Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals 2026 Preseason Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

TV: Bengals Preseason TV Network / FOX19 in Cincinnati; Lions TV Network in Detroit

Tickets: As low as $9

Betting Line: Bengals -6.5

Over/Under: 37.5 Points

The Cincinnati Bengals open their 2026 preseason Thursday night at Paycor Stadium against the Detroit Lions in a matchup that should provide Bengals fans with an early glimpse of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and a dramatically upgraded Cincinnati defense.

Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor has confirmed that Burrow, Chase, Higgins and running back Chase Brown are among the offensive starters expected to play limited snaps. The Bengals took a similar approach in their 2025 preseason opener, when Burrow completed nine of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game.

Detroit will take a much more conservative approach. Lions head coach Dan Campbell has indicated Jared Goff and most established starters are not expected to play, creating a significant early personnel advantage for Cincinnati.

The quarterback situation makes Detroit especially interesting. Veteran Teddy Bridgewater unexpectedly stepped away from the Lions and was placed on the reserve/retired list just days before the preseason opener. Rookie Luke Altmyer is consequently expected to receive extensive playing time, while recently signed veteran Josh Dobbs attempts to learn Detroit’s offense.

That difference in quarterback preparation helps explain why Cincinnati enters as a relatively substantial 6.5-point favorite for a preseason game.

Top Four Prop Bets

Player-prop availability and exact numbers can change before kickoff. These are projected betting targets based on announced playing-time plans, depth charts and expected preseason rotations.

Prop Bet #1: Joe Burrow Over 49.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Burrow Over 49.5 Passing Yards

• Starters Confirmed to Play
• Elite Receiving Corps
• Fast Offensive Start

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Burrow isn’t expected to remain on the field long, but he may not need much time to exceed this projected number.

Taylor has confirmed that Cincinnati’s starting offensive group will play limited snaps, meaning Burrow should have Chase, Higgins, Brown and much of his starting offensive line available during his appearance.

The Bengals used a similar preseason strategy last year, and Burrow immediately attacked. He completed nine of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns in Cincinnati’s 2025 preseason opener.

Detroit’s decision to rest most of its starters makes the matchup even more favorable. Cincinnati could give Burrow one or two scripted possessions designed to establish rhythm, experiment with formations and get the starting offense comfortable before turning the game over to Joe Flacco.

A couple of intermediate completions to Chase or Higgins could put Burrow near 50 yards quickly.

The biggest argument against the over is playing time. Cincinnati has no reason to expose Burrow unnecessarily, and one long touchdown drive could be enough for Taylor to remove his franchise quarterback.

Projected lean: Over 49.5 passing yards.

Prop Bet #2: Luke Altmyer Over 129.5 Passing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Altmyer Over 129.5 Passing Yards

• Expected Heavy Workload
• Backup QB Opportunity
• Detroit Evaluation Game

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Detroit’s quarterback situation has suddenly made Altmyer one of the most important players in Thursday night’s game.

The rookie entered training camp attempting to compete for Detroit’s backup quarterback position. Bridgewater’s retirement dramatically increased his opportunity, and Campbell has indicated Altmyer is expected to receive a significant amount of work against Cincinnati.

Altmyer finished his final college season completing 67.4 percent of his passes for 3,007 yards, 22 touchdowns and only five interceptions.

Detroit doesn’t necessarily need explosive plays for Altmyer to surpass this number. If he plays two-plus quarters, short completions, screens, checkdowns and underneath throws could steadily accumulate yardage.

The concern is Cincinnati’s defensive front.

The Bengals have added Dexter Lawrence II, Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe to a group that also includes Myles Murphy, while rookie Cashius Howell enters the NFL after recording 11.5 sacks during his final season at Texas A&M.

Pressure could force Altmyer into mistakes, but volume remains the strongest reason to target his passing-yard over.

Projected lean: Over 129.5 passing yards.

Prop Bet #3: Colbie Young Over 2.5 Receptions

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Young Over 2.5 Receptions

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• Strong Training Camp
• Multiple QB Opportunities

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Fourth-round rookie Colbie Young should be one of Cincinnati’s most interesting offensive players once Chase and Higgins leave the game.

Young has already produced several highlight-reel catches during training camp and enters the preseason with an opportunity to establish his place in Cincinnati’s wide receiver rotation.

His playing time could be considerably greater than Cincinnati’s established receivers. That means Young could receive targets from several quarterbacks as the game progresses.

Joe Flacco is particularly important to this projection.

Cincinnati’s depth chart has Flacco directly behind Burrow, giving the Bengals one of the most experienced backup quarterbacks in football. Flacco started six games for Cincinnati last season and threw for 1,636 yards and 13 touchdowns during that stretch.

