Makinen laid –3 with Minnesota, arguing Joe Burrow is worth more than the 3.5-point downgrade books applied. Despite 77 % of DraftKings money backing Cincinnati, super-majority sides (>68 % handle) are just 71-81 ATS the past two seasons and road dogs in that role are 27-36 ATS. Head-to-head, home teams are 8-0 SU and 7-0-1 ATS in the CIN-MIN series since 1995. The Vikings are 30-17 SU/31-14 ATS versus AFC foes since 2014, and Makinen sees temporary upside with Carson Wentz replacing a struggling JJ McCarthy.

With Minnesota laying 3, Tuley prioritised Cincinnati as a 6-point teaser piece up to +8.5/+9, crossing both key numbers. Backup QB Jake Browning showed competency in last week’s 31-27 comeback over Jacksonville, while the Vikings lost J.J. McCarthy to injury, keeping the matchup volatile. Tuley expects another one-score finish and will pair the Bengals with several other Wong-style legs.

Everett took Cincinnati plus three despite Joe Burrow’s season-ending toe surgery. He pointed to Jake Browning’s competent relief work last year and noted Minnesota will also start a reserve (Carson Wentz) while potentially missing Christian Darrisaw, Ryan Kelly and Aaron Jones. With both offensive lines banged up, Everett prefers the Bengals defense and believes the game is a coin flip—making the points valuable.

Gary Davenport gladly pocketed the field goal with Cincinnati, arguing that a Jake Browning vs. Carson Wentz duel will be ‘Week 3’s zaniest highlight reel.’ Both offensive lines are ‘lousy’ and neither secondary can ‘paint a wall,’ so he expects a seesaw track-meet where every possession matters. In that chaos he prefers the points, believing Joe Mixon’s presence gives the Bengals a slightly steadier offensive anchor while Lou Anarumo’s blitz packages can steal a turnover or two. Davenport recommends settling in with nachos and letting the variance work in Cincinnati’s favor.

Despite Joe Burrow’s injury, Cluff called for Cincinnati 24-21, arguing Jake Browning will "pass the test" by capitalizing on expected Minnesota mistakes. The handicap backs the Bengals as live dogs and fades a shaky Vikings turnover profile.

Giannotto relayed Sports Illustrated’s reminder that Jake Browning went 4-3 when pressed into duty in 2023, completing 70.4% of his throws with a 98.4 passer rating and 60.1 QBR. Minnesota has yet to score a TD in the first three quarters of any game this season, and its offensive line is allowing pressure on 38% of dropbacks. With Cincinnati catching a field goal, Giannotto believes the downgrade from Joe Burrow is overstated and likes the Bengals to cover, calling Browning a sneaky prop target for over 1.5 passing TDs.