Bengals vs Lions At a Glance
- Game Date and Time: Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 4:25 PM
- Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH USA
- Television Coverage: FOX
- Detroit Lions Record: 3-1-0 for the season
- Cincinnati Bengals Record: 2-2-0 for the season
- Moneyline Odds: Lions -543, Bengals +404
The Cincinnati Bengals: A Season of Highs and Lows
Team Overview
The Cincinnati Bengals have been a mixed bag this season, showcasing a high-powered passing offense while struggling in the rushing game. They rank first in the league with 4,640 passing yards but fall to 29th in rushing yards, accumulating only 1,574. Their offense, however, is efficient in moving the chains, ranking fifth with 376 first downs.
Defensively, the Bengals have had challenges, allowing 5,921 opponent offensive yards, placing them 25th in the league. They have shown promise in forcing turnovers with 15 interceptions and 10 fumbles recovered, both ranking fifth. However, their overall defensive performance ranks 24th in opponent scoring, having allowed 434 points.
Recent Game Performances
In recent games, the Bengals have faced difficulties, particularly on the road. Against the Denver Broncos, they suffered a significant 28-3 loss, recording only 106 passing yards and 53 rushing yards. Similarly, their game against the Minnesota Vikings ended in a heavy 48-10 defeat, with turnovers proving costly.
Despite these setbacks, they secured a narrow victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a score of 31-27. In this game, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase stood out with 165 receiving yards and a touchdown. Their earlier win against the Cleveland Browns was a close affair, finishing 17-16, highlighting their ability to compete in tight contests.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Jake Browning has stepped up in Joe Burrow’s absence, leading the Bengals with 506 passing yards and three touchdowns. Running back Chase Brown has shown versatility, contributing both in rushing and receiving, totaling 133 rushing yards and 11 receptions this season.
Ja’Marr Chase remains a pivotal figure in their passing attack, with 264 receiving yards and one touchdown over four games. On defense, players like Demetrius Knight Jr. and Dax Hill have been instrumental in creating turnovers and limiting opposing offenses.
Injury Concerns
The Bengals are dealing with significant injury issues, including the loss of quarterback Joe Burrow due to toe surgery. Additionally, tight end Noah Fant is questionable with a concussion, and several players are on the injured reserve list, impacting their depth and performance.
Their injury list also includes offensive linemen and defensive players, which could affect their ability to protect the quarterback and stop opposing offenses. These injuries highlight the challenges the Bengals face in maintaining consistency and competitiveness.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite (REG): Last 7 REG Games (2024–2025) → 7-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Home Games (REG): Last 3 REG Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Home Games (REG): Last 3 REG Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – As Favorite (REG): Last 7 REG Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- SU – After Win (REG): Last 7 REG Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- O/U – Home Games (REG): Last 6 REG Games (2024–2025) → 5-1 (83.3%)
Detroit Lions Roar into Cincinnati: A Preview
Offensive Firepower
The Detroit Lions’ offense is on a tear, leading the league with 564 total points in the 2024 season. Their aerial attack ranks second with 4,474 passing yards, while their ground game is solid, ranking sixth with 2,488 rushing yards. The Lions have consistently moved the chains, topping the league in first downs with 410.
Jared Goff is steering the offense with precision, completing 929 passing yards in four games, placing him tenth in the league but first on the team. His connection with top wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has 307 receiving yards and six touchdowns, has been particularly effective. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs also contributes significantly with 271 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Defensive Prowess
The Lions’ defense has been formidable, allowing only 342 points, ranking seventh in the league. They have shown a knack for creating turnovers with 16 interceptions, ranking fourth. The defense has also been effective at recovering fumbles, ranking seventh with eight recoveries.
Aidan Hutchinson leads the defense, recording two sacks in the recent game against the Browns. Jack Campbell has been a tackling machine, contributing significantly with his solo and assisted tackles. D.J. Reed, with his interception, adds to the Lions’ robust secondary.
Injury Concerns
The Lions have a few injury concerns heading into the game against the Bengals. Key players like Marcus Davenport and Alim McNeill are out with injuries. The team will also monitor the status of questionable players such as Zach Cunningham and D.J. Reed.
These injuries could impact the depth on both sides of the ball. However, the Lions have shown resilience in overcoming these challenges in previous games.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite (REG): Last 13 REG Games (2024–2025) → 12-1 (92.3%)
- ATS – As Favorite (REG): Last 13 REG Games (2024–2025) → 12-1 (92.3%)
- SU – All Games (REG): Last 15 REG Games (2024–2025) → 13-2 (86.7%)
- ATS – All Games (REG): Last 15 REG Games (2024–2025) → 13-2 (86.7%)
- SU – After Win (REG): Last 12 REG Games (2024–2025) → 10-2 (83.3%)
- ATS – After Win (REG): Last 12 REG Games (2024–2025) → 10-2 (83.3%)
- SU – Away Games (REG): Last 7 REG Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- ATS – Away Games (REG): Last 7 REG Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
With their recent performance and betting trends favoring them, the Lions appear well-positioned for their upcoming game. Their ability to execute on both offense and defense will be crucial against the Bengals.
Bengals vs Lions Prediction: Over 49.5
The Detroit Lions come into this game with a strong offensive track record from last season, ranking first in scoring and second in passing yards. Their ability to put points on the board should not be underestimated, especially against a Bengals defense that ranked 24th in opponent scoring last year. With both teams having potent offensive capabilities, this game has the potential to reach high scoring numbers.
The Cincinnati Bengals, though underdogs in this game, have demonstrated a high-scoring offensive power with the highest passing yards last season. Additionally, their performance in home games has shown a tendency towards overs, as indicated by their recent trend of 5-1 in overs at home. This suggests a likelihood that they will contribute significantly to the total score.
Both teams have defenses that have allowed a considerable amount of yards, with the Bengals ranked 25th and the Lions at 20th in opponent offensive yards last season. This could result in a game with many scoring opportunities for both teams. Considering these factors, the over on this game seems to be a strong prediction.
Given the offensive strengths and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, the projected final score supports an over pick. A high-scoring game is anticipated at Paycor Stadium, with both teams finding the end zone frequently.
- Bengals vs Lions Prediction: Over 49.5
- Bengals vs Lions Score: Bengals 31 – Lions 30
