The Cincinnati Bengals went on the road to take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season. While this was expected to be a matchup between starting quarterbacks Joe Burrow and J.J. McCarthy, both of them were hurt, leading to a battle of the backups.
Cincinnati was led by Jake Browning, who threw three interceptions in relief of Burrow in Week 2, but the Bengals still hung on for the win. Minnesota made Carson Wentz its starter, as the quarterback made history for starting for six different NFL teams in six consecutive seasons.
The Vikings' offense looked better with Wentz than it did with McCarthy. It also helped that Browning and the Bengals couldn't stop turning the ball over. Wentz may even make a case for himself to keep starting for Minnesota based on this performance, but the veteran will need to show he can sustain it. Cincinnati signed two quarterbacks to its practice squad this week and the poor performance from Browning could force the team's hand in trying out one of the new signees in their next game.
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Here is more on how Wentz and Browning fared in their Week 3 matchup.
Carson Wentz stats today
- Pass Attempts: 20
- Pass Completions: 14
- Passing Yards: 173
- Passing TDs: 2
- INTs: 0
- Rush Attempts: 2
- Rush Yards: 4
- Rush TDs: 0
- Fumbles: 0
- QB Rating: 129.8
MORE NFL WEEK 3:
- Carson Wentz shines while Jake Browning flounders in battle of backups
- Patriots fumble away close loss to Steelers
- Why Michael Penix Jr. was benched for Falcons
Carson Wentz Week 3 highlights
Carson Wentz finds Josh Oliver for a Vikings TD!
— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025
CINvsMIN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/WXuSA5ocez
Foot on gas.@cj_wentz x @TheeHock8
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 21, 2025
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/kyeXwZoFSc
MORE NFL: Travis Hunter's snap count in Week 3 vs. Texans
Jake Browning stats today
- Pass Attempts: 27
- Pass Completions: 19
- Passing Yards: 140
- Passing TDs: 1
- INTs: 2
- Rush Attempts: 1
- Rush Yards: 3
- Rush TDs: 0
- Fumbles: 0
- QB Rating: 63.8
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Jake Browning highlights
Unfortunately it was a bad day for Browning. His lone highlight is really a lowlight as he threw his first interception of the game.
Jake Browning is picked off by Isaiah Rodgers for a @Vikings Pick-6!
— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025
CINvsMIN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/4N3OaMpxdA
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Vikings upcoming schedule
| Week | Opponent |
| 4 | vs. Steelers (Dublin) |
| 5 | vs. Browns (London) |
| 6 | BYE WEEK |
| 7 | vs. Eagles |
| 8 | at Chargers (TNF) |
MORE NFL: Why Eagles' tush push is still center of controversy in Week 3
Bengals upcoming schedule
| Week | Opponent |
| 4 | at Broncos (MNF) |
| 5 | vs. Lions |
| 6 | at Packers |
| 7 | vs. Steelers (TNF) |
| 8 | vs. Jets |