Free NFL Prediction: Bengals vs Lions
Looking for Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions free picks? NFL betting sees the Bengals taking on the Lions on Thursday, August 18th at Ford Field, Detroit in week 2 of preseason NFL. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NFL Football matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NFL predictions.
Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) at Detroit Lions (1-0)
Date: Thursday August 18th
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Ford Field, Detroit
ATS Betting Lines: Detroit Lions -2.5
NFL Betting Total: 40.5
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Not many predicted a Lions win in week 1 of preseason NFL, especially when they trailed 3-14 early in the first quarter, but quarterback Dan Orlovsky got them going in the right direction before special teams stepped up.
The Lions special teams hasn’t been great over the past few seasons, but a 96-yard kickoff return from Dwayne Washington gave the Lions the lead against Pittsburgh and it was good enough to secure the opening win.
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The Bengals lost narrowly to the Vikings and we got to see Andy Dalton in action. He played well, as did AJ McCarron and we should see some good quarterback action this Thursday.
The Bengals also had a long special teams play which resulted in a touchdown and that could well decide which team wins this game.
Cincinnati Bengals
A narrow opening round loss for the Bengals wouldn’t have hurt their NFL season aspirations, but adding another key injury to the ever-growing list will.
Starting right tackle Cedric Ogbuehi suffered a toe injury and will likely sit out the rest of the preseason.
He joins tight ends Tyler Eifert and Tyler Kroft on the sidelines, not to mention wide receiver Brandon LaFell who is also trying to recover from injury in time for the regular season.
It is unsure if starting quarterback Andy Dalton will get time on Thursday, but he looked good leading the Bengals down the field to secure a field goal against the Vikings. Dalton went 4/5 for 32 yards and AJ McCarron also looked good.
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McCarron had the most snaps of the game – going 11/16 for 125 yards and one touchdown, and he will a key player for Bengals bettors in the preseason. If the Bengals use McCarron heavily against the Lions that will hold them in good stead.
The Bengals receivers had an impressive opening week with Brandon Tate averaging 13 yards per reception and A.J. Green with three catches for 26 yards.
Special teams showed up with an 80-yard punt return and it’s those figures which can turn a game in your favor.
Detroit Lions
Following its comeback win against Pittsburgh last week, the Lions have now won four consecutive games and are heading in the right direction.
The 30-17 win featured good offense and even better play from the special teams which has been the Lions weak point in past seasons.
Dwayne Washington scored a 96-yard kick return touchdown and the Detroit kicking game was also in fine form.
There were worrying signs, however, as the Lions committed five fumbles.
Matthew Stafford went 4/6 for 58 yards, but committed a fumble turnover and backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky also had a fumble.
The Lions can’t afford to turn the ball over this season as Megatron isn’t there to give them an easy outlet pass.
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Andre Roberts had a good receiving game with 57 yards on three receptions and the Lions defense was strong with five sacks recorded.
That defense will need to be strong against the Bengals on Thursday night, but the Lions are trending in the right direction and should be tough to beat at home.
NFL Betting Trends:
- Bengals are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 road games.
- Road team is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings
- Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games
- Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf
- Over is 6-1 in Lions last 7 home games
Free NFL Betting Prediction: Lions -2.5
The Bengals offense is too beaten up for us to suggest backing them. They looked good in parts last week, but the Lions did well to win away from home and they should take that confidence back to Ford Field.
Bettors should see a good mix of Stafford and Orlovsky which will set them up nicely and the -2.5 is a good line to grab while it lasts.
NFL Free Score Prediction: Cincinnati 20 – Detroit 32
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