After losing two games straight, the Cincinnati Bengals found themselves out of the playoffs as Week 14 game to an end. In the same week, the Vikings were unable to secure their pass to the playoffs on Sunday against the Panthers. The loss ended an eight-game winning streak and a run of five-straight victories on the road that tied a franchise record. On the road this season, the Bengals are currently 2-4 straight up and 4-2 against the spread while the Vikings are 5-1 SU and ATS.
A week ago, the Cincinnati Bengals completely fall apart against the Pittsburgh Steelers as they would allow 17 straight point as the Steelers would steal the victory in Cincinnati.I guess the same attitude got carried into Chicago as the Bengals had zero fight left in them.
The Bengals did manage to beat the Bears, but only in the first quarter. After that the blood bath began as the Bengals would lose to the Bears by the final score of 33-7. It was so bad that the Bengals would replace Andy Dalton for backup quarterback AJ McCarron. Is it time for McCarron to lead this team?
In the loss, Dalton only completed 14 of his 29 pass attempts for 141 yards, one touchdown and one interception. It was ugly from the start as Dalton could not get anything going for the Bengals.
Backup quarterback McCarron would finish the day with 47 yards passing on his only 4 completions on the day. Cincinnati is heading down the wrong path as they now face a Minnesota team ready to cause some problems.
Even though the Minnesota Vikings were unable to beat the Carolina Panthers, they still hold the 2nd seed in the NFC and might have a chance to climb to the top as the number one seed Philadelphia Eagles will be without Carson Wentz for the rest of the season. Take out the big plays by Carolina, and the Minnesota Vikings walk away with the victory against the Panthers. The Vikings outplayed the Panthers and it started with the quarterback play of Case Keenum.
Quarterback Keenum finished the day with 280 passing yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Keenum would throw the ball 44 times with completing only 27 of his passes.
Minnesota has a deadly passing attack thanks to their amazing offensive line and given time, Keenum will make the plays. Standout wide receiver Adam Thielen had another career day as he caught six passes for 105 yards.
Writer’s Prediction
Ten points may seem like a lot to some, but there is clearly a difference in playing styles that favor the Vikings so much. I’m not even sure who will start for the Bengals, as I will rather put my money towards a well balanced offense that can strike any second against this week Cincinnati team. Pick: Minnesota (-10.5)
