Bengals vs. Vikings: TV Info, What to Watch for and Prediction


When the Bengals Run the Ball:
Bengals Running Attack: 19th – 111.6 ypg
Vikings Run Defense: 20th – 115.9 ypg
The Bengals run game took a step back last week, but much of that had to do with being down 21-0 before they blinked. It sounds like Whitworth will play, and going against the 20th ranked run defense at home, I look for the Bengals run offense to get healthy again. Expect a big day from Giovani Bernard – in fact, I am predicting the Bengals first 100 yard rusher of the season.
Advantage: Bengals
When the Bengals Throw the Ball:
Bengals Passing Attack: 12th – 250.7 ypg
Vikings Pass Defense: 30th – 290.6 ypg
The Vikings come into PBS ranked 30th against the pass and surrendering nearly 300 yards per game. Not good. Worse for the Vikings is seeing a passing attack that features 4 tough to cover receivers (Green, Jones, Sanu and Hawkins) and 2 big and capable tight ends (Eifert and Gresham).
With Gruden and his desire to throw the ball 40+ times a game, look for the Bengals to put the ball in the air a bunch and have success doing so. The Bengals are averaging 30+ ppg at PBS and I expect that to continue.
Advantage: Bengals