Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals
Date/Time: Dec. 22; 1 p.m. ET
Location: Paul Brown Stadium; Cincinnati, Ohio
Bengals 2012 record: 10-6 (0-1 playoffs)
Vikings 2012 record: 10-6 (0-1 playoffs)
Offensive Rankings:
Passing:
Bengals: 17th
Vikings: 31st
Rushing:
Bengals: 18th
Vikings: 2nd
Overall:
Bengals: 22nd
Vikings: 20th
Defensive Rankings:
Passing:
Bengals: 7th
Vikings: 24th
Rushing:
Bengals: 12th
Vikings: 11th
Overall:
Bengals: 6th
Vikings: 16th
Head-To-Head Record:
5-6 Vikings (5-1 in Cincinnati)
Offseason Additions:
Bengals: LB James Harrison, LB Aaron Maybin, TE Alex Smith, G Mike Pollak
Vikings: QB Matt Cassel, WR Greg Jennings, DE Lawrence Jackson
Key Draft Picks:
Bengals: TE Tyler Eifert, RB Giovani Bernard, DE Margus Hunt, SS Shawn Williams
Vikings: DT Sharrif Floyd, CB Xavier Rhodes, WR Cordarrelle Patterson
Overview:
The Vikings are a funny team. While quarterback Christian Ponder struggled to move the ball down the field in the air, running back Adrian Peterson had one of the best seasons a running back has ever had in 2012. He was able to break off huge chunks of yards even when defenses knew it was coming. They were able to ride Peterson's back all the way to the playoffs.
The Vikings added a lot of offensive tallent this offseason, though, with guys like Jennings and Patterson. Still, the Bengals defense should be up to the task. The trick to beating the Vikings will be stopping Peterson. If they can do that and force Ponder to win the game with his arm, they should be able to win. Of course, that's much easier said than done as Peterson is the best back in the league.