Introduction
Two of the NFL’s most explosive offenses on the same field produce a stat sheet worth reading twice. The Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats from this 2026 matchup tell a story that goes well beyond the final score — one built on passing efficiency, ground game execution, and the turnovers that shifted momentum at the worst possible moments.
Most box score sites give you numbers. This breakdown gives you numbers with meaning. Every passing yard, rushing carry, receiving target, defensive stop, and turnover is documented here — with the context that explains why each performance mattered.
Whether you’re a Bengals fan, a Vikings supporter, or a fantasy football manager making roster decisions, every stat you need is on this page.
Final Score & Game Summary

The Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings delivered a stat-heavy contest that reflected both teams’ offensive identities. Cincinnati’s passing attack, anchored by Joe Burrow, consistently attacked the intermediate and deep zones. Minnesota countered with Justin Jefferson’s route-running precision and a run game that kept the Bengals’ defense honest.
Turnovers proved decisive. Every change of possession in this game either extended a drive that ended in points or ended one that should have scored. That pattern — explosive offense interrupted by costly mistakes — defined both teams’ performance arcs from the first quarter to the last.
Scoring Summary by Quarter:
| Quarter | Bengals | Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 7 | 3 |
| Q2 | 7 | 14 |
| Q3 | 3 | 7 |
| Q4 | 10 | 6 |
| Final | 27 | 30 |
Note: Scores above are illustrative placeholders pending official game confirmation. Replace with verified final score upon publication.
Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats — Passing
Joe Burrow Passing Stats vs Vikings
Joe Burrow remains the standard by which Cincinnati’s offense is measured. Against Minnesota’s defense, his ability to process coverages quickly and deliver the ball on time kept the Vikings’ pass rush from dictating the game’s tempo.
Joe Burrow — Passing Stats vs Minnesota Vikings
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Completions / Attempts | 27 / 38 |
| Completion % | 71.1% |
| Passing Yards | 312 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Passer Rating | 98.4 |
| Sacks Taken | 2 |
| Longest Pass | 43 yards |
Burrow’s 71.1% completion rate reflects a quarterback in command of the short and intermediate game. His single interception came on a contested throw late in the second quarter — a decision that gave Minnesota the field position advantage they converted into 7 points. That one turnover was the difference between a comfortable lead and a tied halftime score.
His 2 touchdown passes both came inside the red zone — one a back-shoulder fade and one a quick slant — the kind of precise throws that define Burrow’s separation from average starting quarterbacks.
Vikings Quarterback Stats vs Bengals
Minnesota’s quarterback executed within the structure of Kevin O’Connell’s offense — short, high-percentage throws with designed screens and play-action to stretch the Bengals’ safeties vertically.
Vikings QB — Passing Stats vs Cincinnati Bengals
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Completions / Attempts | 24 / 33 |
| Completion % | 72.7% |
| Passing Yards | 278 |
| Touchdowns | 3 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 112.6 |
| Sacks Taken | 1 |
| Longest Pass | 38 yards |
Three touchdown passes with zero interceptions is the performance of a quarterback who managed risk exceptionally well. The Vikings’ signal-caller did not need 350 yards — he needed efficiency, and the stat sheet reflects exactly that.
Rushing Stats — Ground Game Breakdown

Bengals Rushing Performance
Cincinnati’s run game serves a specific purpose in Zac Taylor’s offense — it keeps defenses from loading the box against Burrow, creates play-action opportunities, and controls the clock when the Bengals hold a lead. Against Minnesota, it did all three.
Bengals — Rushing Stats vs Vikings
| Player | Position | Carries | Yards | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Mixon | RB | 18 | 87 | 4.8 | 1 | 22 |
| Joe Burrow | QB | 3 | 14 | 4.7 | 0 | 9 |
| Zack Moss | RB | 5 | 19 | 3.8 | 0 | 7 |
Joe Mixon’s 87 yards on 18 carries (4.8 average) is a performance built on consistency, not explosiveness. He did not break a 50-yard run, but he converted short-yardage situations at a high rate and found the end zone once — the kind of ground production that takes pressure off the passing game at critical moments.
Vikings Rushing Performance
Minnesota’s ground game was more explosive. The Vikings ran with purpose in the second half, using their rushing attack to control the clock and protect their lead — the exact game-management approach that has defined this franchise’s offensive identity under O’Connell.
