning in their respective conferences. Fans and bettors alike are eager for NFL free picks as these two evenly matched teams collide on Saturday, December 16, 2023. This game isn’t just a battle for a better record; it’s a strategic play for playoff positioning.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals December 16, 2023 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 has put together a bounce-back campaign after struggling last season, completing 69.5% of his passes for 2,331 yards (291.4 per game), 18 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions through 8 starts. He’s cut down on mistakes and risen to the occasion in crunch time, leading 4 game-winning drives. Cousins has focused on getting the ball out quicker and has cut his sack rate down to just 2.2% after sitting at 8.0% last year. His renewed comfort in the pocket has led to improved efficiency numbers. Cousins ranks 5th among qualifiers with a 103.8 passer rating.
Joe Burrow took the league by storm last year, capping his Super Bowl run by claiming NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors. But through injuries and a stagnant running game, he’s taken a step back in 2022, completing 66.8% of his throws for 2,309 yards (230.9 per game), 15 TDs and 6 INTs over 10 starts. Ja’Marr Chase’s absence down the stretch hasn’t helped matters as Burrow loses his lethal deep threat. Yet Burrow deserves credit for leading Cincy to key wins over the past month despite these missing weapons.
Vikings’ Ground and Air Attack: Precision and Pace
The Vikings’ offense isn’t solely powered by Kirk Cousins’ arm alone. Alexander Mattison has amassed 660 yards over 13 games as a rusher; however, his lack of touchdowns highlights an area for improvement. Receiving wise, Jordan Addison stands out with 713 yards and 7 touchdowns from 56 receptions, giving Minnesota an unpredictable yet balanced offense.
Bengals’ Offensive Strategy: Versatility and Vision
Cincinnati responds with their own arsenal. Joe Mixon boasts 689 rushing yards and six touchdowns for a powerful ground game, while Ja’Marr Chase serves as Burrow’s favorite receiver, amassing 1063 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns himself. Cincinnati’s dual-threat capability makes them difficult for any defense to defend.
NFL Betting Odds: Cincinnati Bengals -110, Over/Under: 40.5
The Bengals are slightly favored with a -110 moneyline and a -0.5 spread at -116 odds. The total over/under for the game is set at 40.5, reflecting the anticipated tight nature of this matchup.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends
Minnesota are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Minnesota’s last 11 games.
Minnesota are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games.
Vikings are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games on the road.
Minnesota are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 5 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Trends
Cincinnati are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 5 games.
Cincinnati are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 6 games against Minnesota.
Cincinnati are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games at home.
Cincinnati are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Picks
The key to this game lies in the quarterbacks’ performances and the ability of each team’s defense to adapt. The Vikings’ road record against Cincinnati is worrisome, but their recent ATS trend cannot be ignored. On the other hand, the Bengals’ strong home record and offensive firepower make them a tempting pick.
For those looking at legal betting sites, consider the Vikings for the spread given their recent ATS success. The over/under is tricky, given the contrasting trends, but the safe bet might be the UNDER, considering the Vikings’ recent history.
Score Predictions: Bengals 21, Vikings 17
