Vikings vs. Bengals 12/16/23 – As the NFL season intensifies, Week 15 brings us an intriguing matchup with the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals both standing at a critical 7-6. Set to unfold on December 16, 2023, at the Paycor Stadium, this game is a key pivot for both teams’ playoff aspirations. Fans and bettors alike are eagerly eyeing the NFL Week 15 free picks, anticipating a clash that could tip the scales in either team’s favor.
Vikings vs. Bengals 12/16/23
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Paycor Stadium |
| TV: | NFLN |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | +3 -105 | o40 -115 | +140 |  |
| Bengals | -3 -115 | u40 -105 | -160 | |
| ||||
Needed to make a play and he made it happen.@NoExcuses_23 was mic'd up Sunday in Las Vegas.#ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/hRSaBhm7DO
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 13, 2023
Kirk Cousins QB vs. Joe Burrow QB
Kirk Cousins has put together a solid 2023 campaign, compiling 2331 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and a 103.8 rating through 8 starts. He’s an accurate, efficient passer who excels at short and intermediate throws but can be turnover-prone when forced out of his comfort zone. Cousins will look to do most of his damage inside the numbers against Cincinnati’s 23rd ranked pass defense.
Meanwhile, Joe Burrow has taken a slight step back production-wise in his third season, with 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions compared to 35 scores and 12 picks a year ago. He remains an aggressive, fearless thrower capable of igniting Cincinnati’s offense both through the air and on the ground when plays break down. Like Cousins, limiting mistakes will be key for Burrow against a vulnerable Minnesota secondary.
Vikings’ Ground and Air Assault: Grounded Strategy and Aerial Threats
Alexander Mattison has led a strong running game for Minnesota this season. Amassing 660 yards over 13 games at an average rate of 3.9 yards per rush, his reliable play has been an integral component to their success this season. Jordan Addison has added another element with 713 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions; their dual threat capacity could prove critical in breaking down Bengals defense.
Mixon, Chase Headline Potent Bengals Offense
While Joe Mixon has battled minor injuries this season, the 5th year pro is once again the engine that makes the Bengals offense go. After topping 100 yards in 2 of his last 3 appearances, Mixon seems to finally be rounding into form and should be leaned upon heavily against a middling Vikings defense ranked 20th versus the run. Dynamic wideout Ja’Marr Chase (1063 yards, 7 TDs) also poses problems for an inconsistent Minnesota secondary with his rare blend of size, speed and after-catch ability. Slowing down this Bengals playmaking duo will be crucial to the Vikings chances of pulling off the minor upset.
NFL Betting Odds: Cincinnati Bengals -110, Over/Under: 40.5
The odds slightly favor the Bengals, especially considering their home advantage and recent form. The Over/Under at 40.5 points suggests a moderately high-scoring affair, reflecting both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Trends
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.
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.
Vikings vs. Bengals Betting Picks
In considering the matchup, the key lies in the quarterbacks’ performance and the defensive strategies employed. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities but also possess the firepower to exploit weaknesses. The Vikings’ road record against the Bengals is a factor, but their recent form can’t be overlooked.
For the top online sportsbook enthusiasts, the Bengals seem to be a safer pick, given their home record and consistency. Prop bets on individual performances, especially on quarterbacks and key receivers, could be interesting. The game is likely to be close, but the Bengals might just edge it out, given their home advantage and slightly more balanced team performance.
Score Prediction: Bengals 24, Vikings 21
