Michael Hull

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be taking an in-depth look at the Bengals' 2025 opponents. We will continue with the Minnesota Vikings.

2024

The Vikings finished 14-3 last season and were second in the NFC North behind the Detroit Lions. They lost in the Wild Card round to the Los Angeles Rams, 27-9.

Minnesota ranked ninth in points per game last season, averaging 25.4 points per contest. They finished 12th in total yards per game and were sixth in passing yards per game, as head coach Kevin O'Connell helped revive the career of Sam Darnold. The former third overall pick threw for over 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns. Defensively, the Vikings allowed 19.5 points per game, the fifth-fewest in the NFL.

Offseason Changes

The biggest change this offseason comes at the quarterback position: Darnold signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks, opening the door for 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy to be the Vikings starter. McCarthy was on track to potentially start his rookie season, but he suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during the preseason and was sidelined for the year. McCarthy was the 10th overall pick in 2024 out of Michigan, leading the Wolverines to a National Championship. Minnesota also brought back RB Aaron Jones and traded for former 49ers RB Jordan Mason.

Minnesota added in the trenches this offseason, signing offensive G Will Fries, C Ryan Kelly and drafting Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson in the first round. On the defensive side of the ball, they added former Commanders DT Jonathan Allen and 49ers DT Javon Hargrave.

Coaching Staff

O'Connell enters his fourth season as the head coach of the Vikings and was named Associated Press Coach of the Year in 2024. He became the first head coach in NFL history since 1950 to win at least 14 games in a season with a quarterback who was in his first team with a team. A former offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, O'Connell signed a contract extension with Minnesota this past January.

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has helped Minnesota turn around its defensive unit. Since he was hired in 2023, the Vikings have forced the third-most takeaways (53) and allowed the third-fewest rushing per game (96.1). Flores has more than two decades of experience in the NFL, including a three-year stint as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, and was a finalist for the 2024 Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year award.

Series History

The Bengals and Vikings have played 15 times in the past, with Cincinnati holding a slight 8-7 advantage. The most recent matchup came in 2023, withJake Browningleading the Bengals to a comeback victory at Paycor Stadium.

What To Watch For

A week after matching up with one LSU stud in WR Brian Thomas Jr., the Bengals will see another in WR Justin Jefferson. Jefferson was teammates with QBJoe Burrowand WRJaMarr Chasewith the Tigers, winning the 2020 National Championship.

Minnesota's defense allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game through the air last season and will match up with a Bengals passing attack that led the league in passing yards per game.