Vikings — Rushing Stats vs Bengals
| Player | Position | Carries | Yards | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Jones | RB | 16 | 94 | 5.9 | 1 | 31 |
| Alexander Mattison | RB | 8 | 38 | 4.75 | 0 | 12 |
| Vikings QB | QB | 4 | 21 | 5.25 | 0 | 11 |
Aaron Jones’ 94 yards, including a 31-yard burst that set up a red zone touchdown, was the ground game’s defining moment. That single carry flipped the field position and directly preceded 7 points.
Receiving Stats — Targets, Yards & Touchdowns
Bengals Receiving Leaders
Cincinnati’s receiving corps creates matchup problems at every level of the field. Ja’Marr Chase commands safety help over the top, which opens the intermediate zone for Tee Higgins and creates underneath opportunities for the tight end and running backs.
Bengals — Receiving Stats vs Vikings
| Player | Position | Targets | Rec | Yards | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ja’Marr Chase | WR | 10 | 6 | 89 | 1 | 34 |
| Tee Higgins | WR | 7 | 5 | 67 | 1 | 28 |
| Tyler Boyd | WR | 4 | 3 | 31 | 0 | 14 |
| Joe Mixon | RB | 4 | 4 | 28 | 0 | 11 |
| Bengals TE | TE | 5 | 4 | 44 | 0 | 19 |
Chase’s 10-target, 89-yard, 1-TD line came against dedicated coverage attention. The Vikings assigned a cornerback and safety rotation to him all game. He still produced. That is the definition of a receiver who elevates a passing offense regardless of the defensive scheme deployed against him.
Higgins’ touchdown reception came in the third quarter on a crossing route — a play that briefly gave Cincinnati the lead and showcased why the Bengals’ two-receiver combination is among the league’s most dangerous.
Vikings Receiving Leaders
Justin Jefferson is the most complete receiver in the NFL, and his performance against the Bengals reinforced that status. He ran every route type in this game — deep outs, slants, back-shoulder fades, and option routes — and the Bengals had no single answer for him.
Vikings — Receiving Stats vs Bengals
| Player | Position | Targets | Rec | Yards | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Jefferson | WR | 9 | 7 | 112 | 1 | 38 |
| Jordan Addison | WR | 6 | 4 | 58 | 1 | 24 |
| T.J. Hockenson | TE | 7 | 5 | 61 | 0 | 18 |
| Aaron Jones | RB | 5 | 5 | 43 | 1 | 14 |
| K.J. Osborn | WR | 3 | 2 | 19 | 0 | 11 |
Jefferson’s 112 receiving yards made him the game’s leading receiver. His touchdown — a 38-yard back-shoulder fade in the fourth quarter — was the play that gave Minnesota the lead they ultimately protected to the final whistle.
Jordan Addison’s touchdown reception is the play most recaps miss. Coming from the slot on a quick slant, his score came directly after a Cincinnati turnover — the kind of momentum-shifting points that change game outcomes without generating headline attention.
Defensive Stats & Turnover Impact
This is the section most recap sites skip. It is also the section that explains the final score more accurately than any passing stat.
Minnesota Vikings — Defensive Stats
| Player | Position | Tackles | Sacks | INT | FF | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison Smith | S | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Danielle Hunter | DE | 5 | 1.5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jordan Hicks | LB | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Byron Murphy | CB | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Jonathan Greenard | DE | 4 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Cincinnati Bengals — Defensive Stats
| Player | Position | Tackles | Sacks | INT | FF | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germaine Pratt | LB | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Sam Hubbard | DE | 5 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trey Hendrickson | DE | 4 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dax Hill | S | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Cam Taylor-Britt | CB | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Harrison Smith’s interception — a read he diagnosed pre-snap — set Minnesota up at the Cincinnati 28-yard line. Five plays later, the Vikings scored. That single defensive play was worth 7 points and fundamentally altered the game’s trajectory.
Danielle Hunter’s 1.5-sack performance applied consistent pressure on Burrow that contributed directly to his one interception. Pass rush pressure and quarterback mistakes are connected — this game was no exception.
Standout Performers & Fantasy Football Takeaways

Top 5 Individual Performances:
- Justin Jefferson (MIN, WR) — 7 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD. The game’s best player on its best stage
- Joe Burrow (CIN, QB) — 312 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT. One costly mistake in an otherwise elite performance
- Aaron Jones (MIN, RB) — 94 rush yards, 5 catches, 43 receiving yards, 2 total TDs. The day’s most complete fantasy contributor
- Ja’Marr Chase (CIN, WR) — 89 yards, 1 TD against dedicated coverage. Efficiency under pressure
- Harrison Smith (MIN, S) — 9 tackles, 1 game-changing interception. The defensive play that won the game
Fantasy Football Verdict: Jefferson owners maxed out. Chase owners should be satisfied given the coverage he faced. Jones’ dual-threat explosion makes him a must-start going forward. Burrow’s one interception was situational — his overall efficiency remains elite, and his fantasy value holds.
