5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals – Week 1

Minnesota will open with a win in Cincinnati

The Vikings have been through a lot this preseason, but it might not be an accurate picture of what this team can be.

With the return of their starters, the offense has more ways to do damage. Even if Kirk Cousins can’t get into a groove, the Vikings can turn to Dalvin Cook, who was one of the best running backs in the NFL last season.

The defense should also be improved going against a team that has struggled offensively. Joe Burrow has the talent to be a problem for the secondary, but with Patrick Peterson and Bashaud Breeland on the outside, it’s a massive upgrade over the Holton Hill/Mike Hughes tandem the Vikings opened with last year.

In other words, this is a game the Vikings should easily win. Although the nature of the offense will keep the Bengals in the game, this is a game Minnesota needs to have ahead of a Week 2 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.