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NFL · Week 15 · December 16, 2023 · 12 min read

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals: 2023 Week 15 Recap

Bengals defeat Vikings 27–24 in Week 15

Nick Mullens led Fantasy Impact as Bengals prevailed in a 24–27 Week 15 finish.

Minnesota Vikings 24 7–7
Final 24–27
Cincinnati Bengals 27 8–6 Winner
Winner
Cincinnati Bengals
Final score
24–27
Top passer
Jake Browning
FantasyHQ MVP
Nick Mullens
Game date
December 16, 2023

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • Nick Mullens
    Nick Mullens 26/39 · 288 YDS · 3 TD +11.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Jordan Addison
    Jordan Addison 6 REC · 111 YDS · 2 TD +10.8 Fantasy Impact
  • T.J. Hockenson
    T.J. Hockenson 6 REC · 63 YDS +5.0 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Bengals

  • Jake Browning
    Jake Browning 29/47 · 302 YDS · 2 TD +8.9 Fantasy Impact
  • Ja'Marr Chase
    Ja'Marr Chase 4 REC · 64 YDS +6.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Tee Higgins
    Tee Higgins 4 REC · 61 YDS · 2 TD +4.0 Fantasy Impact
View Vikings vs Bengals box score View all 2023 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Cincinnati Bengals
Final score
Cincinnati Bengals 27–24 Minnesota Vikings
Halftime
Halftime score unavailable
FantasyHQ MVP
Nick Mullens
Top passer
Jake Browning
Biggest EPA play
(10:54) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass short middle to 3-J.Addison for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN [9…
Game date
2023-12-16

Game summary

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Minnesota Vikings 27–24 on 2023-12-16. Nick Mullens posted a game-high +11.80 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 28 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q3Q4OT—T
Minnesota Vikings71070024
Cincinnati Bengals30213027

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

15 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 8:45FG
    Evan McPherson

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 16
    Score
    0-3

    (8:45) 2-E.McPherson 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.

  2. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 2:27TD
    Ty Chandler

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CIN 1
    Score
    6-3

    (2:27) 32-T.Chandler right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 2:23XP
    Greg Joseph

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CIN 15
    Score
    7-3

    1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.

  4. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q3 10:54TD
    Jordan Addison

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CIN 37
    Score
    13-3

    (10:54) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass short middle to 3-J.Addison for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN [96-C.Sample].

  5. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q3 10:46XP
    Greg Joseph

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CIN 15
    Score
    14-3

    1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.

  6. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q3 4:36FG
    Greg Joseph

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CIN 21
    Score
    17-3

    (4:36) 1-G.Joseph 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.

  7. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q4 15:00TD
    Tee Higgins

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 13
    Score
    17-9

    (15:00) (Shotgun) 6-J.Browning pass short left to 5-T.Higgins for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q4 14:56XP
    Evan McPherson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    17-10

    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.

  9. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q4 7:49TD
    Joe Mixon

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 1
    Score
    17-16

    (7:49) (Shotgun) 28-J.Mixon left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q4 7:46XP
    Evan McPherson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    17-17

    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.

  11. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 3:57TD
    Jordan Addison

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CIN 1
    Score
    23-17

    (3:57) 12-N.Mullens pass short right to 3-J.Addison for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN [94-S.Hubbard].

  12. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 3:48XP
    Greg Joseph

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CIN 15
    Score
    24-17

    1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.

  13. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q4 0:48TD
    Tee Higgins

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 21
    Score
    24-23

    (:48) (Shotgun) 6-J.Browning pass deep right to 5-T.Higgins for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  14. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q4 0:39XP
    Evan McPherson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    24-24

    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.