That experience should help Cincinnati’s reserve receivers remain productive after Burrow exits.

Young doesn’t need a huge performance. Three short catches would cash this projected prop, and preseason games often give rookie receivers extended opportunities against second- and third-team defensive backs.

Projected lean: Over 2.5 receptions.

Prop Bet #4: Game Total Under 37.5 Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Under 37.5 Points

• Detroit Resting Starters
• Backup Quarterbacks
• Conservative Second Half

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Cincinnati’s starting offense creates some early danger for an under bettor, but the second half should look completely different from the first quarter.

Burrow, Chase, Higgins and Brown are expected to play only limited snaps. Once Cincinnati moves deeper into the quarterback and offensive-line rotations, explosive plays should become more difficult.

Detroit is already planning to rest Goff and most established starters, leaving Altmyer to handle a substantial portion of the offensive workload.

The Lions are also dealing with an unusual quarterback transition after Bridgewater’s departure and Dobbs’ late arrival. That makes it difficult to expect a polished Detroit passing attack for four quarters.

Cincinnati’s revamped defensive line could further disrupt Detroit’s reserve offense.

Preseason games also frequently become more conservative after halftime as coaches evaluate young players, offensive lines change combinations and quarterbacks work with receivers they have limited experience throwing to.

Cincinnati could score early and still have this game settle comfortably below 37.5.

Projected lean: Under 37.5 points.

The Matchup Context: Cincinnati’s Starters Get the Spotlight

The most anticipated portion of Thursday night’s game could be the opening 10 to 15 minutes.

Cincinnati wants its starting offense to experience the full game-day routine at Paycor Stadium before the regular season begins. Taylor specifically wants his players to come out of their home tunnel, perform in front of the crowd and experience the environment they will face when the games begin to count.

That means fans should get at least a brief look at one of the NFL’s most explosive offensive combinations.

Burrow remains the centerpiece, with Chase and Higgins creating matchup problems outside and Brown providing explosiveness from the backfield.

Cincinnati’s offensive objective won’t necessarily be producing a huge statistical night. The Bengals simply want clean execution.

Avoid penalties.

Protect Burrow.

Establish rhythm.

Put together a successful drive or two.

Then get the starters safely to the sideline.

Detroit’s priorities are different.

Campbell will be using the game primarily to evaluate roster depth, discipline and technique. He has acknowledged that the first preseason game probably won’t be perfect and wants to see how his players maintain their composure when confronted with actual game situations.

That should place considerable pressure on Detroit’s rookies and reserve players.

Cincinnati’s Revamped Defense Makes Its Debut

While most attention naturally goes toward Burrow and Cincinnati’s offense, Thursday night also offers the first game opportunity to evaluate several major defensive additions.

Dexter Lawrence II is the headliner.

Cincinnati acquired the three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle before the NFL Draft, immediately changing the complexion of its defensive front. He will be joined by veteran additions Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe and Kyle Dugger.

Even limited action from Lawrence could be significant.

Detroit’s reserve offensive linemen will need to protect Altmyer against a Cincinnati front that suddenly possesses considerably more size, athleticism and pass-rushing depth.

Rookie Cashius Howell is another player worth watching closely.

The second-round selection enters Cincinnati after producing 11.5 sacks in his final college season and earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Preseason games provide edge rushers with opportunities to attack backup offensive tackles in obvious passing situations. Howell could quickly become one of Cincinnati’s biggest defensive storylines.

Detroit’s Quarterback Audition

Altmyer’s performance might be more important to Detroit’s roster construction than any other individual performance Thursday.

The original plan entering training camp involved Bridgewater competing as the veteran behind Goff while Altmyer attempted to push him.

That changed dramatically when Bridgewater stepped away.

Detroit subsequently brought in Dobbs, but learning an NFL offense in several days is extremely difficult. Altmyer has been participating throughout camp and should therefore possess a substantially stronger understanding of terminology, protections and route concepts.

The Bengals game gives Detroit an opportunity to determine whether Altmyer can realistically become its primary backup.

Campbell won’t simply evaluate completions and passing yards.

Can Altmyer organize the huddle?

Can he diagnose pressure?

Can he protect the football?

Can he avoid negative plays?

Can he respond after making a mistake?

Those questions are far more important than the final preseason score.

Players to Watch

Joe Burrow, Quarterback, Bengals: Burrow should receive limited action, but every possession matters. Cincinnati wants its franchise quarterback to establish an early rhythm and leave the game healthy. His performance in last year’s preseason opener demonstrated how quickly he can produce even with limited snaps.

