Game story
In Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-09-12, the Cincinnati Bengals took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings, pulling away with a 27–24 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) paced the passing game, with +10.18 total EPA, and +6.8% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.18 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+63.4% win probability) landed in overtime when Cincinnati Bengals changed the game: (:39) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 87-C.Uzomah pushed ob at MIN 20 for 32 yards (23-X.Woods).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 14 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 27 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 K. Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +10.18 total EPA · 59 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
- 2 J. Chase · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +9.01 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.29 EPA/play
- 3 A. Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.39 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 4 J. Burrow · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +6.47 total EPA · 32 snaps · +0.20 EPA/play
- 5 D. Cook · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.53 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
- 6 K. Osborn · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.51 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 7 T. Higgins · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +3.22 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
- 8 C. Uzomah · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.49 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.25 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
K. Cousins — MIN · Passing
K. Cousins posted the highest total EPA (+10.18) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 59 counted snaps, they averaged +0.17 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.52 EPA) came from Cincinnati Bengals: (:42) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep right to 1-J.Chase for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. MIN-21-B.Breeland was injured during the play.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — T. Higgins (J. Burrow pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — J. Chase (J. Burrow pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — J. Mixon
- Minnesota Vikings — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — D. Cook
Field goals
- Cincinnati Bengals — E. McPherson
- Minnesota Vikings — G. Joseph
- Cincinnati Bengals — E. McPherson
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 14–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CIN 5 (Q2 36:42) — (6:42) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 19-A.Thielen for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q2 36:39) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIN 2 (Q2 31:52) — (1:52) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short middle to 85-T.Higgins for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Tomlinson].; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 31:47) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIN 50 (Q2 30:42) — (:42) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep right to 1-J.Chase for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. MIN-21-B.Breeland was injured during the play.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 30:35) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIN 2 (Q3 24:20) — (9:20) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 28-J.Mixon up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 24:15) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CIN 24 (Q3 17:30) — (2:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q3 17:24) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry..
The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–3. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the MIN 35 (Q4 14:18) — (14:18) 2-E.McPherson 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q4 9:26) — (9:26) 64-B.Brandel reported in as eligible. 33-D.Cook left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q4 9:23) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the CIN 35 (Q4 0:03) — (:03) 1-G.Joseph 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry..
Overtime: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 3–0. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the MIN 15 (OT 0:05) — (:05) 2-E.McPherson 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Cincinnati Bengals (OT 0:39) — (:39) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 87-C.Uzomah pushed ob at MIN 20 for 32 yards (23-X.Woods).
- Cincinnati Bengals (OT 3:54) — (3:54) 10-K.Huber punts 61 yards to MIN 25, Center-46-C.Harris. 12-D.Westbrook to MIN 37 for 12 yards (34-S.Perine).
- Minnesota Vikings (OT 5:31) — (5:31) 3-J.Berry punts 63 yards to CIN 10, Center-42-A.DePaola, fair catch by 23-D.Phillips.
- Cincinnati Bengals (OT 6:39) — (6:39) 10-K.Huber punts 43 yards to MIN 21, Center-46-C.Harris, fair catch by 12-D.Westbrook.
- Cincinnati Bengals (OT 1:11) — (1:11) (Shotgun) 28-J.Mixon up the middle to CIN 48 for no gain (59-N.Vigil).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 30:42) — (:42) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep right to 1-J.Chase for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. MIN-21-B.Breeland was injured during the play.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 17:30) — (2:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (OT 2:00) — (2:00) 33-D.Cook right tackle to CIN 38 for no gain (57-G.Pratt; 30-J.Bates). FUMBLES (57-G.Pratt), RECOVERED by CIN-57-G.Pratt at CIN 39. The Replay Official reviewed the fumble ruling, and the play
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 18:20) — (3:20) 28-J.Mixon right tackle to CIN 30 for no gain (59-N.Vigil).
Quarterback report card
K.Cousins led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- K.Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 59 dropbacks · 61.0% completion · +6.8% CPOE · +0.17 EPA/play · +10.18 total EPA
- J.Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) · 32 dropbacks · 62.5% completion · +11.1% CPOE · +0.20 EPA/play · +6.47 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Minnesota Vikings | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.017 | +0.024 |
| Offensive success rate | 40.6% | 39.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.182 | +0.202 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.346 | -0.166 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.024 | -0.017 |
| Defensive success rate | 60.9% | 59.4% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Minnesota Vikings +0.02, Cincinnati Bengals +0.02) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 13 drives, +2.05 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 13 drives, +1.84 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Cincinnati Bengals leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- K. Cousins (MIN) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- J. Burrow (CIN) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 36:42 · CIN 5 · Score 6-0
(6:42) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 19-A.Thielen for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 36:39 · CIN 15 · Score 7-0
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 31:52 · MIN 2 · Score 7-6
(1:52) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short middle to 85-T.Higgins for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Tomlinson]. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 31:47 · MIN 15 · Score 7-7
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 30:42 · MIN 50 · Score 7-13
(:42) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep right to 1-J.Chase for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. MIN-21-B.Breeland was injured during the play. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 30:35 · MIN 15 · Score 7-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q3 24:20 · MIN 2 · Score 7-20
(9:20) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 28-J.Mixon up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q3 24:15 · MIN 15 · Score 7-21
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 17:30 · CIN 24 · Score 13-21
(2:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 17:24 · CIN 15 · Score 14-21
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 14:18 · MIN 35 · Score 14-24
(14:18) 2-E.McPherson 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 9:26 · CIN 1 · Score 20-24
(9:26) 64-B.Brandel reported in as eligible. 33-D.Cook left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 9:23 · CIN 15 · Score 21-24
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 0:03 · CIN 35 · Score 24-24
(:03) 1-G.Joseph 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — OT 0:05 · MIN 15 · Score 24-27
(:05) 2-E.McPherson 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 in Week 1, 2021 on 2021-09-12.
What was the final score of Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The final score was Minnesota Vikings 24, Cincinnati Bengals 27 (MIN 24-27 CIN) in Week 1, 2021 on 2021-09-12.
What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Q2: Minnesota Vikings 7, Cincinnati Bengals 14; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 7, Cincinnati Bengals 7; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 10, Cincinnati Bengals 3; Q5: Minnesota Vikings 0, Cincinnati Bengals 3; Final: Minnesota Vikings 24, Cincinnati Bengals 27.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 36:42) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Higgins (J. Burrow pass) (Q2 31:52) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Chase (J. Burrow pass) (Q2 30:42) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Mixon (Q3 24:20) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass) (Q3 17:30) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — D. Cook (Q4 9:26) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — E. McPherson (Q4 14:18, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q4 0:03, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — E. McPherson (OT 0:05, 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?
K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 61.0% completion, +6.8% CPOE, +0.17 EPA per dropback, +10.18 total passing EPA. J. Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), 62.5% completion, +11.1% CPOE, +0.20 EPA per dropback, +6.47 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals?
K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +10.18 on passing plays. across 59 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.52 EPA): (:42) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep right to 1-J.Chase for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. MIN-21-B.Breeland was injured during the play.. The biggest win-probability swing was +63.4%.
Was Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Cincinnati Bengals won 27-24 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Minnesota Vikings
Now 0-1 L
Cincinnati Bengals
Now 1-0 W
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