  15. CINCincinnati Bengals
    OT 3:15FG
    Evan McPherson

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 11
    Score
    24-27

    (3:15) 2-E.McPherson 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Nick MullensNick Mullens · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +11.80 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
  2. 2Jordan AddisonJordan Addison · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +10.78 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.80 EPA/play
  3. 3Jake BrowningJake Browning · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +8.95 total EPA · 47 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
  4. 4Ja'Marr ChaseJa'Marr Chase · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +5.95 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.49 EPA/play
  5. 5T.J. HockensonT.J. Hockenson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +5.03 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.72 EPA/play
  6. 6Tee HigginsTee Higgins · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +4.05 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
  7. 7Tanner HudsonTanner Hudson · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +3.73 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
  8. 8Joe MixonJoe Mixon · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +3.60 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

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

Nick Mullens

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Nick Mullens — MIN · Passing

Nick Mullens posted the highest total EPA (+11.80) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 39 counted snaps, they averaged +0.30 EPA per play.

Nick Mullens's top snap (+5.03 EPA): (10:54) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass short middle to 3-J.Addison for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN [96-C.Sample].

Quarterback report card

Jake Browning led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Jake BrowningJake Browning (Cincinnati Bengals) · 47 dropbacks · 61.7% completion · +4.5% CPOE · +0.19 EPA/play · +8.95 total EPA
  • Nick MullensNick Mullens (Minnesota Vikings) · 39 dropbacks · 66.7% completion · +17.1% CPOE · +0.30 EPA/play · +11.80 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatMinnesota VikingsCincinnati Bengals
Offensive EPA/play+0.083+0.081
Offensive success rate47.6%47.7%
Pass EPA/play+0.285+0.139
Rush EPA/play-0.051+0.096
Defensive EPA/play-0.081-0.083
Defensive success rate52.3%52.4%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Minnesota Vikings +0.08, Cincinnati Bengals +0.08) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Minnesota Vikings: +0.08 EPA/play (77th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • Cincinnati Bengals: +0.08 EPA/play (76th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • Cincinnati Bengals: 12 drives, +6.94 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, +6.95 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Ty ChandlerMinnesota Vikings — Ty Chandler (Q1 2:27)
  • Jordan AddisonMinnesota Vikings — Jordan Addison (Nick Mullens pass) (Q3 10:54)
  • Tee HigginsCincinnati Bengals — Tee Higgins (Jake Browning pass) (Q4 15:00)
  • Joe MixonCincinnati Bengals — Joe Mixon (Q4 7:49)
  • Jordan AddisonMinnesota Vikings — Jordan Addison (Nick Mullens pass) (Q4 3:57)
  • Tee HigginsCincinnati Bengals — Tee Higgins (Jake Browning pass) (Q4 0:48)

Field goals

  • Evan McPhersonCincinnati Bengals — Evan McPherson (Q1 8:45)
  • Greg JosephMinnesota Vikings — Greg Joseph (Q3 4:36)
  • Evan McPhersonCincinnati Bengals — Evan McPherson (OT 3:15)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–3. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the MIN 16 (Q1 8:45) — (8:45) 2-E.McPherson 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q1 2:27) — (2:27) 32-T.Chandler right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q1 2:23) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright..

The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CIN 37 (Q3 10:54) — (10:54) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass short middle to 3-J.Addison for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN [96-C.Sample].; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q3 10:46) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the CIN 21 (Q3 4:36) — (4:36) 1-G.Joseph 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright..

The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 21–7. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIN 13 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 6-J.Browning pass short left to 5-T.Higgins for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 14:56) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q4 7:49) — (7:49) (Shotgun) 28-J.Mixon left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 7:46) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q4 3:57) — (3:57) 12-N.Mullens pass short right to 3-J.Addison for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN [94-S.Hubbard].; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q4 3:48) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIN 21 (Q4 0:48) — (:48) (Shotgun) 6-J.Browning pass deep right to 5-T.Higgins for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 0:39) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins..

