Bengals vs Lions Prediction & Betting Tips for NFL Preseason Week 1 on 8/13/2026

The NFL preseason kicks off with an exciting matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Cincinnati Bengals. This game will take place at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Fans can catch the action live on NFL Network.

Both teams are eager to evaluate their rosters and gear up for the upcoming regular season. The Lions, led by head coach Dan Campbell, are coming off a 9-8 regular season, narrowly missing the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bengals, under head coach Zac Taylor, ended last season with a 6-11 record.

The game will be played under warm conditions with a light breeze and light rain expected. The Bengals, as the home team, are slight favorites with a moneyline of -308, while the Lions are listed at +248. The spread is set at 7 points in favor of the Bengals.

Bengals vs Lions At a Glance (Preseason Week 1)

• The game takes place in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Preseason.
• Detroit Lions will play against Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
• The game is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
• The weather forecast predicts a warm day with light rain.
• Cincinnati Bengals are favored with a moneyline of -308.
• The total points over/under for the game is set at 38.0.

Ready to Roar: The Cincinnati Bengals Take on the Detroit Lions

Offensive Overview

During the 2025 regular season, the Cincinnati Bengals offense ranked 11th in scoring, averaging 24.4 points per game. With a solid passing game, they ranked 6th in passing yards per game at 235.6 yards. However, their rushing attack was less effective, ranking 28th with just 93.6 rushing yards per game.

As the 2026 preseason unfolds, key offensive players like Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase will be pivotal. Burrow, who had 1,809 passing yards and 17 touchdowns last season, remains the cornerstone of the Bengals' aerial attack. Chase, with 1,412 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, will be crucial in stretching the field against opponents.

Defensive Challenges

The Bengals' defense struggled last season, ranking 30th in points allowed per game at 28.9. They also ranked 31st in total opponent yards allowed per game, giving up an average of 380.9 yards. The rushing defense was particularly vulnerable, ranking last in the league by allowing 147.1 rushing yards per game.

Improvement on defense is critical for the Bengals as they face the Lions. Players like Myles Murphy and Jonathan Allen on the defensive line will need to step up to limit the Lions' rushing attack. The secondary will also have to tighten up to contain the Lions' passing game effectively.

Key Players and Injury Updates

Joe Burrow leads the quarterback room, followed by veterans Joe Flacco and Josh Johnson. Burrow's performance will be essential in setting the tone for the offense. At running back, Chase Brown is expected to be the primary ball carrier, with Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks providing depth.

On the injury front, B.J. Hill is currently out due to an ankle injury and is on the physically unable to perform list. His absence may impact the defensive line's ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run.

Upcoming Preseason Games

The Bengals' preseason schedule includes home games against the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears. Their first game is set for August 13, 2026, at Paycor Stadium. This will be followed by an away game against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 28, 2026.

Their first regular-season game is scheduled for September 13, 2026, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home. These games will provide valuable opportunities for the team to assess their roster and build momentum heading into the regular season.

Team Betting Trends

• The Bengals have gone over the total in their last four preseason games.
• They are 3-0 against the total as favorites in their last three preseason games.
• In preseason games following a loss, they have gone 3-0 over the total.
• In preseason games with totals set at 42 or less, they are 3-0 over the total.
• Against the spread, they are 3-0 in their last three regular-season away games.

Detroit Lions Roar into Cincinnati for Preseason Opener

Quarterback Expectations

The Bengals are set to showcase Joe Burrow as their leading quarterback, aiming to maintain his reputation as one of the league's top signal-callers. Known for his precision passing and leadership, Burrow's performance is crucial for Cincinnati's offensive rhythm. However, the preseason often sees limited playtime for starters, so depth at quarterback may be tested.

Rushing Game Dynamics

In the backfield, the Bengals will rely on their primary running back, Joe Mixon, to establish the ground game. Mixon's ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact makes him a key offensive asset. The coaching staff may also rotate in backup running backs to evaluate depth and durability during the preseason.

Receiving Corps and Potential

Wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are central to the Bengals' passing attack. Chase, known for his explosive speed and playmaking abilities, provides a deep threat option for Burrow. Higgins complements Chase with his size and catching skills, making the duo one to watch against Detroit's secondary.

Defensive Strategy

Defensively, the Bengals aim to improve upon last season's performance, focusing on stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback. Key players like defensive end Trey Hendrickson will be instrumental in achieving this goal. The Bengals' secondary will also be tested, particularly against Detroit's capable receiving group.

Special Teams Outlook

The special teams unit, led by kicker Evan McPherson, aims to capitalize on field position and scoring opportunities. McPherson's accuracy is a significant advantage in close games. Preseason games provide an opportunity to test special teams depth and performance under various conditions.

Injury Concerns

Injuries can impact team performance, and the Bengals are cautious with key players who have had previous injuries. Ensuring that the roster remains healthy is a priority as the regular season approaches. Monitoring the injury report will be essential for assessing lineup changes and player availability.

Team Outlook and Goals

Overall, the Bengals are looking to solidify their depth and evaluate talent across the roster. The preseason serves as a platform for emerging players to make their case for a spot on the team. The coaching staff will use this time to refine strategies and build chemistry ahead of the regular season.

Betting Trends

• The Lions have a strong preseason over/under record, hitting the over in 75% of their last 8 preseason home games.
• After a preseason win, they are 100% on the over in their last 3 games.
• When favored in the regular season, the Lions covered the over in 6 out of their last 7 games.
• In regular season games with totals of 50 or more, the Lions covered the over 4 times out of the last 5 games.
• In the preseason, as underdogs, they covered the over in 75% of their last 4 games.

Bengals vs Lions Prediction: Lions +7.0

The Detroit Lions are entering this preseason game with a solid offensive record from the 2025 season, scoring an average of 28.3 points per game, ranking 4th in the league. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals had defensive struggles last season, allowing 28.9 points per game, placing them 29th in the league. The Lions' strong offensive performance from last season could play a significant role in covering the spread as 7-point underdogs.

On the road last season, the Lions managed a 4-5 record, which shows they are capable of performing away from home. The Bengals, on the other hand, had a 3-6 home record, indicating inconsistency in protecting their home field. With these factors in mind, the Lions have a good chance to cover the +7 spread.

The Bengals' recent preseason trends show a strong ability to hit the over, but their defensive weaknesses from last season can't be ignored. The Lions' offensive potential, combined with the Bengals' defensive vulnerabilities, suggests a close contest. The weather conditions, with light rain expected, may also affect the passing game, potentially keeping the score within a reasonable range for the Lions to cover.

Considering the preseason nature of this game, with both teams likely to experiment with their lineups, the Lions have a fair shot at keeping the game competitive. The Bengals may win, but the Lions covering the +7 spread seems probable, with a predicted final score of Bengals 28 - Lions 24.

• Bengals vs Lions Prediction: Lions +7.0
• Bengals vs Lions Score: Bengals 28 - Lions 24

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