5 players the Vikings need to play well to beat the Bengals in Week 1

1. QB Kirk Cousins

Just because it’s obvious doesn’t make it untrue. Leaving aside the vaccination issue, Cousins has to step up and play well right off the bat this season. Check out his splits from 2020.

Week 1-6 (Vikings-1-5 record): 11 TD, 10 INT, 64.6 percent completion rate, 88.2 passer rating, 245.8 passing yards per game

Week 7-17 (Vikings-6-4 record): 24 TD, 3 INT, 69.2 percent completion rate, 113.6 passer rating; 279 passing yards per game

Cousins detractors automatically lean into the Vikings having nothing at stake, after cannon-balling their playoff chances with that 1-5 start, as the reason for his proficiency over the rest of the season. In eight of those final 10 games, he had multiple passing touchdowns. He had over 290 passing yards six times in that span, with another game where he had more than 270 yards. Fantasy stats don’t always win real games though, and even during that late run the Vikings were only 6-4. Three straight December losses, to Tampa Bay, Chicago and New Orleans, ended any chance at a run to a playoff spot.

The Bengals’ defense might be better this year, but a glance at the depth chart says it won’t be that much better. Cousins is lined up to start the season with a nice outing, and he has to cash in the opportunity for he and his team to start 2021 on the right foot.