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NFL · Week 2 · September 18, 2005 · 12 min read

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals: 2005 Week 2 Recap

Bengals defeat Vikings 37–8 in Week 2

C.Palmer led Fantasy Impact as Bengals prevailed in a 8–37 Week 2 finish.

Minnesota Vikings 8 0–2
Final 8–37
Cincinnati Bengals 37 2–0 Winner
Winner
Cincinnati Bengals
Final score
8–37
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 0–27 Cincinnati Bengals
Top passer
D. Culpepper
FantasyHQ MVP
C.Palmer
Game date
September 18, 2005

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • Tyrod Taylor
    Tyrod Taylor 7 REC · 75 YDS +6.2 Fantasy Impact
  • N.Burleson 3 REC · 48 YDS +4.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Micah Robinson
    Micah Robinson 2 REC · 40 YDS +3.7 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Bengals

  • C.Palmer 27/42 · 343 YDS · 4 TD +19.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Cornelius Johnson
    Cornelius Johnson 7 REC · 139 YDS · 1 TD +12.0 Fantasy Impact
  • T.Houshmandzadeh 5 REC · 55 YDS · 1 TD +8.1 Fantasy Impact
View Vikings vs Bengals box score View all 2005 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Cincinnati Bengals
Final score
Cincinnati Bengals 37–8 Minnesota Vikings
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 0–27 Cincinnati Bengals at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
C. Palmer
Top passer
D. Culpepper
Biggest EPA play
(2:24) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass intended for 30-M.Moore INTERCEPTED by 24-…
Game date
2005-09-18

Game summary

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Minnesota Vikings 37–8 on 2005-09-18. C. Palmer posted a game-high +19.65 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Minnesota Vikings000808
Cincinnati Bengals141373037

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

MINMinnesota Vikings
CINCincinnati Bengals

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 14:19TD
    Cornelius Johnson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 70
    Score
    0-6

    (14:19) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 14:08XP
    SGS. Graham

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 2
    Score
    0-7

    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  3. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 7:25TD
    THT. Houshmandzadeh

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 12
    Score
    0-13

    (7:25) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 7:19XP
    SGS. Graham

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 2
    Score
    0-14

    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  5. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 5:07FG
    SGS. Graham

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 22
    Score
    0-17

    (5:07) 17-S.Graham 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  6. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 3:24FG
    SGS. Graham

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 11
    Score
    0-20

    (3:24) 17-S.Graham 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  7. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 0:17TD
    MSM. Schobel

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 8
    Score
    0-26

    (:17) 9-C.Palmer pass to 89-M.Schobel for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 0:12XP
    SGS. Graham

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 2
    Score
    0-27

    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  9. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q3 2:14TD
    THT. Houshmandzadeh

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 16
    Score
    0-33

    (2:14) 84-T.Houshmandzadeh right end for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q3 2:06XP
    SGS. Graham

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 2
    Score
    0-34

    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  11. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q4 5:43FG
    SGS. Graham

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 13
    Score
    0-37

    (5:43) 17-S.Graham 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  12. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 3:22TD
    DCD. Culpepper

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CIN 5
    Score
    6-37

    (3:22) (No Huddle) 11-D.Culpepper up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 3:17Safety
    DCD. Culpepper

    Points+2

    Yard line
    CIN 2
    Score
    8-37

    (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 11-D.Culpepper pass to 87-M.Robinson is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1C. Palmer · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +19.65 total EPA · 42 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
  2. 2Cornelius JohnsonCornelius Johnson · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +12.00 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.71 EPA/play
  3. 3T. Houshmandzadeh · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +8.14 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.63 EPA/play
  4. 4Tyrod TaylorTyrod Taylor · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +6.22 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
  5. 5M. Schobel · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +5.22 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.61 EPA/play
  6. 6N. Burleson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.95 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.32 EPA/play
  7. 7Micah RobinsonMicah Robinson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.67 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.22 EPA/play
  8. 8T. Williamson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.55 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.77 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

C. Palmer — CIN · Passing

C. Palmer posted the highest total EPA (+19.65) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Cincinnati Bengals. Across 42 counted snaps, they averaged +0.47 EPA per play.

C. Palmer's top snap (+5.92 EPA): (14:19) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-6.20 EPA): D. Culpepper — (2:24) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass intended for 30-M.Moore INTERCEPTED by 24-D.O'Neal at MIN 43. 24-D.O'Neal to MIN 16 for 27 yards (11-D.Culpepper).

Quarterback report card

D. Culpepper led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • D. Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings) · 48 dropbacks · 43.8% completion · -0.23 EPA/play · -11.17 total EPA
  • C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) · 42 dropbacks · 64.3% completion · +0.47 EPA/play · +19.65 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatMinnesota VikingsCincinnati Bengals
Offensive EPA/play-0.139+0.179
Offensive success rate50.0%50.0%
Pass EPA/play-0.233+0.468
Rush EPA/play-0.110-0.025
Defensive EPA/play-0.179+0.139
Defensive success rate50.0%50.0%

Drive & efficiency notes

Cincinnati Bengals held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.18 vs -0.14), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Minnesota Vikings: -0.14 EPA/play (19th percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
  • Cincinnati Bengals: +0.18 EPA/play (89th percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
  • Cincinnati Bengals: 12 drives, +17.93 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, -10.60 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Cornelius JohnsonCincinnati Bengals — Cornelius Johnson (C. Palmer pass) (Q1 14:19)
  • Cincinnati Bengals — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass) (Q1 7:25)
  • Cincinnati Bengals — M. Schobel (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 0:17)
  • Cincinnati Bengals — T. Houshmandzadeh (Q3 2:14)
  • Minnesota Vikings — D. Culpepper (Q4 3:22)

Field goals

  • Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham (Q2 5:07)
  • Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham (Q2 3:24)
  • Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham (Q4 5:43)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 14–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIN 70 (Q1 14:19) — (14:19) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q1 14:08) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIN 12 (Q1 7:25) — (7:25) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q1 7:19) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..

