Previewing This Week’s Vikings Game: Week 15 at Cincinnati Bengals
The Minnesota Vikings captured a 3-0 victory last weekend against the Raiders behind a heroic performance from their defense.
Now, the Vikings are preparing for a Week 15 date with the Cincinnati Bengals, and yet again, Minnesota will be making a QB change by starting Nick Mullens. Before that game gets going, here is a look at everything you need to know about this week’s Vikings game.
How to Watch This Week’s Vikings Game
Don’t go looking for a Vikings game on Sunday this weekend because Cincinnati and Minnesota will kick things off on Saturday, December 16th at 12 PM Central. There are three Saturday games this week, all of which will be broadcast on NFL Network, and the Vikings game is the first of the day.
Bengals/Vikings History
Throughout the histories of the two franchises, the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings have met a total of 14 times. This 15th matchup will break an even 7-7 record in the all-time series, but the Bengals have the most recent win in the series. This game occurred in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season when Cincinnati won 27-24 in overtime and essentially set the tone for what would be a disappointing season in Minnesota.
Vikings Spotlight Player: WR Jordan Addison
When Justin Jefferson initially went down with his hamstring injury, Jordan Addison began blossoming into the star that many believed he could be at the NFL level. He totaled 5 receiving TDs in the four games from Weeks 5-8 and looked like a true WR1 type of player.
However, things have gone downhill a bit for the rookie in recent weeks. Addison has not scored a touchdown in the past five games nor has he reached 50 receiving yards in any of the past three. Justin Jefferson is listed as questionable but expected to play again this weekend, so this is a big opportunity for him to break off an output closer to what we have come to expect from the first-round pick.
Bengals Spotlight Player: EDGE Trey Hendrickson
Vikings fans have been pushing for Danielle Hunter to be more involved in the DPOY discussion because of his spectacular season. Meanwhile, Bengals fans have a similar argument for their own star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson has piled up 34 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles over the course of the season. Considering Brian O’Neill isn’t going to be able to play for the Vikings, Minnesota could have some trouble stopping Cincinnati’s pass-rusher on Saturday.
Additional Links
- Vikings Rookie Earns Defensive Player of the Week Honors
- Kurt Warner Goes to Bat for Vikings QB
- ESPN 2024 NFL Mock Draft Throws Vikings a Curveball
- Justin Jefferson Eliminates Any Mystery Surrounding His Week 15 Status
Several Practice Squad Promotions May be Necessary for the Vikings in Week 15
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.