2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 1

Minnesota Vikings (0-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-0)

Sunday, September 12, 1PM ET

I’m not sure why, but the Minnesota Vikings are being seriously slept on right now. They made some major upgrades on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, and should have a healthy gaggle of offensive stars to work with as well. So why so much doubt?

Yes, the offensive line is still a red flag. Kirk Cousins also cares more about himself than his teammates, which could issues somewhere down the road. For now, though, this Vikings team is healthy, talented and ready to rumble through their early-season set of games. That includes their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Now I won’t completely write off the Bengals. They’ve got a promising young quarterback in Joe Burrow, although he’s coming off a torn ACL. Their defense is improved, although not having Geno Atkins just doesn’t feel right. The talent is there on paper, but I don’t feel like they’ve put it all together as well as Minnesota has heading into the 2021 campaign.

Despite my perceived advantage, the Vikings don’t blow the Bengals out of the water. Their offense struggles to get the motor running early, forcing them to rely on their defense and a late push from Dalvin Cook to get the W.

Prediction: Vikings win 19-14