The second quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 13–0. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the MIN 22 (Q2 5:07) — (5:07) 17-S.Graham 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the MIN 11 (Q2 3:24) — (3:24) 17-S.Graham 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIN 8 (Q2 0:17) — (:17) 9-C.Palmer pass to 89-M.Schobel for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q2 0:12) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..

The third quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 7–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIN 16 (Q3 2:14) — (2:14) 84-T.Houshmandzadeh right end for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q3 2:06) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 8–3. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the MIN 13 (Q4 5:43) — (5:43) 17-S.Graham 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CIN 5 (Q4 3:22) — (3:22) (No Huddle) 11-D.Culpepper up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings registered a safety from the CIN 2 (Q4 3:17) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 11-D.Culpepper pass to 87-M.Robinson is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 14:19) — (14:19) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +16.5% · EPA +5.92]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 12:14) — (12:14) 23-M.Bennett left guard to MIN 48 for 4 yards (51-O.Thurman). FUMBLES (51-O.Thurman), RECOVERED by CIN-34-K.Kaesviharn at MIN 48. 34-K.Kaesviharn to MIN 48 for no gain (60-C.Withrow). [WPA -7.5% · EPA -4.46]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 12:51) — (12:51) 9-C.Palmer pass intended for 84-T.Houshmandzadeh INTERCEPTED by 24-W.Offord at MIN -3. Touchback. [WPA -6.0% · EPA -4.31]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 4:55) — (4:55) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 23-M.Bennett to MIN 13 for -3 yards (51-O.Thurman; 97-J.Thornton). FUMBLES (51-O.Thurman), RECOVERED by CIN-90-J.Smith at MIN 15. 90-J.Smith to MIN 15 for no gain (85-J.W [WPA -5.1% · EPA -4.62]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 9:24) — (9:24) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh to MIN 13 for 11 yards (26-A.Winfield). [WPA +4.8% · EPA +1.52]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 2:24) — (2:24) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass intended for 30-M.Moore INTERCEPTED by 24-D.O'Neal at MIN 43. 24-D.O'Neal to MIN 16 for 27 yards (11-D.Culpepper). [WPA -0.0% · EPA -6.20]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 14:19) — (14:19) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +16.5% · EPA +5.92]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 4:55) — (4:55) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 23-M.Bennett to MIN 13 for -3 yards (51-O.Thurman; 97-J.Thornton). FUMBLES (51-O.Thurman), RECOVERED by CIN-90-J.Smith at MIN 15. 90-J.Smith to MIN 15 for no gain (85-J.W [WPA -5.1% · EPA -4.62]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 12:14) — (12:14) 23-M.Bennett left guard to MIN 48 for 4 yards (51-O.Thurman). FUMBLES (51-O.Thurman), RECOVERED by CIN-34-K.Kaesviharn at MIN 48. 34-K.Kaesviharn to MIN 48 for no gain (60-C.Withrow). [WPA -7.5% · EPA -4.46]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 14:19 · MIN 70 · Score 0-6
    (14:19) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 14:08 · MIN 2 · Score 0-7
    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  3. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 7:25 · MIN 12 · Score 0-13
    (7:25) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 7:19 · MIN 2 · Score 0-14
    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  5. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 5:07 · MIN 22 · Score 0-17
    (5:07) 17-S.Graham 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  6. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 3:24 · MIN 11 · Score 0-20
    (3:24) 17-S.Graham 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  7. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 0:17 · MIN 8 · Score 0-26
    (:17) 9-C.Palmer pass to 89-M.Schobel for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 0:12 · MIN 2 · Score 0-27
    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  9. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q3 2:14 · MIN 16 · Score 0-33
    (2:14) 84-T.Houshmandzadeh right end for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q3 2:06 · MIN 2 · Score 0-34
    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  11. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 5:43 · MIN 13 · Score 0-37
    (5:43) 17-S.Graham 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  12. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 3:22 · CIN 5 · Score 6-37
    (3:22) (No Huddle) 11-D.Culpepper up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Minnesota Vikings Safety (+2) — Q4 3:17 · CIN 2 · Score 8-37
    (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 11-D.Culpepper pass to 87-M.Robinson is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Cincinnati Bengals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals on 2005-09-18?

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Minnesota Vikings 37-8 in Week 2, 2005.

What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals?

Q1: Minnesota Vikings 0, Cincinnati Bengals 14; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 0, Cincinnati Bengals 13; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 0, Cincinnati Bengals 7; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 8, Cincinnati Bengals 3; Final: Minnesota Vikings 8, Cincinnati Bengals 37.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals?

Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Johnson (C. Palmer pass) (Q1 14:19) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass) (Q1 7:25) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — M. Schobel (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 0:17) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Houshmandzadeh (Q3 2:14) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — D. Culpepper (Q4 3:22) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q2 5:07, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q2 3:24, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q4 5:43, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals?

D. Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings), 43.8% completion, -0.23 EPA per dropback, -11.17 total passing EPA. C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals), 64.3% completion, +0.47 EPA per dropback, +19.65 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals?

C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +19.65 total EPA on Passing plays. across 42 snaps. Their top snap (+5.92 EPA): (14:19) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 0-1 Now 0-2 L

Cincinnati Bengals

Entered 1-0 Now 2-0 W

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