The Minnesota Vikings stared in the face the NFL’s fifth-toughest 2021 schedule this offseason, preparing for Cincinnati Bengals as one of the “easier” games based on 2020 wins and losses.
Either the Vikings aren’t very good – or the Bengals grew up in a hurry, compiling a competent roster much faster than expected. The next several weeks will render a verdict on that either-or.
Cincinnati outdueled Minnesota in Week 1, 27-24, on a clutch game-winning field goal by rookie kicker Evan McPherson. Vikings tailback Dalvin Cook fumbled the football in overtime, setting the Bengals up nicely to capitalize on the error with a home victory to start 2021.