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The Cincinnati Bengals would love to start the 2021 season with a win at home over the Minnesota Vikings.
With Joe Burrow’s return marked off the checklist already, the next step is simply winning games. And one outlet thinks Burrow and Co. will do just that.
In his “upset of the week” pick, Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer tabs the Bengals as taking down the Vikings:
“The Vikings are overrated going into the season. The Bengals are underrated. Joe Burrow should be back to lift Cincinnati in the home opener, also helping former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase shaky off some preseason issues. Both defenses have some talent, but there also are transitional aspects and lingering weaknesses. The Vikings will try to run often and win with Dalvin Cook, but this will turn into a sneaky shootout with Burrow spreading the field well and out-dueling Kirk Cousins.”
One could easily see a Week 1 matchup between unfamiliar opponents turning into a shootout. Much of whether Burrow could keep pace though, hinges on just how much he resembles his usual self after an offseason of rehab.
This one will also come down to defense, too. If a new-look Bengals defense can contain Dalvin Cook and a new cornerback room (minus an injured Trae Waynes) can contain stars like Justin Jefferson, the team will indeed have a good shot at pulling off one of the week’s biggest upsets.
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