Bengals vs Lions Preview.

I think on offense the Bengals have to do what they’ve done the last two weeks and that is effectively run the ball to set up the

passing game and it’s a matchup where they should be able to if you look at the Lions dead last in the NFL in yards per rush.

The Detroit Lions pass offense is a very scary matchup for the Bengals defense because of the sheer number of weapons Detroit has led by quarterback Matthew Stafford. Last year it was Calvin Johnson or nothing and while he had arguably the greatest season by a wide receiver in history with 122 catches for more than 1,900 yards, the team was 4-12. It gets back to what we say about AJ Green and the Bengals. As much as you want him to get the ball, you can’t throw it to him on every play. The whole point of surrounding  Andy Dalton with weapons this year is that when opponents take away A.J. Green, you can still score points.

That’s what the Lions are doing so much better this year. Johnson has been hurt. He still has decent numbers 24 catches, four touchdowns. But undrafted rookie tight end out of UCLA Joseph Fauria has five touchdowns and some unique celebrations after he scores. Reggie Bush has been a great addition to the team and looks like the old bush from his college days in Southern California. Running back Joique Bell has been a very productive player catching passes from the backfield. Brandon Pettigrew is an excellent  tight end, much like Jermaine Gresham.

But I have trust in Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer that he’ll be able to hold the Lions to a reasonable number and it reminds me a little bit about how we all felt going into the Green Bay game. You’re probably not going to beat the Lions limiting them under 20 points. You’re probably going to have to score three touchdowns, maybe four to have a chance and the combination of holding Detroit to below their average and getting a good performance out of Andy and the offense will be a key to getting out of the motor city with a win.

PREDICTION: Lions, 27 Bengals 20  Hope the team prove me wrong like when i picked them to lose against the Packers a couple of weeks ago. They’re at home (Lions) Ford Field is a loud dome, the Bengals are on the road for the second straight week, and the Lions cause a lot of match up problems in coverage for Cincinnati. It’s going to be tough to win up there.