By Mummy Grace 
A Record-Breaking 2024 for Detroit
The Lions made franchise history last year, going 15-2 to claim the NFC North title and the NFC’s top playoff seed. Their explosive offense led the NFL in scoring with 33.2 points per game and ranked second in total yardage at 409.5 yards per game. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 4,629 yards (2nd in the league) and 37 touchdowns (4th), while running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 1,412 yards (5th) and a league-leading 16 touchdowns. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown added 1,263 receiving yards, also 5th best in the NFL.
Detroit’s defense, however, was hit hard by injuries, at one point placing 21 players on injured reserve. Star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson broke his leg just five games in, but despite these setbacks, the Lions still finished 7th in points allowed per game (20.1).
Key Offseason Changes
The Lions faced major changes on the sidelines as both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn departed for head coaching jobs. John Morton, previously Detroit’s senior offensive assistant, returns as offensive coordinator, while former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard steps into the defensive coordinator role.
Roster-wise, the Lions largely kept their core intact but lost CB Carlton Davis III to the Patriots. To bolster their secondary, they signed cornerbacks D.J. Reed (Jets), Rock Ya-Sin (49ers), and Avonte Maddox (Eagles).
Coaching Leadership
Head coach Dan Campbell enters his fifth year with Detroit, having led the team to three straight winning seasons and back-to-back NFC North titles—something the Lions hadn’t achieved since the early 1990s.
Series History
The Bengals have historically dominated this matchup, boasting a 10-3 all-time record against Detroit and winning the last seven meetings dating back to 1992.
What to Watch
The Lions’ rushing duo of Gibbs and David Montgomery, who helped the team finish sixth in rushing yards per game last season, will test the Bengals’ upgraded defensive line anchored by free-agent addition DT T.J. Slaton Jr., who led all interior linemen in run stop win rate last year.
As the Bengals aim to defend their home turf, this early October clash could prove crucial for both teams’ playoff hopes.