Joe Flacco, Quarterback, Bengals: Cincinnati possesses an unusually experienced No. 2 quarterback. Flacco started six games for the Bengals last season and gives the second-team offense an experienced distributor capable of keeping drives alive after Burrow exits.

Colbie Young, Wide Receiver, Bengals: Young has already generated attention with impressive training-camp catches. Extended preseason playing time could give the fourth-round rookie an opportunity to strengthen his case for a meaningful role.

Dexter Lawrence II, Defensive Tackle, Bengals: Cincinnati fans will get their first game look at one of the team’s biggest offseason additions. Lawrence’s combination of power and athleticism could dramatically improve the Bengals’ interior defense.

Cashius Howell, Defensive End, Bengals: The second-round rookie enters his first NFL game after a dominant final college season. His pass-rushing ability could become especially dangerous once Detroit begins rotating reserve offensive tackles.

Luke Altmyer, Quarterback, Lions: Altmyer suddenly has a major opportunity. With Goff sitting and Bridgewater retired, Detroit needs to determine whether its rookie quarterback can become a dependable NFL backup.

Blake Miller, Offensive Tackle, Lions: Detroit’s first-round pick is expected to make his preseason debut against Cincinnati. Miller’s assignment could become difficult against the Bengals’ improved collection of defensive linemen and edge rushers.

Keys to the Game

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati’s first priority is simple: allow the starting offense to operate efficiently and get Burrow off the field healthy.

The Bengals don’t need Burrow to play an entire quarter. One or two productive drives would accomplish what Taylor wants from the preseason opener.

Protecting Burrow will therefore be critical.

Cincinnati also needs to evaluate its receiver depth after Chase and Higgins leave. Young, Mitch Tinsley, Charlie Jones and other reserve receivers will have opportunities to establish themselves within a crowded position group.

Defensively, the Bengals need to create pressure without relying on complicated blitz packages.

Lawrence, Allen, Mafe, Murphy and Howell give Cincinnati enough individual talent to challenge Detroit’s offensive line naturally.

The Bengals should also focus heavily on special teams.

Cincinnati currently has an open competition in the return game, with Charlie Jones and Ke’Shawn Williams among those receiving opportunities. Special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons has emphasized ball security as a central factor in determining the eventual winner.

Detroit Lions

Detroit must survive Cincinnati’s initial offensive surge.

The Bengals could put Burrow, Chase, Higgins and Brown on the field against a Lions lineup missing many established starters. Preventing Cincinnati from scoring two quick touchdowns would dramatically improve Detroit’s chances of staying within the spread.

Offensively, Detroit must create manageable situations for Altmyer.

The rookie shouldn’t be forced into repeated third-and-long situations against Cincinnati’s pass rush.

Running the football, utilizing screens and creating quick throws would allow Altmyer to settle into the game while reducing pressure.

Detroit’s offensive line will also receive a major test.

First-round rookie Blake Miller and the Lions’ reserve linemen must communicate effectively against Cincinnati’s defensive front.

Finally, Detroit needs to win the turnover battle.

Preseason games are frequently decided by mistakes rather than sophisticated strategy. One interception, fumble or long special-teams return could completely change a game with a relatively low projected total.

The Verdict

Prediction: Bengals 24, Lions 13

Pick: Bengals -6.5 and Under 37.5

Cincinnati has several advantages that are unusually significant for a preseason opener.

The biggest is quarterback preparation.

Burrow will start and should have most of Cincinnati’s premier offensive weapons available for at least limited action. Once he exits, the Bengals can turn to Flacco, one of the NFL’s most accomplished backup quarterbacks.

Detroit will move in the opposite direction.

Goff and most established starters are expected to sit, leaving Altmyer with extensive responsibility only days after Bridgewater’s unexpected departure created uncertainty behind Detroit’s starter.

That could allow Cincinnati to establish control early.

The Bengals’ rebuilt defensive front should then become increasingly important as Detroit moves deeper into its offensive-line rotation.

The 6.5-point spread is large by preseason standards, and Detroit’s roster depth makes laying that many points somewhat uncomfortable. However, Cincinnati’s combination of home-field advantage, limited action from its offensive stars, Flacco’s experience and an improved defensive front provides enough reasons to back the Bengals.

The total presents a slightly stronger betting angle.

Cincinnati could produce points early, but both offenses should become considerably more conservative once the starters leave. Detroit’s quarterback situation and Cincinnati’s improving defensive depth create additional reasons to expect stalled drives during the second half.

Final prediction: Cincinnati 24, Detroit 13.

Best bets: Bengals -6.5, Under 37.5 and Luke Altmyer Over 129.5 passing yards.