Detroit Lions predictions 2017: Week 16 at Cincinnati Bengals

The Detroit Jock City writers make their predictions for the Detroit Lions’ week 16 road game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Each week, the Detroit Jock City staff will make their picks for that week’s Detroit Lions game with a quick take on the matchup and a final score.

With two games left to pick the battle for top picker is heating up with a three-way tie at the top. Mike Rizzo went out on a limb to pick the Bears in an upset last week while the rest of the staff favored the Lions. That could have clinched at least a share of the prediction championship but instead dropped him into a tie with Bruce Walker and Matt Snyder.

Here is what the DJC writers see for this week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Mike Rizzo (9-5) – This will be the shortest prediction I’ve done. If the Lions lose this game, Jim Caldwell should be fired. I think the Lions win because the Bengals have quit. Lions 31, Bengals 7

Bruce Walker (9-5) – Thank goodness for the Cincinnati Bengals! They are the only team that is preventing the Lions from having the worst rushing game in the NFL! Cincy has a terrible offense, ranking 32nd overall. This game marks the third week in a row that the Bengals have faced a NFC North foe. In those previous two games, the Bengals only managed seven points each against the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. They are also eliminated from playoff contention. They also are wondering who their next head coach will be. Rather like the Detroit Lions of old. Speaking of the Lions, they continue to need to win in order to stay relevant in the playoff hunt. They still need help but certainly also need to win. And they will. In keeping with the NFC North trend. Lions 24, Bengals 7

Matt Snyder (9-5) – The Lions will come out strong on Sunday with everything left to play for. If the Caldwell regime hopes to hang onto their jobs into next season, they need to have the team prepared to execute for a full four quarters. Losing this game is not an option. Lions 27, Bengals 20

Matt Bosko (8-6) – The Lions have been terrific on the road this season, and I expect that to continue on Christmas Eve. With everything to play for and the Bengals in disarray, I think it will be another field day for Matthew Stafford and the offense. Lions 27, Bengals 17

Ash Thompson (8-6) – The Lions are seventh overall in the nfl in points scored and face the Bengals who are 29th in the same stat. This is the only time this season in which the Lions will face a run defense that their rushing attack outranks. The Lions run game is 31st in the league, but the Bengals run defense is dead last. This could be the week that the Lions break the consecutive games without a 100 yard rusher streak. The Bengals offense ranks between 28 and 32 in scoring, passing, rushing, and third down efficiency. Lions 27, Bengals 17