Quick answer
- Winner
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Final score
- Cincinnati Bengals 27–24 Minnesota Vikings
- Halftime
- Minnesota Vikings 7–14 Cincinnati Bengals at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Kirk Cousins
- Top passer
- Kirk Cousins
- Biggest EPA play
- (:42) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep right to 1-J.Chase for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. MIN-21-B.…
- Game date
- 2021-09-12
Game summary
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Minnesota Vikings 27–24 on 2021-09-12. Kirk Cousins posted a game-high +10.18 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 21 combined points.
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 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
MINMinnesota Vikings
(6:42) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 19-A.Thielen for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
(1:52) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short middle to 85-T.Higgins for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Tomlinson].
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
(: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.
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
(9:20) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 28-J.Mixon up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
(2:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
(14:18) 2-E.McPherson 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
(9:26) 64-B.Brandel reported in as eligible. 33-D.Cook left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
(:03) 1-G.Joseph 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
(:05) 2-E.McPherson 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
CINCincinnati BengalsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q2 6:42TD Adam ThielenPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 5
- Score
- 6-0
(6:42) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 19-A.Thielen for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q2 6:39XP Greg JosephPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 15
- Score
- 7-0
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 1:52TD Tee HigginsPoints+6
- Yard line
- 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].
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 1:47XP Evan McPhersonPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIN 15
- Score
- 7-7
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 0:42TD Ja'Marr ChasePoints+6
- Yard line
- 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.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 0:35XP Evan McPhersonPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIN 15
- Score
- 7-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q3 9:20TD Joe MixonPoints+6
- Yard line
- MIN 2
- Score
- 7-20
(9:20) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 28-J.Mixon up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q3 9:15XP Evan McPhersonPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIN 15
- Score
- 7-21
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q3 2:30TD Adam ThielenPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 24
- Score
- 13-21
(2:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q3 2:24XP Greg JosephPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 15
- Score
- 14-21
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 14:18FG Evan McPhersonPoints+3
- Yard line
- MIN 35
- Score
- 14-24
(14:18) 2-E.McPherson 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 9:26TD Dylan CookPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 1
- Score
- 20-24
(9:26) 64-B.Brandel reported in as eligible. 33-D.Cook left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 9:23XP Greg JosephPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 15
- Score
- 21-24
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 0:03FG Greg JosephPoints+3
- Yard line
- CIN 35
- Score
- 24-24
(:03) 1-G.Joseph 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
OT 0:05FG Evan McPhersonPoints+3
- Yard line
- MIN 15
- Score
- 24-27
(:05) 2-E.McPherson 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
Kirk Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +10.18 total EPA · 59 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play - 2Ja'Marr Chase · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +9.01 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.29 EPA/play
- 3Adam Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.39 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 4
Joe Burrow · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +6.47 total EPA · 32 snaps · +0.20 EPA/play - 5Dylan Cook · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.53 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
- 6
K.J. Osborn · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.51 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play - 7Tee Higgins · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +3.22 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
- 8
C.J. Uzomah · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.49 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.25 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
Kirk Cousins — MIN · Passing
Kirk Cousins posted the highest total EPA (+10.18) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 59 counted snaps, they averaged +0.17 EPA per play.
Kirk Cousins's top snap (+4.67 EPA): (2:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Biggest single play (+5.52 EPA): Joe Burrow — (: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.
Quarterback report card
Kirk Cousins led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 59 dropbacks · 61.0% completion · +6.8% CPOE · +0.17 EPA/play · +10.18 total EPA
- Joe 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.
| 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% |
Drive & efficiency notes
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.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Minnesota Vikings: +0.02 EPA/play (54th percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: +0.02 EPA/play (57th percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: 13 drives, +2.05 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 13 drives, +1.84 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — Adam Thielen (Kirk Cousins pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — Tee Higgins (Joe Burrow pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — Ja'Marr Chase (Joe Burrow pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — Joe Mixon
- Minnesota Vikings — Adam Thielen (Kirk Cousins pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — Dylan Cook
Field goals
- Cincinnati Bengals — Evan McPherson
- Minnesota Vikings — Greg Joseph
- Cincinnati Bengals — Evan McPherson
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The second quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 14–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CIN 5 (Q2 6:42) — (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 6:39) — 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 1:52) — (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 1:47) — 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 0:42) — (: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 0:35) — 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 9:20) — (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 9:15) — 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 2:30) — (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 2:24) — 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.
- 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 EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 0:42) — (: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 2:30) — (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 3:20) — (3:20) 28-J.Mixon right tackle to CIN 30 for no gain (59-N.Vigil).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 6:42 · 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 6:39 · 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 1:52 · 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 1:47 · 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 0:42 · 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 0:35 · 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 9:20 · 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 9:15 · 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 2:30 · 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 2:24 · 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.
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.
- Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Kirk Cousins (MIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals on 2021-09-12?
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 in Week 1, 2021.
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 6:42) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Higgins (J. Burrow pass) (Q2 1:52) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Chase (J. Burrow pass) (Q2 0:42) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Mixon (Q3 9:20) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass) (Q3 2:30) 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?
Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 61.0% completion, +6.8% CPOE, +0.17 EPA per dropback, +10.18 total passing EPA. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), 62.5% completion, +11.1% CPOE, +0.20 EPA per dropback, +6.47 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +10.18 total EPA on Passing plays. across 59 snaps. Their top snap (+4.67 EPA): (2:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
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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