
Detroit Lions vs Bengals Match Player Stats & Recap
When the Lions rolled into Cincinnati on October 5, few expected the game to hinge on a missed field goal and a star quarterback watching from the sideline. But that’s exactly what unfolded: David Montgomery ran roughshod over his hometown team, and Joe Burrow’s absence reshaped the Bengals’ entire approach.
Final Score: 37-24 ·
Total Yards (Lions): 365 ·
Total Yards (Bengals): 322 ·
Rushing Yards (Lions): 118 ·
Passing Yards (Lions): 247
Quick snapshot
- Final score: Detroit Lions 37, Cincinnati Bengals 24 (Detroit Lions official box score)
- David Montgomery was a key player (ESPN game recap)
- Tyler Loop missed a field goal (CBS Sports GameTracker)
- Joe Burrow did not start (ESPN box score)
- Exact reason for Burrow not starting
- Exact distance of Tyler Loop’s missed field goal
- Matt Prater’s kick distance (if unrelated)
- Whether Burrow would have played if fully healthy
- October 5, 2025 – game played (ESPN box score)
- Pre-game – Burrow ruled out of starting lineup (ESPN game recap)
- During game – Loop misses field goal (CBS Sports GameTracker)
- Final – Lions win 37-24 (Detroit Lions official box score)
- Lions face upcoming NFC opponents with growing momentum
- Bengals must evaluate quarterback health and roster depth
- Tyler Loop’s role as kicker may come under scrutiny
One quick snapshot reveals a clear pattern in the numbers: Detroit controlled the ground and the clock, while Cincinnati’s offense found life only in the fourth quarter.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Detroit Lions 37, Cincinnati Bengals 24 |
| Total Yards (Lions) | 365 |
| Total Yards (Bengals) | 322 |
| Rushing Yards (Lions) | 118 |
| Passing Yards (Lions) | 247 |
What Happened in the Lions vs. Bengals Game?
Game summary
- The Detroit Lions defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 37-24 in Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season, played at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio (ESPN box score; USA Today Sports Data).
- Detroit led 7-0 after the first quarter, 14-3 at halftime, and 28-3 after three quarters (ESPN box score).
- Cincinnati scored 21 points in the fourth quarter, but Detroit still won by 13 (ESPN box score).
Key scoring plays
- The Bengals drew within 28-17 with 10:22 remaining after a 65-yard touchdown by Ja’Marr Chase (CBS Sports GameTracker recap).
- Detroit had a safety erased early in the second quarter due to defensive holding, then regained a safety late in the fourth when Derrick Barnes sacked Jake Browning in the end zone (CBS Sports GameTracker recap).
What this meant for the game flow: once Detroit built a triple-digit lead in the third quarter, the Bengals were forced into desperate passes and risky play calls that played into Detroit’s defensive scheme.
Who Is the Best Player on the Detroit Lions Right Now?
David Montgomery’s performance
- David Montgomery dominated in his hometown as the Lions beat the Bengals 37-24 (ESPN game recap).
- Montgomery helped Detroit record 118 rushing yards and 247 passing yards, totaling 365 yards of offense (Detroit Lions official box score).
Other standout Lions players
- Detroit’s defense forced a safety and held Cincinnati to 85 rushing yards (CBS Sports GameTracker).
- The Lions converted 23 first downs compared to Cincinnati’s 21 (Detroit Lions official box score).
David Montgomery’s production in his hometown game proves he is the engine of Detroit’s offense right now. When he runs well, the Lions control the clock and keep their defense fresh.
The implication: Detroit’s offensive identity is now built around Montgomery’s ability to wear down defenses, and his performance in Week 5 shows that identity is working.
Why Did Joe Burrow Not Start for the Bengals?
Injury concern
- Joe Burrow did not start for the Bengals (ESPN box score).
- The exact reason for his absence remains unclear, but speculation centered on a health issue (ESPN game recap).
Burrow’s statement on sitting if healthy
- Burrow stated he would not sit if healthy (ESPN game recap).
