The Cincinnati Bengals are 2-0 to start the season for the first time in the Zac Taylor era, but not all is sunshine and rainbows, because the team lost superstar quarterback Joe Burrow to what could be a season-ending turf-toe injury. There’s no time to panic in the NFL, though, and Jake Browning once again steps in as the field general for the Bengals.
After a close win over the Jaguars at home, the Bengals go back on the road, this time to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Vikings. Here are a few matchups that could decide the game.
Jake Browning vs. Carson Wentz
Neither team has its starting quarterback available to them in Week 3, so this will be a battle of the backups. The Bengals have kept Browning in Cincinnati for five years for a reason. We saw what he could do, not only last week, but in 2023 when he had to finish the season for Burrow after the quarterback was injured in Week 11.
We may be a little further removed from seeing Wentz at his peak, but that doesn’t mean the Wentz from the Eagles isn’t still in there somewhere.
If Browning can take what’s given to him, which should be a lot considering his weapons, and limit the mistakes, he could lead the Bengals to a 3-0 start for the first time since the 2015 season.
Chase Brown vs. Vikings defensive front
Browning isn’t a rookie, but a running game would make his life a lot easier. In Week 2 the Vikings gave up 218 yards on the ground and the Falcons offense averaged 5.8 yards per carry. Despite the 2-0 record, the Bengals haven’t been able to get the running game off the ground. The Bengals’ offense is going to be different under Browning, and they are likely to lean on Brown more than they would if Burrow were starting. If he can gain four or five yards per carry, it would open up the whole offense.
Chase/Higgins vs. Murphy/Rodgers
Burrow being out doesn’t mean Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins aren’t the best wide receiver duo in the NFL. They’ll get open, and Browning is talented enough to find one of them. The offense may look different under Browning, and the run game may be utilized more, but the offense won’t forget about its greatest weapons.
The Vikings have only allowed one passing touchdown this season. They shut the Falcons’ receivers down, only allowing 135 passing yards. They weren’t playing against the Bengals, though. Regardless of the game plan, both Chase and Higgins should be heavily involved on Sunday.
Trey Hendrickson vs. Darrisaw/Skule
Hendrickson leads the NFL with 14 pressures, per PFF, and the Vikings’ left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, is banged up. He didn’t practice on Thursday and is questionable to play. If Darrisaw isn’t at 100% and starts anyway, or if the Vikings opt to start someone else instead, Hendrickson could be an absolute game wrecker.
Shemar Stewart is going to miss some time, which leaves some questions about who’s going to generate pressure from the opposite edge, but even if it’s nobody, Hendrickson will be in the backfield.
Bengals secondary vs. Jefferson/Hockenson
Chase and Higgins make up the best wide receiver duo in the NFL, and Chase is the best wide receiver in the league, but Justin Jefferson is right behind him. Along with him is T.J. Hockenson, a downfield threat at the tight end position.
If the Bengals’ pass rush can’t make Wentz uncomfortable in the pocket, the Vikings’ pass-catchers are absolutely capable of getting open, especially if Cam Taylor-Britt misses the game.
Which matchups will you be keeping an eye on?
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