The Detroit Lions (2-9) have a tough opponent this week in the Cincinnati Bengals (8-3).  The Bengals have a good all-around football team and have been finding ways to win close games all year.  This game may not be close for the Lions though, as the Bengals have an elite quarterback in Carson Palmer and the Lions are giving up 281 passing yards per game.  The Lions are giving up too much on the ground too (113 yards per game) and the Bengals have their star running back, Cedric Benson, returning.  Benson was the NFL’s leading rusher before missing the last 2 games with a hip injury.  If Benson is back in form, then it might get ugly for the Lions.

The Lions offense has been struggling all year with their rookie quarterback Mathew Stafford going through the ups and downs most rookies go through.  The only problem is that Stafford is being asked to do more than any other rookie in the league, as he has no defense or running game supporting him.  Even more is on Staffords’ plate now as he is going to play hurt with a shoulder injury.  The Lions are really going to need to get a lot out of their running game if they want a chance, but I don’t see that happening against a Bengals’ defense that only gives up 82 rushing yards per game.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Detroit Lions 10, Cincinnati Bengals 35