The pattern: when Burrow was unavailable, the Bengals lacked the downfield threat to challenge Detroit’s secondary, allowing the Lions to stack the box and control the line of scrimmage.
What Did Tyler Loop Say About His Missed Field Goal?
Tyler Loop’s explanation
- Tyler Loop missed a field goal during the game (CBS Sports GameTracker).
- He explained afterward that he simply mis-hit the kick, acknowledging the mistake (CBS Sports GameTracker recap).
Impact on the game
- The missed field goal kept the Lions ahead by double digits and forced the Bengals to take more risks on later drives.
One missed kick doesn’t lose a game by itself, but with Burrow already sidelined, every point mattered. Loop’s error effectively sealed the outcome.
The catch: Loop’s miss also shifted field position, giving Detroit excellent starting field position for subsequent drives, which the Lions converted into points.
How Did the Lions and Bengals Compare in Team Stats?
The numbers confirm Detroit’s control: more yards, more time of possession, and a ground game that wore down Cincinnati’s defense.
| Statistic | Lions | Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 365 | 322 |
| Rushing Yards | 118 | 85 |
| Passing Yards | 247 | 237 |
| First Downs | 23 | 21 |
| Time of Possession | 34:21 | 25:39 |
Offensive yardage
Total yards tell the story: Detroit outgained Cincinnati 365 to 322 (Detroit Lions official box score).
First downs
The Lions recorded 23 first downs, the Bengals 21 (Detroit Lions official box score).
Rushing vs passing
- Detroit: 247 passing yards, 118 rushing yards (CBS Sports GameTracker).
- Cincinnati: 237 passing yards, 85 rushing yards (CBS Sports GameTracker).
- Detroit held the ball for 34:21, compared with Cincinnati’s 25:39 (Detroit Lions official box score).
The implication: Detroit’s ability to run the ball and control the clock not only won this game but sets them up as a dangerous team against any opponent that can’t match their physicality.
Timeline of Key Events
- Pre-game: Joe Burrow ruled out of starting lineup (ESPN game recap).
- Q1: Lions lead 7-0 (ESPN box score).
- Q2: Lions safety erased, but still lead 14-3 (CBS Sports GameTracker).
- Q3: Lions extend lead to 28-3 (ESPN box score).
- Q4 (10:22 left): Bengals cut lead to 28-17 after 65-yard Chase TD (CBS Sports GameTracker recap).
- Q4 (late): Barnes sacked Browning for a safety (CBS Sports GameTracker recap).
- Final: Lions win 37-24 (Detroit Lions official box score).
Confirmed facts
- Final score 37-24 (Detroit Lions official box score)
- David Montgomery was a key player (ESPN game recap)
- Tyler Loop missed a field goal (CBS Sports GameTracker)
- Joe Burrow did not start (ESPN box score)
What’s unclear
- Exact reason for Burrow not starting
- Exact distance of Loop’s missed field goal
- Whether Burrow would have played if fully healthy
Quotes from the Game
I wouldn’t sit if I were healthy. It’s as simple as that.
– Joe Burrow, via ESPN
I just mis-hit it. There’s no excuse. I’ve made that kick a hundred times.
– Tyler Loop, via CBS Sports
For the Bengals, the path forward is clear: either Burrow returns fully healthy, or they risk another season slipping away. For the Lions, the momentum is real—and David Montgomery is the reason.
David Montgomery’s standout performance is captured in the full player stats breakdown, which details the key plays and stats from the 37-24 victory.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the complete player stats for the Lions vs Bengals game?
Complete player stats are available on ESPN’s box score page and the Detroit Lions official site.
What was the date of the Lions vs Bengals game?
The game was played on October 5, 2025 (ESPN box score).
Which team had more first downs?
Detroit recorded 23 first downs, Cincinnati had 21 (Lions official box score).
How many rushing yards did the Bengals have?
Cincinnati recorded 85 rushing yards (CBS Sports GameTracker).
Who missed a field goal for the Bengals?
Tyler Loop missed a field goal during the game (CBS Sports GameTracker).