The Cincinnati Bengals don’t have much time to catch their breath after taking a beating on Monday night.
Cincinnati is a monster home underdog hosting the Detroit Lions in Week 5, desperately looking for answers without star QB Joe Burrow under center.
This could have been a fun one. Instead, it looks like another sad day in Cincinnati.
Here are my early Lions vs. Bengals predictions and NFL picks for Sunday, October 5.
Lions vs Bengals predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Lions vs Bengals spread pick: Lions -9.5
Most books have the Detroit Lions at −10, and I expect this spread to climb even higher after the Cincinnati Bengals' punchless effort against Denver on Monday night. Getting the favorite under that key number is a gift.
The Bengals have a short turnaround to plan for this Lions attack after giving up more than 500 yards to the Broncos. Detroit may have started the season slowly, but it has looked like an NFC powerhouse in recent outings, scoring 124 total points over the past three games.
Meanwhile, the Lions’ pass rush has collected 14 sacks on the season and is set to go up against a porous pass protection in Cincinnati, with the Bengals sporting one of the worst offensive lines in the land — sitting dead last in pass block win rate at ESPN.
Detroit has come through as big chalk during Dan Campbell’s tenure, boasting a 4-1 ATS record when laying -9.5 or more. I don’t see any reason why I would want to bet on the Bengals in Week 5.
Early Lions vs Bengals total pick: Under 49.5
There could be a bit of a look-ahead spot at play in Week 5. On the other side of Cincy, the Lions have a potential Super Bowl preview against Kansas City looming.
Knowing this, Detroit could build a big lead and play it safe in the second half.
After watching his team fall apart at the seams in the second half of 2024, coach Campbell must be more careful with the wear and tear and rest his first-teamers when he can.
The Bengals’ offense isn’t offering much in the way of positives for anyone eyeing the Over. Cincinnati finished with only nine first downs and 159 yards in the loss at Denver, managing a measly three points.
Looking at this current number, you could be asking Detroit to score 47 points to top the total. That’s possible, but not plausible.
Lions vs Bengals odds
- Lions vs. Bengals spread: Bengals +8.5
- Lions vs. Bengals moneyline: Lions -450, Bengals +350
- Lions vs. Bengals Over/Under: 49.5
How to watch Lions vs Bengals
- Lions vs. Bengals matchup
- Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025, 4:25 p.m. ET
- City: Cincinnati
- Venue: Paycor Stadium
- TV: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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