Overtime: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 3–0. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the MIN 11 (OT 3:15) — (3:15) 2-E.McPherson 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Cincinnati Bengals (OT 5:31) — (5:31) (Shotgun) 6-J.Browning pass deep right to 83-T.Boyd to MIN 13 for 44 yards (24-C.Bynum). [WPA +44.6% · EPA +3.83]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 7:49) — (7:49) (Shotgun) 28-J.Mixon left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +21.8% · EPA +2.49]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:48) — (:48) (Shotgun) 6-J.Browning pass deep right to 5-T.Higgins for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +21.8% · EPA +3.27]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (OT 8:31) — (8:31) 10-B.Robbins punts 56 yards to MIN 27, Center-48-C.Adomitis. 4-B.Powell to MIN 37 for 10 yards (51-M.Bailey). [WPA +21.5% · EPA +0.08]
  • Minnesota Vikings (OT 6:36) — (6:36) 12-N.Mullens up the middle to CIN 42 for no gain (58-J.Ossai). [WPA -16.8% · EPA -1.35]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 10:54) — (10:54) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass short middle to 3-J.Addison for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN [96-C.Sample]. [WPA +11.5% · EPA +5.03]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 9:15) — (9:15) (Shotgun) 6-J.Browning pass deep left intended for 81-I.Smith INTERCEPTED by 21-A.Evans at MIN 42. 21-A.Evans to MIN 43 for 1 yard (81-I.Smith). [WPA -7.9% · EPA -3.94]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (OT 5:31) — (5:31) (Shotgun) 6-J.Browning pass deep right to 83-T.Boyd to MIN 13 for 44 yards (24-C.Bynum). [WPA +44.6% · EPA +3.83]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 4:14) — (4:14) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass short middle intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 21-M.Hilton at CIN 1. 21-M.Hilton to CIN 17 for 16 yards (66-D.Risner). [WPA -12.0% · EPA -3.73]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q1 8:45 · MIN 16 · Score 0-3
    (8:45) 2-E.McPherson 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.
  2. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 2:27 · CIN 1 · Score 6-3
    (2:27) 32-T.Chandler right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 2:23 · CIN 15 · Score 7-3
    1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.
  4. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 10:54 · CIN 37 · Score 13-3
    (10:54) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass short middle to 3-J.Addison for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN [96-C.Sample].
  5. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 10:46 · CIN 15 · Score 14-3
    1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.
  6. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 4:36 · CIN 21 · Score 17-3
    (4:36) 1-G.Joseph 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.
  7. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · MIN 13 · Score 17-9
    (15:00) (Shotgun) 6-J.Browning pass short left to 5-T.Higgins for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 14:56 · MIN 15 · Score 17-10
    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.
  9. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 7:49 · MIN 1 · Score 17-16
    (7:49) (Shotgun) 28-J.Mixon left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 7:46 · MIN 15 · Score 17-17
    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.
  11. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 3:57 · CIN 1 · Score 23-17
    (3:57) 12-N.Mullens pass short right to 3-J.Addison for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN [94-S.Hubbard].
  12. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 3:48 · CIN 15 · Score 24-17
    1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.
  13. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 0:48 · MIN 21 · Score 24-23
    (:48) (Shotgun) 6-J.Browning pass deep right to 5-T.Higgins for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 0:39 · MIN 15 · Score 24-24
    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.
  15. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — OT 3:15 · MIN 11 · Score 24-27
    (3:15) 2-E.McPherson 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.

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.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • Nick Mullens (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Jake Browning (CIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals on 2023-12-16?

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 in Week 15, 2023.

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

Q1: Minnesota Vikings 7, Cincinnati Bengals 3; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 10, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 7, Cincinnati Bengals 21; 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 — T. Chandler (Q1 2:27) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Addison (N. Mullens pass) (Q3 10:54) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Higgins (J. Browning pass) (Q4 15:00) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Mixon (Q4 7:49) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Addison (N. Mullens pass) (Q4 3:57) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Higgins (J. Browning pass) (Q4 0:48) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — E. McPherson (Q1 8:45, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q3 4:36, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — E. McPherson (OT 3:15, 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?

Jake Browning (Cincinnati Bengals), 61.7% completion, +4.5% CPOE, +0.19 EPA per dropback, +8.95 total passing EPA. Nick Mullens (Minnesota Vikings), 66.7% completion, +17.1% CPOE, +0.30 EPA per dropback, +11.80 total passing EPA.

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

Nick Mullens (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +11.80 total EPA on Passing plays. across 39 snaps. Their top snap (+5.03 EPA): (10:54) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass short middle to 3-J.Addison for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN [96-C.Sample]..

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

Entered 7-6 Now 7-7 L

Cincinnati Bengals

Entered 7-6 Now 8-6 W

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