| MATCHUP | Detroit Lions | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-1 | 1-0 |
| Where | Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | |
| When | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | Bengals Preseason TV Network | |
In this article we will formulate a Lions vs Bengals prediction for this NFL game on Thursday, August 13th at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this preseason matchup.
Detroit Lions Betting Preview
The Detroit Lions went 9-8 last season and they finished tied for third in the NFC North standings, two games behind the Bears in first. The Lions started the season with a 27-13 loss at Green Bay, but they were 5-2 through seven games. Detroit had some injury issues and major defensive problems after that start though, as they went 4-6 in their last ten games. The Lions allowed 27+ points in five of their last seven games and the offense really took a step back. Detroit scored 28.3 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 24.3 points against per game on defense.
Last year, Detroit went 1-3 in the preseason, which was the worst in the NFC North. The Lions lost to the Chargers 34-7, defeated the Falcons 17-10, lost to the Dolphins 24-17, and lost to the Texans 26-7 in their four preseason games. Detroit will not play most of their starters in this game. At the quarterback spot, Josh Dobbs was just signed this week and may take a few snaps, but Luke Altmyer will handle most of the work. Altmyer is a player that can make plays on the ground as well, so he may be able to move the ball consistently. Check out tonight’s game between the Raiders and Cardinals.
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Preview
The Cincinnati Bengals were 6-11 last year and they finished third in the AFC North standings, four games behind the Steelers in first. The Bengals started the season with a 2-0 record after tight wins against Cleveland and Jacksonville, but they went just 4-11 in their last 15 games for another disappointing finish. Cincinnati did compete down the stretch, as they went 3-3 in their last six games and they scored 32+ points in four of those six. The Bengals scored 24.4 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 28.9 points against per game on defense.
Last season, Cincinnati went 1-2 in the preseason, which was last in the AFC North. The Bengals lost to the Eagles 34-27, defeated the Commanders 31-17, and lost to the Colts by a score of 41-14 in their three preseason games. Cincinnati has said their starters will play a little bit in this game, but I wouldn’t expect more than a drive or two at most. Once Burrow leaves the game, we may see Flacco for a little bit, but Logan Woodside and Sean Clifford will take most of the snaps.
Lions vs Bengals Prediction
Cincinnati comes into this matchup as a pretty big favorite, as their starters will get some playing time, but this is a lot of points for a preseason game. The Bengals will play their starters for one or two series, so the advantage won’t last long. Detroit had a very disappointing 2025, so I could see them trying to start on a positive note with a strong showing here, plus I think Altmyer could impress with his mobility. Take the Lions and the points here.