Bengals vs Vikings Betting Odds - Peterson to lead way after low point in Arizona

The Bengals vs Vikings betting odds will split the public when it comes to opinion. The Bengals are one of the best teams in the AFC while the Vikings are the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Fans should expect a much better effort from the Vikings this week after getting embarrassed on national television last Sunday night.

Bengals vs Vikings betting odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Bengals have been caught by the San Diego Chargers for the third spot in the AFC, which means they won’t be getting a bye if the playoffs were to start today. The Chargers are in Dallas this week, so the Bengals can regain the spot if they win their game and the Chargers lose theirs. Cincy has the division sewn up here, yet after three straight cupcake matchups against some of the NFL’s worst teams, the Bengals will get a stiff test this week.

Meanwhile, Minnesota got a reality check last week as NFL betting fans watched them lose outright as a favorite in Arizona. The Cardinals may have exposed a weakness in their secondary, but they also ran into one of the best quarterbacks in the league, who’s been playing really well. Back at home, the Vikings will look to put a much better effort on defense this week.

Betting Edge: Vikings

Bengals vs Vikings betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Bengals offense is humming along right now but it will be interesting to see how they play if they can’t run the ball. Cedric Benson and the ground game have been the key contributors for the Bengals in many of their big wins, but the Vikings won’t allow them to run it. The Bengals do have an elite quarterback and an elite receiver, but the Bengals might be able to double-team him.

For Minnesota, it’s time for Adrian Peterson to take control of this team. The Vikings brought in quarterback Brett Favre to be a nice addition to Peterson, but it’s been the other way around recently. He’s coming off his worst effort as a pro, carrying the ball for 19 yards on 13 carries. He has just three 100-yard games this year and the Vikings need him if they plan to make a run. Against the Bengals this week, he should be able to find some lanes.

Betting Edge: Even

Bengals vs Vikings betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Bengals defense has been impressive this year as defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has been a difference-maker. Sportsbook odds makers know that the talent was always around, but Zimmer has finally been able to turn that potential into prime performers. They’ll be in tough this week, but their defense hasn’t given up more than 20 points in seven weeks.

The Vikings defense was embarrassed last week as Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald picked them apart. This week’s task will be easier as the Bengals have just one elite receiver instead of two. The Vikings still don’t give up rushing yards, and if they roll their coverage to Ochocinco, they should be able to limit the Bengals offensively.

Betting Edge: Vikings

Bengals vs Vikings betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Both teams are relatively healthy for this contest.

Betting Edge: Even

Bengals vs Vikings betting odds for total: 44
This should be more of a defensive showdown than you might think. The Bengals won’t be able to run it, and they’ll have to find Ochocinco in tight spots in the secondary or just look for other weapons. Meanwhile, the Vikings will offense can light it up at home but they’ll be going up against a good defense. This game should stay under.

Pick: Under 44

Bengals vs Vikings betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Bengals are in tough this week, as the Vikings are back at home and livid after getting spanked in Arizona. The Vikings defense should produce a much better effort this week while Adrian Peterson will lead the way on offense after his career-low output last week.

STAN’S PICK: Vikings -6.5

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