Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats – Box Score & Top Performers

The Minnesota Vikings delivered a commanding 48-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on September 21, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 3 action. Carson Wentz made his Vikings debut under center, guiding an offense that accumulated over 200 passing yards while the defense recorded two touchdowns. Bengals quarterback Jake Browning struggled against the Vikings’ aggressive unit, throwing two interceptions in the lopsided loss.

The outcome marked Minnesota’s most lopsided win since 1998 and handed Cincinnati its first loss after entering the matchup with a 2-1 record. The Vikings improved to 3-1 on the season with the victory, which featured scoring outbursts in each of the first three quarters.

This breakdown examines the complete box score, individual performances, and the statistical elements that defined the matchup between these two franchises.

What are the key player stats from Bengals vs Vikings?

• Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns with zero turnovers in his debut start for Minnesota.
• Jake Browning finished 19 of 27 attempts for 140 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions for Cincinnati.
• Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers returned two interceptions for touchdowns, highlighting Minnesota’s defensive dominance.
• The Vikings accumulated 48 points, their highest-scoring game since 2015, despite being held scoreless in the fourth quarter.
• Evan McPherson connected on his only field goal attempt from 45 yards while converting his extra point for the Bengals.
• Samaje Perine led Cincinnati’s rushing attack with 21 yards on four carries while also contributing in the return game.
• The Bengals managed only 10 points despite entering the game with a 2-1 record this season.

Who were the top performers in Bengals vs Vikings?

Vikings offensive standouts

Carson Wentz showcased the efficiency Minnesota sought when acquiring him, completing 70 percent of his passes while averaging 8.6 yards per attempt. His quarterback rating of 129.8 reflected a clean performance free from mistakes. Wide receiver touchdowns went to Josh Oliver and T.J. Hockenson, demonstrating the Vikings’ balanced receiving corps.

Backup quarterback M. Brosmer saw limited action, completing 2 of 4 passes for 29 yards in relief duty during the fourth quarter when the outcome had already been decided.

Bengals offensive contributors

Jake Browning’s statistics showed a completion percentage of 70.4 percent, but the two interceptions proved costly in the lopsided defeat. His 5.2-yard average per attempt indicated difficulty sustaining drives against Minnesota’s defense. According to ESPN’s comprehensive NFL coverage, Browning’s performance placed him among the lower-rated quarterbacks for Week 3.

Samaje Perine emerged as Cincinnati’s most effective rusher with 21 yards on four attempts, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase combined for limited production through the air as the Bengals struggled to move the ball consistently.

Defensive difference-makers

Isaiah Rodgers stole the show defensively, returning two interceptions for touchdowns. His plays shifted momentum decisively and contributed 14 of Minnesota’s 48 points directly. The Vikings defense held Cincinnati to a single touchdown while forcing the two critical interceptions from Browning.

For the Bengals, Kris Jenkins Jr. recorded a sack on Carson Wentz that momentarily energized the visitors when the score stood at 17-10. However, the Vikings quickly responded and pulled away for good.

Rushing and defensive stats: Bengals vs Vikings breakdown

Bengals rushing production

The Bengals managed 47 total rushing yards as a team, with Perine providing the longest run of 12 yards. The lack of a consistent ground game forced Cincinnati into predictable situations, allowing Minnesota’s defense to pin its ears back on passing downs.

Special teams performance

Return specialist work gave Cincinnati positive field position throughout the game. Samaje Perine averaged 22 yards per kickoff return across four attempts, totaling 88 yards with a long of 27. Charlie Jones contributed 61 yards on three kickoff returns and added 9 yards on one punt return.

Punting statistics showed punter R. Rehkow averaging 54.7 yards per kick for the Bengals with a long of 70 yards. Minnesota’s R. Wright averaged 44 yards per punt across five attempts.

Turnover battle

The turnover differential heavily favored Minnesota. Browning’s two interceptions gave the Vikings short fields that resulted in 14 points. Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz committed no turnovers, maintaining possession and momentum throughout his debut performance. Pro Football Reference maintains detailed turnover statistics that highlight the impact of this disparity.

Bengals players recorded fumbles alongside the interceptions, though specific fumble details beyond the two INTs were not fully detailed in available statistics.

Quarter-by-quarter game timeline

1. Q1: Vikings score 14 points to take early control. Bengals offense fails to generate any points.
2. Q2: Minnesota adds 20 points while Cincinnati manages only a field goal. Halftime score reaches 34-3.
3. Q3: Vikings continue scoring momentum with 14 additional points. Bengals defense unable to slow the Minnesota attack.
4. Q4: Vikings hold scoreless while Bengals avoid the shutout with their lone touchdown. Final margin established at 48-10.

The game remained competitive briefly when Kris Jenkins Jr. sacked Carson Wentz, bringing the score to 17-10 in the second quarter. However, Minnesota responded immediately with sustained drives that pushed the lead beyond reach before halftime.

What we know versus what remains unclear

Historical context for this matchup

The September 21, 2025 meeting marked a dramatic turnaround from the teams’ previous encounter. On December 16, 2023, the Bengals defeated the Vikings 27-24 in overtime, with Jake Browning rallying Cincinnati to victory despite playing without Joe Burrow. Yahoo Sports NFL coverage provides archived footage and analysis of that earlier matchup for comparison.

The 38-point margin represented Minnesota’s most dominant victory in over a quarter-century, showcasing how dramatically the matchup dynamics can shift between seasons. The Vikings’ balanced attack and opportunistic defense overwhelmed a Bengals squad that entered Week 3 with playoff aspirations.

For more comprehensive statistical breakdowns across college and professional football, explore our Indiana Hoosiers vs Ohio State Buckeyes Player Stats – 38-15 Match Breakdown or enhance your fantasy analysis with our Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer – Top Tools for Your League.

Sources and official records

Statistics and game details were compiled from official team reports and league box scores. The Bengals postgame recap confirmed key plays and coaching perspectives. Fox Sports box score data provided the statistical foundation for this analysis.

CBS Sports gametracker records verified the final score and quarter-by-quarter breakdown.

The Vikings official box score confirmed individual passing statistics and special teams contributions. These sources align on all major statistical categories presented in this breakdown.

Key takeaways from Bengals vs Vikings

The Vikings’ 48-10 victory demonstrated the impact of quarterback stability and defensive playmaking. Carson Wentz’s efficient debut provided Minnesota with the leadership needed to capitalize on favorable field position created by his defense. Isaiah Rodgers’ two interception returns for touchdowns exemplified how quickly momentum can shift in professional football.

For Cincinnati, Jake Browning’s two interceptions proved unsustainable against a Minnesota offense that capitalized on every mistake. The Bengals must address their turnover differential and find offensive consistency if they hope to remain competitive in the AFC playoff picture.