Bengals set dubious franchise record for most lopsided loss in 38-point drubbing by Vikings

By Canadian Press on September 21, 2025.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals set a franchise record with their most lopsided loss, a 48-10 blowout by the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

In their first game since losing quarterback Joe Burrow to a serious toe injury, the Bengals fell behind by 45 points before a meaningless touchdown pass from Jake Browning to Drew Sample in the fourth quarter for the final, 38-point margin.

That was one point worse than four previous defeats: The Bengals lost 51-14 to the visiting New Orleans Saints on Nov. 11, 2018; 37-0 to the host New York Jets on Jan. 3, 2010; 37-0 to the Baltimore Ravens on the road on Sept. 24, 2000; and 44-7 to the visiting Chicago Bears on Sept. 28, 1986.

The Bengals, who had four of their five turnovers in the first half, trailed the Vikings 34-3 to match the largest halftime deficit in franchise history. They were down 31-0 to the Detroit Lions on the road on Sept. 27, 1970, and lost 38-3. The Bengals then won their final seven games that season to finish 8-6 and make the playoffs.

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The Associated Press

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