Dec 1, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) takes the snap during the Bengals 17-10 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Liu-USA TODAY Sports
The 4-9-1 Minnesota Vikings visit the 9-5 Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, December 22. Kickoff is at Noon CT from Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The game will be televised on FOX (visit 506 Sports to see what games are scheduled in your area).
Point Spread: Cincinnati -8
Injury Report:
Minnesota
| Larry Dean | LB | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Adrian Peterson | RB | Groin | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| John Carlson | TE | Concussion | Did Not Participate In Practice | Doubtful |
| Matt Asiata | RB | Ankle | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Brandon Fusco | G | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Chris Cook | CB | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Marcus Sherels | CB | Shoulder | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Xavier Rhodes | CB | Ankle | Did Not Participate In Practice | Out |
| Chad Greenway | LB | Wrist | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Harrison Smith | S | Toe | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Cullen Loeffler | LS | Hand | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Toby Gerhart | RB | Hamstring | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
Cincinnati
| Kevin Huber | P | Jaw | Out (Definitely Will Not Play) | Out |
| Terence Newman | CB | Knee | Did Not Participate In Practice | Doubtful |
| Devon Still | DT | Back | Did Not Participate In Practice | Questionable |
| James Harrison | LB | Concussion | Full Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Jermaine Gresham | TE | Abdomen | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Carlos Dunlap | DE | Concussion | Full Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Kevin Zeitler | G | Foot | Full Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Andrew Whitworth | T | Concussion | Full Participation in Practice | Questionable |
Preview
The Bengals are playoff bound again under Marvin Lewis. All that remains for Cincinnati is the seeming technicality of clinching. The Vikings could throw a slight wrench in that plans by pulling off an upset in Cincinnati.
Hey, why not? They’ve already helped mess with the Packers, Bears and Eagles. The spoiler hat fits the Vikings well and the seem to enjoy wearing it. What else do they have to play for, besides pride and stats?
The Bengals present a different kind of challenge than the Vikings’ previous upset victims. Cincinnati is a much more balanced team, with a solid offense and a stout defense. Matt Cassel had his way with Philadelphia and in his half of work against Chicago, but things figure to be a lot tougher on the road against a squad like Cincinnati.
Cassel will have the benefit of Adrian Peterson, who should return this week after missing a game with a sprained foot. The Vikings’ defense will still be short handed with Xavier Rhodes on the shelf. The offense will likely once again be without John Carlson who is suffering from concussion-related symptoms.
The Vikings have shown that they are game, but just being scrappy might not be enough against a determined, talent-laden Cincinnati team. Minnesota will have to get in the face of Andy Dalton. They will have to somehow deal with A.J. Green.
Prediction: Cincinnati 31, Minnesota 24
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