A comprehensive preview of the Cincinnati Bengals' Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings for the upcoming NFL season.

The Vikings finished the 2020 season with a 7-9 record, missing the playoffs after a disappointing 1-5 start. Despite their struggles, quarterback Kirk Cousins had an impressive year with 4,265 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Running back Dalvin Cook contributed over 1,500 rushing yards, while receivers Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson formed one of the NFL's top receiving duos.

Key Offseason Changes:

• Vikings departures: TE Kyle Rudolph, S Anthony Harris, OT Riley Reiff
• Vikings additions: CB Patrick Peterson, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, CB Mackensie Alexander

Previous Matchup: The last meeting on December 17, 2017, resulted in a 34-7 Vikings victory. Minnesota dominated with a 24-0 halftime lead, including a pick-six off Andy Dalton. The Vikings went on to reach the NFC Championship game that season.

Key Factors for Week 1:

• Protection for Joe Burrow in his first regular-season game since injury
• Vikings' pass rush ranked bottom-five in 2020 with 23 sacks
• Bengals' new cornerback duo (Chidobe Awuzie and Trae Waynes) vs. Vikings' elite receivers
• Minnesota's defensive secondary remains questionable

The matchup will likely come down to the Bengals' ability to protect Burrow and contain the Vikings' dynamic receiving duo of Thielen and Jefferson.

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