Detroit Lions (0-5) vs Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
Game Info: Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 1:00 pm (Ford Field)
Betting Odds: Detroit Lions +3.5 -- Over/Under: 46.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Cincinnati Bengals will travel to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions this Sunday afternoon in NFL action.
The Cincinnati Bengals dropped to 3-2 on the season after being defeated by the Green Bay Packers, 2-22 in OT, this past Sunday. Cincinnati though they had the victory in OT, however, Evan McPherson’s 49-yard FG sailed just left at the last season and Green Bay was able to win it in the ensuing possession on a 49-yard FG by Mason Crosby. Cincinnati was outgained by Green Bay by a 466-367 margin and lost the turnover battle by a 2-1 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Bengals was WR Ja’Marr Chase who had 6 receptions for 159 yards & 1 TD.
On the season, Cincinnati is averaging 22.8 ppg on 352.8 total yards per game (253.8 passing yds/g; 99.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Cincinnati has been led by QB Joe Burrow who has completed 71.7% of his passes for 1269 yards (258.6 passing yds/g), 11 TD, & 6 INT. The top receiving threats for Burrow and the Bengals have been Ja’Marr Chase (23 rec, 456 yards, 5 TD), Tyler Boyd (27 rec, 283 yards, TD), C.J. Uzomah (11 rec, 150 yards, 2 TD), & Tee Higgins (15 rec, 150 yards, 2 TD). Leading the way for the Cincinnati backfield has been Joe Mixon who has rushed for 386 yards & 3 TD’s on 93 carries.
Defensively, Cincinnati is holding their opponents to an average of 20.0 ppg on 370.2 total yards per game (268.8 passing yds/g; 101.4 rushing yds/g).
The Detroit Lions are still in search of their first win of the season as the Lions fell to 0-5 on the year after being defeated by the Minnesota Vikings, 19-17, this past Sunday. Detroit looked like they were going to pick up their first win after a 7-yard TD run by D’Andre Swift gave the Lions a 17-16 lead with just :37 seconds left in the 4th quarter, however, Minnesota was able to quickly get into FG position in the ensuing drive and won it on a 54-yard FG by Greg Joseph as time expired. Detroit was outgained by Minnesota by a 384-288 margin and committed 2 turnovers in the loss. Leading the way for the Lions was D’Andre Swift who combined for 104 yards (51 rushing/53 receiving) & 1 TD.
On the season, Detroit is averaging 19.6 ppg on 363.6 total yards per game (269.0 passing yds/g; 103.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Detroit has been led by QB Jared Goff who has completed 66.8% of his passes for 1303 yards (275.0 passing yds/g), 7 TD, & 3 INT. The top receiving threats for the Lions have been T.J. Hockenson (24 rec, 237 yards, 2 TD), Quintez Cephus (15 rec, 204 yards, 2 TD), & Kalif Raymond (14 rec, 182 yards, 2 TD). Leading the way for the Detroit backfield has been the duo of Jamaal Williams (55 att, 244 yards, 2 TD) & D’Andre Swift (52 att, 190 yards, 2 TD; 29 rec, 252 yards, TD).
Defensively, Detroit is allowing their opponents to average 27.6 ppg on 399.2 total yards per game (269.0 passing yds/g; 130.2 rushing yds/g).
The Bengals are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a road favorite. The Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games, however, are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning record.
Detroit has been playing better as of late, however, their defense still has plenty of question marks and I feel Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense is going to have plenty of success finding the end zone in this one. Cincinnati ranks 8th in scoring defense and has been solid against opposing rushing attacks and as I just don’t see the Lions being able to keep up with the Bengals in this one, I’m taking Cincinnati to cover this small road spread. Good Luck!
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Brett’s Pick Cincinnati Bengals -3.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
