The Cincinnati Bengals’ first try at maintaining their heads above water with out Joe Burrow happens Sunday in Minnesota towards the Vikings.
That Week 3 matchup is likely one of the first showdowns between backup quarterbacks of the season. Jake Browning will begin in place of Burrow, whereas Carson Wentz instructions the Vikings offense in place of JJ McCarthy.
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Browning has proven what he can do in the previous in place of Burrow, showing in 9 video games in 2023 and finishing 70.4 % of his passes with 12 touchdowns towards seven interceptions. He’s the very best non-Kirk Cousins backup in the NFL and could have a sport plan particularly tailor-made to him.
Wentz, then again, solely joined the Vikings simply three weeks in the past and has appeared in 5 video games over the past two seasons. But Minnesota is extra balanced than the Bengals offensively, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Justin Jefferson, clearly, is a matchup nightmare.
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Al Golden’s Bengals protection continues to point out indicators of life to begin the season, although. While it’s most likely inflated considerably by getting to begin the season towards Cleveland and Jacksonville, the 4 interceptions and knack for inflicting turnovers can definitely be seen as signal.
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How the Bengals responded on the sphere final week after Burrow went down and the very fact we’ve seen them rally round Browning in current historical past makes it simpler to foretell the Bengals transfer to 3-0.
That, and the very fact Browning’s a succesful passer with weapons like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins creating matchup issues, in fact. A extra Browning-centric gameplan and an offensive line that may proceed to enhance as Dalton Risner will get his toes underneath him in the offense are elements to think about when suggesting the Bengals squeak this one out, too.
Prediction: Bengals 24, Vikings 20
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This article initially appeared on Bengals Wire: (*3*)