The Vikings appear to have reestablished their defense, at least personnel-wise, while the Bengals still have massive holes on offense most notably along the line. While Joe Burrow looked great when healthy last season, the Bengals won only 20% of the games he started. Ja’Marr Chase should be great one day, but his preseason performances have been concerning. Mike Zimmer brings the coaching edge for Minnesota, and Dalvin Cook brings a consistent running game that should have plenty of success against Cincinnati. At under the key number, this is a worthy play.

Danielle Hunter, Michael Pierce and a ton of reinforcements will help Mike Zimmer get this defense back to its usual perch. Joe Burrow starts his second season coming off a serious injury. Against QBs in their first or second seasons, Zimmer's teams are 13-5 while holding those opponents to 16.4 points per game and a 72.4 passer rating. Look for Dalvin Cook to run wild as the Vikings cover.

The Vikings have failed to cover their last seven games, and five of those games went Over the total. It’s all spurred by a lazy Vikings defense ranked at the bottom in most categories. The Bengals defense was also lagging at the bottom with Minnesota. I expect both offenses to have the advantage and make big plays to help get this one Over the total.

Just like in Week 1 of the 2020 season, the Bengals are a small home underdog. Although QB Joe Burrow did not make it through a full season as a rookie, he showed enough to make people believe he can take an immense leap in 2021. Additionally, the Vikings are opening the season on the road for the first time since 2016. Look for a tight contest that Cincinnati may even win.

The Bengals went 2-7-1 with Joe Burrow at QB in 2020. Sophomores usually raise their game, but he must shake off an ACL injury that short-circuited his rookie season. Cincy’s defense could be in retreat much of the day. The Bengals gave up the fourth-most rushing yards a year ago, along with the 29th-most points, which means dangerous Vikings RB Dalvin Cook should rank among the league rushing leaders after Week 1. Minnesota’s defense was no great shakes in 2020, having ranked 27th overall and 29th in points allowed, but it was often stripped bare by injuries or COVID-19 cases. All hands are on deck, plus newcomer CB Patrick Peterson.