The Cincinnati Bengals get to return to the Jungle, but they will be meeting the Detroit Lions for a battle of big cats.
This will be the third full game without Joe Burrow at quarterback, and in the previous two, Cincinnati has been outscored by more than 60 points. There are plenty of talented players on this team, but it sure hasn’t looked like it the past couple of weeks.
Meanwhile, the Lions are 3-1 and again looking like a contender in the NFC. Jared Goff looks good behind the running game led by Jahmyr Gibbs, and the defense has been at the very least solid. Not nearly as dominant as before, but they still can generate pressure. That will be a huge issue for Cincinnati.
Here is how to watch Week 5’s matchup between the Bengals and Lions.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions
- Date/Time: Oct. 5th, 2025 at 4:15 pm ET
- Location: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH
- Series Leader: Cincinnati owns a 10-3 series lead, and its .769 winning percentage against Detroit is its highest against any NFL foe. The Bengals have won 10 of the last 11 against the Lions, including seven straight.
- TV Channel: The game will air on FOX-TV. In the Bengals’ home region, it will be carried by WXIX-TV (Ch. 19) in Cincinnati, WGRT-TV (Ch. 45) in Dayton, and WDKY-TV (Ch. 56) in Lexington.
- Broadcasters: Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (analyst), and Allison Williams (sideline reporter).
- Online Stream: Fox Sports App (any device, in market), NFL+ (mobile only)
- Replay: NFL+ and NFL Network (check local listings)
- Radio Broadcast: The game will air on the Bengals Radio Network, led by Cincinnati flagship radio stations WLW-AM (700), WCKY-AM (1530,) and WEBN-FM (102.7). Broadcasters are Dan Hoard (play-by-play) and Dave Lapham (analyst). In addition, the Bengals-Lions game will air nationally on Compass Radio Networks. Broadcasters are Chris Carrino (play-by-play) and Brian Baldinger (analyst).
- SB Nation Lions’ site: Pride of Detroit
- Rosters: CIN | DET
- Stats to Know: CIN | DET
- Weather: According to NFL Weather, It will be partly cloudy in the low-80s with a slight chance of rain.
- Odds: The Bengals are currently 10.5-point underdogs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Expert Predictions
- All eight of CBS Sports’ experts are taking Detroit
- None of ESPN’s 11 experts is taking the Bengals
- According to NFL Pick Watch, which takes into account picks from across the web, the Bengals are receiving 2% of the picks
- Cincy Jungle Prediction: Some people might say this is a trap game for the Lions who play the Kansas City Chiefs next week. Maybe this team will respond better to being back at home after two games on the road. I still think we have to see this team put it together without Burrow again. **This Lions’ offense is going to stampede this defense, though. The mixture of the running game and being able to attack with...