Another week, another chance for the Detroit Lions to flex their NFC dominance. Dan Campbell’s group looks focused, physical, and well-balanced, while the Bengals continue to look lost and uninspired. At 1–3, Cincinnati is staring down another rough outing, and it feels like the Lions are poised to take care of business early in this one.
🔥 Starts: Jared Goff and Co. Look to take care of Business Early
Jared Goff (QB – DET)
Start Meter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goff has been a model of consistency this season, and this week could be his best yet. He’s been sharp in the intermediate game, and the Bengals’ pass rush has been inconsistent. Expect 275+ yards and multiple touchdowns as Goff leads the Lions to another statement win.
📊 Projection: 22.8 PTS – 278 YDS, 3 TDs, 0 INT
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – DET)
Start Meter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐🔥
Gibbs looked electric last week against a stout defense and should continue rolling against Cincinnati’s front seven, which has struggled to contain versatile backs. Expect heavy usage in both the run and pass game, with multiple scoring opportunities.
📊 Projection: 21.5 PTS – 95 RUSH YDS, 48 REC YDS, 2 TDs
Amon-Ra St. Brown Compared to NBA Legend, Best WR Lions OC Has Seen – Vito Church SI.com
Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR – DET)
Start Meter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🔥
The Sun God shines brightest in games like these. St. Brown is on an All-Pro pace and has built strong chemistry with Goff. His late-night NBA 2k sessions seem to only make him stronger. Expect 6–8 catches and a score.
📊 Projection: 19.2 PTS – 7 REC, 89 YDS, 1 TD
💪 Jameson Williams (WR – DET)
Start Meter: ⭐⭐⭐💪
This feels like a breakout spot for Jamo. He’s been quiet but explosive in limited touches. One of those 3-catch, 80-yard, 1-TD performances could be coming: a perfect high-upside flex play.
📊 Projection: 13.5 PTS – 3 REC, 84 YDS, 1 TD
💪 David Montgomery (RB – DET)
Start Meter: ⭐⭐⭐
Monty was bottled up last week, but that changes here. Expect classic goal-line work and tough runs as the Lions look to control the clock in the second half.
📊 Projection: 11.9 PTS – 59 RUSH YDS, 1 TD
Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
Start Meter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The lone bright spot for Cincinnati’s struggling offense, Chase should see double-digit targets again. Even with Detroit’s physical corners, he has enough talent to deliver a solid fantasy outing.
📊 Projection: 17.8 PTS – 6 REC, 74 YDS, 1 TD
Detroit Lions Defense 🧱
Start Meter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Any defense facing this Bengals offense is a start right now. The Lions’ aggressive front could wreak havoc against a shaky offensive line and a QB struggling with rhythm.
📊 Projection: 12 PTS – 4 SACKS, 1 INT, <20 PTS ALLOWED
❄️ Sits
Chase Brown (RB – CIN)
Sit Meter: ❄️❄️❄️❄️
Brown has flashed energy, but not enough production. One touchdown through four weeks won’t cut it. Keep him benched until his role expands.
📊 Projection: 6.3 PTS – 39 RUSH YDS, 1 REC, 0 TD
Noah Fant (TE – CIN)
Sit Meter: ❄️❄️❄️❄️
Cincinnati’s tight ends continue to disappoint. Fant’s athleticism isn’t being utilized, and he’s not worth a starting spot until further notice.
📊 Projection: 4.1 PTS – 2 REC, 28 YDS
Bengals Defense ❄️
Sit Meter: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
The Lions’ offense is too balanced and explosive. With Gibbs, St. Brown, and LaPorta all active, this defense could get shredded early and often.
📊 Projection: 2 PTS – 0 SACKS, 30+ PTS ALLOWED
💤 Sleepers
Sam LaPorta (TE – DET) 💪
Start Meter: ⭐⭐⭐
LaPorta continues to flash elite ability, but Detroit’s offensive depth has capped his ceiling. Still, he’s due for another red-zone look and could sneak in a score.
📊 Projection: 10.2 PTS – 5 REC, 48 YDS, 1 TD
Tee Higgins (WR – CIN) 💪
Start Meter: ⭐⭐💪
Higgins has had a slow start to 2025, but his talent remains undeniable. The Lions’ heavy-man coverage could give him chances deep. If safety Kerby Joseph sits, Higgins could surprise.
📊 Projection: 11.8 PTS – 5 REC, 65 YDS, 1 TD
Final Take 🎯
The Lions are trending upward while the Bengals look broken. Expect Detroit to dominate from start to finish, with multiple fantasy starters paying dividends. Fire up your Lions, temper expectations on your Bengals, and ride the wave of Detroit dominance.
