The Lions smell blood in Cincinnati.
After consecutive divisional clashes to open the 2025 season, Detroit have been on a three-week tour of the AFC North.
It started in Baltimore, followed by Cleveland and now they face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in Week 5.
The Lions have delivered two stoic performances on their journey so far.
The first at M&T Bank Stadium, securing a 38-30 victory over the Ravens – their first against Baltimore since 2005. The other a 34-10 drubbing of a Browns team buoyed by a surprise 13-10 victory over Green Bay back in Week 3.
Sunday’s opposition have had a less than ideal start to 2025, with quarterback Joe Burrow out until at least December with turf toe.
So here is how Detroit can finish its tour of the AFC North with a trio of victories and move to 4-1.
Pressure keeps building for the Lions
Detroit’s pass rush has improved weekly since their defeat to the Packers in Week 1.
Rookie Al-Quadin Muhammad shone versus Baltimore with 2.5 sacks as Aidan Hutchinson put up a deuce on Joe Flacco last Sunday.
Both the Ravens and Browns struggled to control versus the Lions. Two time MVP Lamar Jackson often had to run and gun to move the chains, while Joe Flacco was held to just 184 passing yards.
With this in mind, a repeat of their pass rush proficiency may prove too difficult for stand-in Jake Browning. Browning has throw five interceptions since taking the reigns in Week 3.
The dog’s off the leash
Former Georgia Bulldog Tate Ratledge has enjoyed an impressive start to his NFL career. The second-round pick has started all four games and played every offensive snap.
He has been a revelation at right guard, fitting in seamlessly alongside All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell.
Ratledge played a crucial role in the run game against Baltimore. He completed key blocks for both of David Montgomery’s touchdowns and his 72-yard run in the third quarter.
The story was the same versus the Browns, with the 24-year-old displaying great athleticism and grit to help his side get over the line.
Expect the trenches to be pivotal against Cincinnati.
Coordinator clone
Ben Johnson is out, John Morton is in, yet the fireworks continue to fly on offense.
Versus Baltimore outside zone double-pitches and horizontal flea-flickers had Lions fans in awe and John Harbaugh scratching his head.
But against the Browns, a more rugged ground game was deployed. Jahmyr Gibbs scored one touchdown and averaged 6.1 yards per carry.
Everyone knew it was always going to be challenging to replicate Johnson’s inventive playbook. Yet Morton appears to have picked up where he left off.
Hopefully, Morton’s innovation will do the same to Al Golden and the Bengals’ defense, who will be eager to end Detroit’s hot streak.
