Detroit Lions vs Bengals Match Player Stats and Game Analysis

The Week 5 matchup between the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 NFL season was more than just another game—it was a statement of intent from a rising contender and a lesson in the critical importance of ball security. On October 5, 2025, at Paycor Stadium, the Lions methodically dismantled the Bengals, securing a convincing 37-24 victory that improved their record to 4-1 and handed Cincinnati its third consecutive loss.

This deep dive goes beyond the final score to break down the key player statistics, pivotal moments, and strategic insights that defined this compelling interconference battle.

Final Score and Game Context

The Lions entered this game as a team riding high on momentum, while the Bengals were searching for answers. The final score reflected a contest controlled largely by Detroit, despite a late-game surge from Cincinnati.

• Final Score: Detroit Lions 37, Cincinnati Bengals 24.

• Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio.

• Key Team Stats: The Lions out-gained the Bengals 365 total yards to 322 and, most decisively, won the turnover battle 3 to 1. Detroit’s offense held the ball for over 34 minutes, dominating time of possession and keeping Cincinnati’s playmakers sidelined.

This victory held special historical significance. According to historical data from Sports Reference, the Cincinnati Bengals have long dominated this head-to-head series, leading 10-4 all-time against Detroit entering this game. The Lions’ win in 2025 not only added to their current win streak but also chipped away at a lopsided historical record.

Offensive Player Stats and Standout Performances

The Lions’ offensive success was a model of balance and efficiency, led by their veteran quarterback and dynamic running back duo.

Detroit Lions Offensive Leaders

Jared Goff executed the game plan with surgical precision. His connection with emerging tight end Sam LaPorta was particularly potent, setting the tone for the day.

Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Leaders

The Bengals’ offense struggled to find consistency until the fourth quarter. While Jake Browning and Ja’Marr Chase posted impressive late numbers, early struggles and mistakes proved too costly to overcome.

Defensive and Special Teams Player Stats

The true story of this game was written by the Lions’ defense, which translated takeaways into immediate points and stifled the Bengals for three quarters.

Detroit Lions Defensive Standouts

Detroit’s defense was opportunistic and aggressive, creating game-changing plays that fueled the victory.

• Takeaway Machine: The secondary was responsible for all three interceptions. Cornerback Amik Robertson, safety Kerby Joseph, and linebacker Alex Anzalone each came down with a pick. Joseph’s interception was the 20th of his young career, placing him in elite company alongside Ed Reed.

• Pass Rush Pressure: While the sack total was modest, the pressure was constant. Aidan Hutchinson and Derrick Barnes each recorded a sack on Browning. Barnes’s impact was monumental, as he also recorded the game-sealing safety in the fourth quarter by tackling Browning in the end zone.

• Tackling Leaders: Linebacker Jack Campbell anchored the defense with a game-high 11 total tackles.

Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Efforts

The Bengals’ defense made several impactful plays but was let down by the offense’s turnovers and the team’s overall field position.

• Pass Rush Success: The defensive line found success against Goff. Trey Hendrickson led the charge with two sacks and a forced fumble, while Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy also added sacks.

• Tackling Leaders: The Bengals’ defense was busy, with Dai’Jahn Knight Jr., Logan Wilson, and T.J. Slaton Jr. each recording 8 total tackles.

Key Special Teams Plays

Special teams played a subtle but crucial role, especially for Detroit.

• Punting as a Weapon: Lions punter Jack Fox was a major factor in the first-half field position battle. He dropped four punts inside the Bengals’ 10-yard line, pinning Cincinnati deep consistently.

• Kicking Consistency: Both kickers were perfect. Detroit’s Jake Bates made all five extra points, while Cincinnati’s Evan McPherson connected on a 50-yard field goal at the halftime buzzer and all three of his PATs.

Game Analysis: Turning Points and What the Stats Reveal

A closer look at the sequence of play reveals how the Lions systematically built their win.

1. The Early Field Position War: Jack Fox’s masterful punting trapped the Bengals inside their own 10-yard line repeatedly in the first half. This directly led to the first turning point: Amik Robertson’s interception at the Cincinnati 19-yard line, which set up a quick Lions touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

2. The Third-Quarter Knockout Punch: Leading 14-3 out of halftime, the Lions’ offense engineered two decisive touchdown drives in the third quarter (spanning 28 and 80 yards) to extend the lead to 28-3. This put the game firmly out of reach and forced the Bengals into a one-dimensional, pass-heavy approach.

3. The Costly Turnover Differential: The stat sheet is clear: the Lions were +2 in turnover margin. Cincinnati’s three interceptions led directly to 14 Detroit points. In contrast, the lone Lions turnover (a Goff fumble) resulted in no points for Cincinnati. This disparity was the single most important factor in the outcome.

4. A Late Surge Falls Short: Ja’Marr Chase’s spectacular fourth-quarter performance (two touchdowns, including a 64-yarder) made the score respectable. However, the Lions’ offense efficiently answered each Bengals score, and Derrick Barnes’s safety provided the final exclamation point.

What This Game Means Moving Forward

For the Detroit Lions, this road victory underscored their status as a complete, disciplined contender. The ability to win the turnover battle, dominate special teams, and get contributions from all phases is a hallmark of a serious playoff team. They proved they could handle business on the road against a talented but struggling opponent.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, the game highlighted persistent issues. As quarterback Jake Browning noted, the offense “need[ed] to step up early” and avoid putting the defense in difficult positions. The three interceptions and slow start are correctable errors, but at 2-3, the margin for error in a competitive AFC has shrunk considerably.