Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be taking an in-depth look at the Bengals’ 2025 opponents. We will continue with the Detroit Lions, as the Bengals return to Paycor Stadium in Week 5 for America’s Game of the Week on FOX.
2024
The Lions won a franchise record 15 games in 2024, going 15-2 to win the NFC North and clinch the number one seed in the NFC playoffs. Detroit lost to Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders 45-31 in the Divisional round of the playoffs.
Detroit led the league with 33.2 points per game and finished second with 409.5 yards per game. The Lions were the only team to have a quarterback, running back and wide receiver finish in the top five in yards at their respective positions: QB Jared Goff was second with 4,629 passing yards, RB Jahmyr Gibbs was fifth with 1,412 rushing yards and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown finished fifth in the league with 1,263 receiving yards. Goff finished with 37 passing touchdowns, good for fourth in the league, while Gibbs’ 16 rushing touchdowns tied for the league lead.
The Lions’ defense suffered from injuries last season. As a team, Detroit had up to 21 players on injured reserve at once. DE Aidan Hutchinson broke his leg just five games into the season. As a result, the Lions defense struggled at times, but the unit still finished the season allowing the seventh-fewest points per game (20.1)
Offseason Changes
Detroit’s biggest changes this offseason involved the coaching staff, as both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took head coaching jobs elsewhere.
On the player side, Detroit brought back many of its key pieces. CB Carlton Davis III signed with the Patriots in free agency, and the Lions brought in former Jets CB D.J. Reed on a three-year deal. They also added depth to their cornerback room, signing former 49ers CB Rock Ya-Sin and former Eagles CB Avonte Maddox.