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Detroit has a small path to the postseason and that almost certainly includes winning out these final two weeks, which begins against Cincinnati. While the Lions are the more talented team, the Bengals aren’t far behind and have the home field advantage, so this should be an intriguing matchup. Cincinnati is in a bit of a mess, though, as coach Marvin Lewis is not planning to return in 2018 and the team didn’t play very inspired football last time out.
Don’t expect either team to run away with this victory, as it could come down to the fourth quarter. This game means more to the Lions than the Bengals but it could go either way.
Watch this regular season Week 16 matchup live on Sunday, December 24, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at Paul Brown Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Detroit Lions -4
Cincinnati Bengals +4
Over/Under 43.5
Odds Analysis
This line has already moved a half-point in favor of the Lions, as the betting public likes their chances of covering, even on the road. So far, a whopping 89 percent of the action is on Detroit to cover the spread.
This could be a defensive battle as the “under” has been the much more popular choice early in the week.
Injury Report
T.J. Lang —The Lions Pro Bowl game left Sunday’s game against the Bears early with a nagging foot injury leaving an already-depleted offensive line down another starter. The unit allowed three sacks on Matthew Safford after Lang left the game so Detroit will be looking to get him back as soon as possible. He’s currently listed as questionable.
George Iloka — The Bengals safety was knocked from Sunday’s game against the Vikings due to a shoulder injury. He is a rangy and talented player in the secondary. It is unknown how badly the shoulder is injured, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on, and his status for this game does seem cloudy.
Player To Watch
Matthew Stafford — With so many injuries to Detroit’s offensive line, all eyes will be on Stafford in this one. Safford was sacked four times in his team’s win over the Bears on Sunday, but finished the game 25-of-33 for 237 yards with two touchdowns.
Stafford has taken his fair share of hits this season, but with injuries to three starting linemen currently, protection could be even more of an issue in this game against Cincinnati. Safford has thrown for 3,920 yards this seasons with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
This week, Stafford faces a Bengals defense that has accumulated 36 sacks on the season. Rookie defensive end Carl Lawson leads the team in sacks with 7.5 and tackle Geno Atkins has seven sacks, including two against the Vikings on Sunday.
Free ATS Pick
Detroit will have all the motivation in the world in this one, but don’t discount the Bengals simply because the playoffs aren’t going to be in the cards. Everyone wants to play well in front of the home crowd, and all of these players are looking to excel in order to improve their individual stock for 2018.
The Bengals haven’t played as well as they hoped to this season, but have a good enough defense to keep Stafford from dominating. That will be the opening their offense needs. Take Cincinnati to win this game at home, which will likely mean the end of the road for Detroit’s chances at making it to the postseason.
The Bengals are going to both win this game and cover the spread. Take the “under” as the Bengals will be able to adequately slow down Stafford in this matchup.
NFL Odds: Bengals 23, Lions 20
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