Game Details:
- Matchup: Detroit Lions (3-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)
- Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025
- Time: 4:26 PM EST
- Venue: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- Spread: Lions -10.5
- Total (Over/Under): 49.5
Preview: Lions Look to Maul Banged-Up Bengals
The Detroit Lions roll into Cincinnati for a Week 5 matchup looking less like visitors and more like an invading force. Oddsmakers have installed the Lions as massive 10.5-point road favorites, a testament to Detroit’s dominance fatores and the host of problems plaguing a struggling Bengals squad. While one team is firing on all cylinders, the other appears to be sputtering, primarily due to a rash of injuries to key personnel.
The Lions have established themselves as a premier NFL powerhouse, but they aren’t without their own health concerns. The team’s final injury report, released on October 3rd, listed key contributors like DT Alim McNeill, OT Taylor Decker, and S Kerby Joseph. However, the mood in Detroit remains optimistic, buoyed by reports of “good news for the Lions cornerbacks” who appear to be getting healthier just in time to face Cincinnati’s talented receiving corps. This defensive boost, combined with a high-octane offense, is precisely why the Lions are so heavily favored to handle their business on the road.
For the Bengals, the season has been a battle of attrition they appear to be losing. The official injury reports have become a source of dread for Cincinnati fans. The offensive line, a question mark entering the season, took a major blow when starting guard Cordell Volson reverted to the team’s injured reserve list, creating a significant weakness in pass protection.
This is a disastrous development for an offense whose stars are already playing hurt. As far back as September, quarterback Joe Burrow (knee/wrist) and top wideout Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) have been limited participants in practice. Playing behind a compromised offensive line is the last thing a less-than-100% quarterback needs, especially when facing a relentless Lions pass rush.
Key Matchup: Lions’ Pass Rush vs. Bengals’ Offensive Line
This game will likely be won or lost in the trenches. With Cordell Volson on IR, the Bengals’ interior line is vulnerable. Expect Detroit’s defensive coordinator to dial up pressure and unleash Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill on a line that will be struggling to communicate and maintain its integrity. If Cincinnati cannot give Joe Burrow a clean pocket, it will neutralize the downfield threat of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and could lead to game-changing turnovers.
Prediction
This is a mismatch on paper that looks even worse when you dig into the injury reports. The Bengals are not healthy enough to hang with a legitimate Super Bowl contender like the Lions. The massive 10.5-point spread is daunting, but Detroit has the perfect formula to cover it: a ferocious pass rush facing a battered offensive line and an explosive offense that can score in bunches.
Cincinnati’s star power at the skill positions might allow them to find the end zone and avoid a total blowout, but they won’t be able to keep pace. The Lions will methodically wear down the Bengals’ defense and harass Browning all afternoon. Detroit wins big and solidifies its status as NFC royalty.
Final Score Prediction: Lions 35, Bengals 17
The Pick: Detroit Lions -10.5
The Total: Over 49.5
Sources:
Detroit Lions Injury Report | Detroit Lions – DetroitLions.com
Detroit Lions Injury Status – ESPN
Lions injury report: Dan Campbell gives update after Week 2 win
Detroit Lions Injury Report : r/detroitlions
Detriot Lions Detroit Lions Injury Report | Pride Of Detroit Detroit …
Detroit Lions injury updates: Brian Branch, Marcus Davenport, more …
Detroit Lions Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBSSports.com
Mike Hall Jr. out for Week 4 vs. Lions | Injury Report
Detroit Lions Injury Report Week 6: Oct. 13 … – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bears vs Lions Injury Report: Kyler Gordon out, Grady Jarrett …