Reichard’s 62-yard blast set a Vikings record and fueled talk of a 70-yarder someday, even as he admits 59 yards is the max he trains for in season. Donovan Jackson lit up the left side with two pivotal blocks that opened Jordan Mason’s TD, while Levi Drake Rodriguez and a stouter run defense stymied Cincinnati. Isaiah Rodgers’ 87-yard pick-six highlighted a game with big plays, Okudah drew a surprised flag, and Minnesota rolled toward Pittsburgh.

Jackson’s grit and the interior line’s growth drove short-yardage success, Greenard’s grit sparked tackle-for-loss moments, and Rodgers’ friends added a defensive punch. A rapid, physical win cements Minnesota’s identity and raises questions about next-week’s grind against Pittsburgh’s ground game and a league watching Reichard chase more distance.

In Minneapolis, the Vikings seized control before halftime. Isaiah Rodgers sparked a turnaround with a 66-yard return TD after forcing a Chase Brown fumble, then Ja’Marr Chase fumbled on Minnesota territory as Jeff Okudah pounced on the loose ball. Minnesota added a 5-yard Jordan Mason TD and Will Reichard drilled a 62-yard FG to push the halftime lead to 34-3. Evan McPherson’s 45-yard field goal was Cincinnati’s lone scoring punch in the frame.

The first-half rhythm was all Minnesota: aggressive defense, short-field opportunities, and explosive special-teams plays that left the Bengals searching for answers as the stadium roared through the break.

Isaiah Rodgers rose from the shadows with two first-half defensive touchdowns, including a 66-yard scooper that sealed a dramatic swing against Cincinnati. The Vikings’ defense created chaos all game, punching free balls and forcing multiple turnovers to spark a commanding halftime lead.

The breakout banner for Rodgers redefines the early-season fantasy lens on Minnesota D/ST, highlighting the upside of opportunistic defenses and a rookie playmaker who could turn defensive score opportunities into weekly fantasy gold.

M Vikings Week 3 injury report vs Cincinnati shows J.J. McCarthy ruled out with an ankle ailment, Ryan Kelly out (concussion) and Justin Skule out (concussion). Christian Darrisaw is listed as questionable with a knee issue, while Andrew Van Ginkel, Austin Keys and Harrison Smith sit as questionable (illness or injury). Jonathan Greenard, Donovan Jackson, Theo Jackson, Jeff Okudah and Josh Oliver have been removed from the injury report, signaling they’re likely to play. This mix of absences and returns could shift offensive and defensive balance in a pivotal Week 3 matchup.

Fantasy managers should watch late-week updates closely as depth pieces fill in, with potential implications for protection, run efficiency, and secondary coverage. The Bengals game could expose interior line and boundary depth if key Vikings players are limited, making late-week decisions and potential streaming choices more critical than usual.

Vikings open the season with a win but face notable injuries. Blake Cashman will miss time with a hamstring, Ty Chandler is banged up but played through the knee issue, and Andrew Van Ginkel and Jeff Okudah are in concussion protocol. Harrison Smith returned but described his conditioning as the focal point of a quick bounce back, with team friends noting the plan remains fluid. Elijah Williams and Zavier Scott are stepping back into practice as Minnesota eyes a quiet home opener against Atlanta.

Offensively, J.J. McCarthy earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week after a 27-24 comeback, underscoring the unit’s potential as the Falcons visit Minnesota in primetime. The schedule stays challenging with a short week and a travel slate before a TNF showdown with the Chargers.