Ahead of a Cincinnati Bengals Week 6 contest with the Detroit Lions, two teams fresh off of brutal, heartbreaking losses will be looking to avenge themselves in what's a pivotal game for both teams. The stakes are high for two teams trying to keep from falling too far behind contention, and, for that reason, we’ve got some big Bengals-Lions predictions ready for Sunday.
For Cincy, Week 5 brought a brutal, stress-inducing finish in which Evan McPherson and Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby missed a combine 5 field goals within the last three minutes of regulation + overtime. Though the end result was crushing, the game should be encouraging for a Bengals team that is still a solid 3-2 and was (twice) inches away from beating the perennial powerhouse that is Green Bay.
The Lions themselves are coming off of a disappointing loss on a last-second field goal, and are hungry to finally get the monkey off their back with their first of the season.
In a game that figures to set the be vital in setting the course for each of these two teams' finishes to the year, who will come out on top? Here are 4 bold predictions for this matinee.
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Bengals Week 6 Predictions
4. Ja'Marr Chase solidifies himself as ROTY front-runner
Chase had already been having an excellent season through 4 games, but it was Week 5 when he truly exploded, catching 6 balls on 10 targets for a whopping 159 yards and a touchdown. While he'd likely be the league's offensive rookie of the year if the season ended now, it takes a ton of great performances for a non-quarterback to win the award, as we saw when Justin Jefferson was snubbed from OROTY despite breaking the rookie receiving yards record. However, Chase looks to be a rare talent, as he's on pace to put up 1550 yards this season. There's no reason to believe he won't keep dominating; look for him to have another big game on Sunday.
3. Joe Mixon explodes for 150 scrimmage yards, 2 touchdowns
Mixon was quiet against Green Bay as he came back from a lingering injury, and Samaje Perine took on one more carry than he did. However, Mixon is reportedly back to his full workload this week, which will be just in time to face a Lions defense that Alexander Mattison gashed for 153 scrimmage yards last week. Mixon is supremely talented, and will excel in what figures to be a shootout.
2. Joe Burrow posts signature game with 5 touchdown passes
Burrow was plenty heroic this past Sunday against the Packers, but the end of that game surely left a bad taste in his mouth. Looking to exact his anger, he'll come out with guns blazing this week, and wreak havoc against the Lions defense. He's not the most athletic, and doesn't have the strongest arm, but Burrow has the total package that any quarterback needs to succeed in the NFL, and it'll all be on display as he throws for 5 touchdowns in a game to remember.
1. Bengals falter early, surge for second-half dominance
The Bengals struggled out of the gates this past week, but they seem to be a team that makes adjustments as the game goes on and only gets stronger. The Lions are much better than their record indicates, but still not at the talent level that Cincinnati has built over the years with loads of high draft picks.
PREDICTION: Bengals 38, Lions 24
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