Bengals vs Lions NFL Handicapping
A pair of 4-2 teams will meet at Ford Field on Sunday when the Detroit Lions host the Cincinnati Bengals. The winner of the game will take a big step towards a lead in their divisional race, while the loser will have some work to do.
Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) at Detroit Lions (4-2)
Date: Sunday, October 20, 2013
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Venue: Ford Field
City: Detroit, Michigan
O/U Odds: 47
Spread: Detroit -1
Money Line: Detroit -140, Cincinnati +120
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Detroit’s defense has plugged a lot of the holes that have plagued the team in the past, while making a slew of big plays this season.
The unit came up with a huge play in last week’s win over Cleveland, when linebacker DeAndre Levy picked off Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden to all but seal the win for the Lions. The unit kept Cleveland off the scoreboard in the final 30 minutes of the game, allowing the team to come back in the second half and gut out a win.
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Quarterback Matthew Stafford led Detroit’s second half comeback, throwing three of his four touchdowns in the game after the break. Rookie tight end Joseph Fauria had his breakout game, hauling in three of those touchdowns. Running back Reggie Bush accumulated 135 total yards in the game, 121 of which came in the second half, as did his 18-yard touchdown reception. Star wide receiver Calvin Johnson returned to the field for the game but was limited, and it was Kris Durham who stepped up into the primary receiver role, hauling in eight passes. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Cincinnati nearly gave a win away in their last outing, but held on to beat Buffalo with a field goal in overtime, 27-24. Quarterback Andy Dalton had a busy day, completing 26 of 40 passes for 337 yards and three touchdowns. Star wide receiver A.J. Green broke out of a mini-slump in the game, racking up six receptions and 103 yards receiving with a touchdown. Running back Giovani Bernard had a bit of a coming out party of his own, gashing the Bills offense when give the opportunity, finding the endzone on a 20-yard reception, and stealing carries away from BenJarvus Green-Ellis down the stretch in the fourth quarter.
The Cincinnati defense had trouble with unknown quarterback Thad Lewis, who completed 19 of 32 passes for 216 yards, including a pair of scores in the fourth quarter that tied the game and forced overtime. The unit did do a great job of pressuring Lewis throughout the day though, generating five sacks.
Mistakes have plagued Andy Dalton in recent weeks, and Detroit’s defense has capitalized on mistakes by opposing quarterbacks in recent weeks. With Calvin Johnson getting healthier and in a better position to contribute this week, expect the Detroit offense to get back to firing on all cylinders. Playing in a second consecutive road game won’t be easy on the Bengals.
The Lions are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games.
The play: Detroit -1
