5 Predictions for Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday

5. The Lions Will Force Three Turnovers or More-

Sunday's game has the makings of a potential dog day afternoon with the Bengals hoping to make it a pitcher's duel while keeping Detroit's talented offense off the field.

The later start time will sharpen both team's acumen and bring the Lions' defense to life after a strong effort vs. Cleveland last week.

Aidan Hutchinson is rounding into form as a pass rusher and Al-Quadin Muhammad was a breakout star at Baltimore.

Expect Brian Branch and the rest of the Lions' defensive backs to key in on Browning's cadences and jump several routes leading to deflections and interceptions all day.

4. Jahmyr Gibbs Will Compile 100-Plus All-Purpose Yards-

David Montgomery was a rushing yardage machine at Baltimore but Gibbs returned to his Pro Bowl form last week with a big day on the ground vs. Cleveland.

Montgomery will likely score a touchdown on Sunday but Gibbs will be the star of the show with over 70 yards rushing and over 40 yards receiving against an overmatched Bengals defense.

3. Jared Goff Will Throw For 200-Plus Yards-

Goff and his favorite target Amon-Ra St. Brown have found a rapport in recent weeks with Jameson Williams still waiting in the weeds to become the consistent big play threat fans expected before the 2025-26 season.

Expect Goff to throw for 200-plus yards with each main target catching four or more passes and Isaac Teslaa making a big play or two similar to the Lions' first two weeks.

2. Jake Bates Will Kick Two or More Field Goals-

The Lions, for all their ineptitude over the past two-plus decades, have always had a sound kicking game and starting place kicker Jake Bates is no exception.

Bates looks like the fan favorite he was through much of last season and the Lions will need to rely on his big right leg at times during Sunday's game as they feel out their AFC North opponents.

Expect two Bates field goals including a long one on Sunday.

1. The Lions Will Win an Easy One in Cincinnati-

The Lions have a winning recipe for the Bengals that coach Zac Taylor's team isn't like to have an answer for after Goff, Hutchinson and company settle in.

Detroit is the best team Cincinnati will have faced so far this season and it will show by the second quarter with coach Dan Campbell's team taking control en route to a blowout victory.

Expect the Lions to win by a final score of 42-21 with the Bengals scoring late to make things look a little more respectable on the scoreboard.