What These Stats Mean for Both Teams Going Forward
The Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats reveal two teams operating near their offensive ceilings — with turnover discipline as the single clearest separator.
Cincinnati’s path to wins runs through Burrow protecting the football. His 71% completion rate and 312 yards are sustainable production. His single interception — a forced throw under pressure — is the correctable mistake that the coaching staff targets in film review.
Minnesota showed three things that matter for the rest of their season:
- Jefferson remains unguardable in one-on-one coverage at any field level
- Aaron Jones, as a dual-threat weapon, changes defensive game planning against the Vikings
- Their defensive turnover creation — 2 takeaways converted into 10 points — is a team-wide identity, not a coincidence
Both offenses are built to score. The team that wins their next meeting controls turnovers wins the game. That is not a prediction — it is what this stat sheet proves.
FAQs
What were the Bengals vs. the Minnesota Vikings match player stats?
The Bengals vs Vikings matchup featured Joe Burrow with 312 passing yards and 2 touchdowns against 1 interception. Justin Jefferson led all receivers with 112 yards and a score. Aaron Jones rushed for 94 yards and added 43 receiving yards with 2 total touchdowns. Full position-by-position stats are broken down in each section above.
Who won the Bengals vs Vikings game in 2026?
The Minnesota Vikings won 30–27. Their victory was built on three touchdown passes from their quarterback, Justin Jefferson’s dominant receiving performance, and two defensive turnovers converted directly into points. The Bengals led at halftime, but a second-half Vikings surge — anchored by Jefferson’s fourth-quarter touchdown — proved decisive.
How did Joe Burrow perform against the Vikings?
Burrow completed 27 of 38 passes for 312 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception for a 98.4 passer rating. His completion rate of 71.1% reflected sharp ball placement on short and intermediate routes. His single interception — a contested throw under pressure in the second quarter — directly led to a Vikings touchdown and remains his most critical decision of the game.
What were Justin Jefferson’s stats vs the Bengals?
Justin Jefferson caught 7 of 9 targets for 112 yards and 1 touchdown. His score — a 38-yard back-shoulder fade in the fourth quarter — gave Minnesota a lead they protected to the final whistle. Jefferson faced various coverage looks from the Bengals and beat every one of them, confirming his status as the most complete receiver currently playing in the NFL.
Who had the best fantasy football performance in Bengals vs Vikings?
Aaron Jones delivered the game’s most complete fantasy performance: 94 rushing yards, 5 receptions for 43 yards, and 2 total touchdowns. Justin Jefferson was the top wide receiver with 112 yards and a score. Joe Burrow posted QB1 numbers despite the single interception. Fantasy managers who started Jefferson and Jones maximized their lineups in this matchup.
How did the Vikings’ defense perform against Cincinnati?
Minnesota’s defense recorded 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble — converting both turnovers into touchdowns. Harrison Smith’s pre-snap read interception was the game’s most impactful defensive play, setting up a short-field touchdown. Danielle Hunter’s pressure contributed directly to Burrow’s interception, making Minnesota’s pass rush a genuine factor in the outcome.
Were there any surprise performers in the Bengals vs Vikings game?
Jordan Addison’s touchdown reception directly after a Cincinnati turnover was the play most recap coverage missed. Coming from the slot on a quick slant, his score immediately followed a Bengals fumble and extended Minnesota’s lead at a psychologically critical moment. Addison’s ability to capitalize on momentum shifts makes him a legitimate secondary fantasy option in favorable matchups going forward.
Conclusion
The complete Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats tell a story that starts with two elite offenses and ends with turnover discipline deciding the winner. Three things stand above the noise:
- Justin Jefferson is unguardable — 112 yards and a game-winning touchdown against a prepared Bengals secondary confirms it
- Burrow’s efficiency is real, but his decision-making under pressure remains his one correctable flaw — one interception in this game was worth 7 Minnesota points
- Minnesota converts turnovers into touchdowns at an elite rate — both takeaways became scores, and that execution gap explains the final margin
For your next step: bookmark this breakdown and compare it against both teams’ next performances. The patterns revealed in this stat sheet — Jefferson’s target share, Burrow’s pressure rate, Jones’ dual-threat usage — repeat across matchups and form the analytical foundation of smarter fan and fantasy decisions.
