The Detroit Lions vs Cincinnati Bengals preseason matchup ended with the Bengals securing a narrow 16–14 victory at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. ESPN lists the game as August 13, 2026, while the matchup falls within the date you provided, August 14, 2026, depending on publication/date convention.
Cincinnati built a 10–0 advantage in the first half and eventually extended its lead to 16–6. Detroit mounted a late comeback behind quarterback Luke Altmyer, but the Bengals recovered the ensuing onside kick and held on for the win.
Detroit Lions vs Cincinnati Bengals Final Score
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 0 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 14 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 16 |
The Bengals scored in every quarter, while Detroit’s offense did not reach the end zone until the final minutes.
How Cincinnati Bengals Won the Game
Cincinnati opened the scoring with Evan McPherson’s 56-yard field goal in the first quarter. The Bengals then increased their lead to 10–0 in the second quarter when backup quarterback Joe Flacco connected with rookie tight end Jack Endries for a four-yard touchdown.
Detroit responded with two field goals from Jake Bates, including a 52-yarder, cutting Cincinnati’s halftime advantage to 10–6.
The Bengals added another McPherson field goal in the third quarter and one more in the fourth, making the score 16–6 before Detroit’s late rally.
Luke Altmyer’s Late Rally
One of Detroit’s biggest positives was the performance of quarterback Luke Altmyer. Altmyer completed 13 of 22 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. His biggest moment came late in the fourth quarter when he directed a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive.
The drive ended with Altmyer’s 24-yard touchdown pass to Tarik Black with 1:28 remaining. Altmyer then ran for the two-point conversion, cutting Cincinnati’s lead to 16–14. Read More Tennessee Titans vs Seattle Seahawks
Tarik Black Provides the Late Spark
Wide receiver Tarik Black became an important part of Detroit’s late comeback.
His 24-yard touchdown reception gave the Lions a realistic chance to steal the game in the final minutes. However, Cincinnati recovered Detroit’s onside kick, preventing the Lions from getting another offensive possession before the final whistle.
Joe Burrow’s Limited Appearance
Cincinnati started Joe Burrow, but the Bengals used their franchise quarterback for only a limited number of snaps. Burrow completed 5 of 6 passes for 39 yards and played 13 snaps. One of his notable completions was a 16-yard pass to Ja’Marr Chase.
The Bengals’ decision to give Burrow limited preseason action allowed the coaching staff to evaluate the rest of the quarterback rotation while still giving the starters a brief opportunity to work together.
Joe Flacco Adds a Touchdown
After Burrow left the game, Joe Flacco took over and produced the Bengals’ only touchdown. Flacco completed 5 of 8 passes for 51 yards, including the four-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Jack Endries.
Rookie Jack Endries finished with three receptions for 25 yards, tying Dohnte Meyers for Cincinnati’s team-high in catches.
Jake Bates Keeps Detroit in the Game
Detroit’s offense struggled to finish drives early, but kicker Jake Bates kept the Lions within reach.
Bates made field goals from 41 and 52 yards in the second quarter. Those kicks reduced Cincinnati’s lead from 10–0 to 10–6 at halftime.
Without those field goals, Detroit’s late comeback opportunity would have been considerably more difficult.
Detroit’s Rushing Attack
Running back Jacob Saylors was one of Detroit’s more productive offensive players.
Saylors carried the ball eight times for 55 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt, and also caught three passes for another 28 yards. His longest run went for 27 yards.
Detroit finished with 129 rushing yards, compared with Cincinnati’s 97.
Cincinnati’s Defensive Pressure
The Bengals forced several important turnovers during the game.
Safety Jordan Battle intercepted Altmyer early after a pass bounced off Detroit receiver Isaac TeSlaa’s hands. Later, Cincinnati rookie defensive end Cashius Howell recovered a fumble after a bad exchange between Altmyer and Saylors.
Detroit ultimately lost the turnover battle 3–1, an important factor in the two-point defeat.
Ahmed Hassanein Makes an Impact
Detroit rookie edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein produced one of the most impressive defensive performances of the night. He recorded four tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble, including a strip-sack against Burrow.
His pressure helped Detroit’s defense limit Cincinnati’s starting offense early. Despite the loss, Detroit’s defense held Cincinnati to only one touchdown.
Team Statistics
| Statistic | Lions | Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 274 | 256 |
| Rushing Yards | 129 | 97 |
| Passing Yards | 145 | 159 |
| First Downs | 16 | 15 |
| Third Down | 4/11 | 7/18 |
| Turnovers Lost | 3 | 1 |
| Field Goals | 2/2 | 3/3 |
| Time of Possession | 26:31 | 33:29 |
Despite Detroit gaining more total yards, Cincinnati’s ability to avoid turnovers and convert more third downs helped the Bengals protect their lead.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
First Quarter
Cincinnati opened the scoring when Evan McPherson converted a 56-yard field goal, giving the Bengals a 3–0 lead.
Second Quarter
Flacco’s touchdown pass to Endries extended Cincinnati’s lead to 10–0. Detroit then answered with Bates field goals from 41 and 52 yards, leaving the Bengals ahead 10–6 at halftime.
Third Quarter
McPherson added another field goal, this time from 33 yards, moving Cincinnati ahead 13–6.
Fourth Quarter
McPherson converted a 41-yard field goal to make it 16–6. Detroit responded with Altmyer’s 24-yard touchdown pass to Black and a successful two-point conversion, but Cincinnati held on for the 16–14 victory.
Key Players
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow: 5-of-6 passing, 39 yards
Joe Flacco: 5-of-8 passing, 51 yards, 1 TD
Jack Endries: 3 receptions, 25 yards, 1 TD
Evan McPherson: 3 field goals
Dohnte Meyers: 3 receptions, 25 yards
Detroit Lions
Luke Altmyer: 13-of-22, 130 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Josh Dobbs: 4-of-8, 32 yards
Jacob Saylors: 55 rushing yards, 28 receiving yards
Jake Bates: 2 field goals
Ahmed Hassanein: 4 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Tarik Black: 24-yard touchdown reception
Injuries and Other Concerns
Detroit cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. left the game after making an open-field tackle and did not return. Defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo also left late in the second quarter and did not return.
For Cincinnati, the preseason opener provided valuable opportunities for younger players while the team’s major starters saw limited action.
What the Result Means
Because this was a preseason game, the result is less important than player evaluation and roster competition. Still, Cincinnati can take confidence from a victory in which its defense created turnovers and its kicking game remained reliable.
Detroit, meanwhile, showed encouraging late-game resilience. The Lions gained 274 total yards and nearly completed a comeback after trailing by 10 points late in the game. However, the three turnovers and inability to convert consistently on third down proved costly.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions vs Cincinnati Bengals matchup produced a competitive preseason opener, with Cincinnati eventually winning 16–14. The Bengals used a combination of early scoring, efficient kicking and opportunistic defense to establish control.
Detroit’s late rally made the finish interesting. Luke Altmyer’s touchdown pass to Tarik Black and successful two-point conversion brought the Lions within two points, but Cincinnati’s recovery of the onside kick ended Detroit’s comeback hopes.
For Cincinnati, Joe Burrow’s efficient limited appearance, Joe Flacco’s touchdown pass and Evan McPherson’s three field goals were among the positives. Detroit can point to Ahmed Hassanein’s defensive performance, Jacob Saylors’ rushing production and Altmyer’s late drive as encouraging developments despite the defeat.
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