Battle of the Backups in Minnesota. Without wasting any time, let’s jump directly into this Bengals/Vikings matchup on Sunday.
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Game Information
Matchup Information
- Location: U.S. Bank Stadium; Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: Sunday, September 21st, 2025
- Kickoff: 1:00 PM EST
Quarterback Matchup
- Cincinnati Bengals: Jake Browning (2024 – N/A)
- Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy (2024 – N/A)
Betting Odds
Odds via BetOnline, an industry leader in the sports betting world.
Analysis & Breakdown
Buyer’s Remorse
The J.J. McCarthy experiment lasted all but two games, if you buy into reports that McCarthy’s injury this week is what you could call a ‘quiet benching’. J.J. looked bad on Sunday night, he completed just 52% of his passes for 158 yards and two interceptions. McCarthy was sacked six times in the game and the Vikings failed to record a single touchdown.
Not only was McCarthy hurt late in this game, but starting running back Aaron Jones suffered a hamstring injury and was placed on the IR this week. The Vikings come into Week 3, already down a starting quarterback and running back; not ideal but they’ve got the guys for job.
Under center it’ll be Carson Wentz. The former 2nd overall pick will take over for the injured McCarthy and is set to play for his sixth different franchise and make his first meaningful start since 2022. Over the last two season Wentz spent time as a backup for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams. He made just one start for each franchise, both coming in Week 17 with all starters resting.
It’s been a while since Wentz suited up to play meaningful football, but it’s got to be like riding a bike; right?
Take My Toe
Another year and another major injury to someone on this Bengals offense. Joe Burrow suffered a case of turf toe in Sunday’s game against the Jaguars and he’s going to need surgery to repair it. Burrow’s out for at least three months, according to initial reports, but could remain out for the entire season if the Bengals can’t string together some wins in his absence.
For the Vikings it was Wentz, but for the Bengals it’ll be Jake Browning; the 29-year old back-up, playing in just his third season. Browning’s story is great and something we’ve got to talk about.
Jake’s Revenge
Browning was signed by the Vikings, as an undrafted rookie after the 2019 Draft. After training camp, Browning was waived and signed onto the team’s practice squad till the end of the year.
Before the 2020 season began, he was once again cut on the final day of cuts; just to once again sign with the Vikings practice squad. Prior to 2021, he was once again cut. Browning signed with the Bengals practice squad that same year and fought his way into the back role for the Bengals. In his first year the team’s full time back up, Burrow gets hurt and Browning became the team’s starter with seven games left on the schedule.
Browning recorded four wins, three losses; averaged 266.9 pass yards per game and threw 11 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. He finished the year with a 99.1 QBR and helped a 5-6 Bengals team finish the year with a winning record. His debut last week was a little rocky, throwing three interceptions after coming in for the injured Burrow. Despite the interceptions, Browning threw for 241 yards, completed 66% of his passes, threw two touchdowns and got the win.
This is also the SECOND time Browning will face the team that cut him. Last time came in 2023, during his ‘rookie’ season and saw Browning throw the ball 42 times, complete 69% of his passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns. The Bengals won 27-24 in overtime, after Browning lead a 10-play, 75-yard drive; resulting in a Tee Higgins touchdown to tie the game with 40 seconds left.
Cincinatti is 2-0 for the first time since 2018 and starved for postseason play. Burrow, Browning or Barney; the Bengals are coming into every game with a win now mentality.
Sunday’s Best Bets
Ja’Marr Chase o70.5 Receiving Yards (-110)
We’re being offered this line because of the question marks that surround Browning and this Bengals offense in general. Like I said, whether it’s Burrow or Browning; #1’s always going to get his targets. In the seven games Browning started back in 2023, Chase was his clear go to receiver. With Browning under center, Chase saw a 41% target share through seven games, with both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd coming in at 22% each.
Chase saw 65 targets across the seven games, recording 45 catches, 556 receiving yards and three touchdowns. This Minnesota defense has looked great on paper, allowing just 306 yards threw the air through two weeks. That has more to do with the fact Minnesota played Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr. in their first two games. The Vikings rank 30th through two games in coverage grade, 31st in tackling grade, and dead last in overall defensive grade.
Minnesota’s missed an astronomical 22 tackles through two weeks and against a guy like Ja’Marr Chase, you just can’t let that happen.
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