Week 6 of the NFL season features a matchup between members of the AFC North and NFC North when the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions square off in Motown. Both teams are coming off gut-wrenching losses in Week 5 that were decided by a game-winning field goal.
The 3-2 Bengals came up short in an overtime loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers that seemed to cement their status as contenders this year. On the flip side, the 0-5 Lions are still searching for their first win after falling to the Minnesota Vikings on a last-second field goal.
Both teams will bring a sense of urgency to this game, as Cincinnati needs a win to stay above .500 while Detroit is desperate to avoid a sixth straight loss. With that in mind, let’s dive into our Bengals vs Lions predictions and best bets.
Please note that all odds and lines are current as of 4 PM EST on Friday, October 15.
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Bengals vs Lions Prediction
Cincinnati’s defense has quietly been one of the better units in the NFL this year, yielding the seventh-fewest points per game (20). They just held their own against Rodgers and now get a much easier matchup in Jared Goff, who’s already fumbled six times this season (losing four). Detroit hasn’t scored more than 17 points in a game since Week 1, a trend that could continue in Week 6.
The Bengals’ offense has been consistent, albeit unspectacular, in Joe Burrow‘s sophomore season. Cincy has scored between 17 and 27 points every game thus far, so they’ve yet to truly pop despite surrounding Burrow with talented playmakers such as Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and Joe Mixon.
That could change this week, however, as the Bengals will look to capitalize on a depleted defense that ranks as one of the worst in the NFL following injuries to Jeff Okudah and Ifeatu Melifonwu in the secondary. With the Lions surrendering 27.6 points per game this year, Cincinnati’s offense is in a prime spot to put points on the board.
Detroit doesn’t have the weapons to keep pace, as they lack deep threats and players capable of producing chunk plays. With Goff struggling and the Bengals playing sound football as of late, this looks like another loss for the Lions. I have Cincy winning comfortably and improving to 4-2.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Lions 13
Will D’Andre Swift and the Detroit Lions be able to silence the critics with a Week 6 win over the Cincinnati Bengals? (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
Bengals vs Lions Best Bets
Best Bet: Bengals -3.5 (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 2 Units
After looking at our NFL gameday odds, I love the -3.5 point spread here for the Bengals. Cincy has a better quarterback, superior defense, and a more complete team overall, so they should win fairly easily. Lock this bet in now before the odds go up.
I just don’t trust the Lions this year. They play until the final whistle under coach Dan Campbell but the talent just isn’t there. There’s a reason many predicted them to win only a couple of games this year (if any), and this won’t be one of them.
- Read our full Bengals vs Lions Prop Bets.
Best Bet: Under 47 Total Points (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 2 Units
Starting with Week 1, Lions games have combined for 74, 52, 36, 38, and 36 points while Bengals games have combined for 51, 37, 34, 45, and 47 points. As you can see, both teams have kept their games low-scoring for the most part, as neither offense has been explosive. This is good news for the Under and our NFL bet of the day.
Bengals vs Lions Same Game Parlay Picks
- Bengals -3.5 (-110) at Caesars
- Under 47 Total Points (-110) at Caesars
Same Game Parlay Odds: +264 at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
Combining the Bengals’ spread with the Under seems like the perfect approach for this game. Goff has been below average in terms of efficiency, which should help Cincinnati win as well as keep the game low-scoring.
Burrow is also dealing with a throat injury that could hamper his production a bit this week, making the Under even more appealing. It doesn’t appear serious, however, so he should still be able to suit up and beat the Lions on Sunday.
Thank you for reading our NFL Week 6 Bengals vs Lions Predictions! For more NFL betting tips, check out our NFL Week 6 Best Bets and NFL Week 6 Prop Bets.
