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Cincinnati Bengals: Why the Lions game is a must-win

By Riley Thomas

Dec 24, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) escapes a tackle by Detroit Lions defensive end Anthony Zettel (69) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) escapes a tackle by Detroit Lions defensive end Anthony Zettel (69) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Even with the devastating loss last week, the Cincinnati Bengals proved they can hang with the best in the NFL this season. With that said, Cincy can certainly get into the playoffs this season as a Wild Card team.

How the Bengals respond this Sunday against the winless Detriot Lions will be vital. Playoff teams know how to respond to adversity, and the stripes have done that time and time again this season. Cincinnati came out with an unlikely win against the Vikings after Dalvin Cook fumbled in overtime. They fought and clawed their way back into games against the Bears and Jaguars.

This season’s Bengals team has shown true grit and fight through only five weeks of play. There are certainly areas where things must improve, like Zac Taylor‘s offensive play-calling. So far, things are looking good in Cincy with Joe Burrow steadying the ship.

Cincinnati has proven at this point they really do have a decent shot at the playoffs. That would become even more true if Taylor started to open the offense a little bit more. The Bengals Week 6 game in Detroit could have big implications on the season, it is a must-win.

Why the Bengals must beat the Lions

This week’s opponent, the Lions, has struggled this year at 0-5, but do not let that fool you as Detroit has shown admirable effort this season. Cincinnati could be in for a close game yet again this Sunday. The Lions played close with the 49ers, Ravens, and Vikings, all of which are solid to good squads.

After fans laughed at Detroit’s hiring of Dan Campbell, it looks to be a good hire so far. The Lions have simply shown some tremendous fight this year, similar to your Cincinnati Bengals. On paper, the Bengals should be able to score in bunches this week and slow down the Lions’ passing attack. As long as the effort is there, Cincy should win this game without a doubt.

If the Bengals are really a playoff-caliber team, they will take care of business this weekend. What playoff-level team can afford to lose to an 0-5 team? Cincinnati especially can’t lose when the AFC North looks strong outside of the Steelers.

Next. Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 6. dark

The Bengals need to win at least 9 or 10 games this season if they want to make the playoffs. The schedule is extremely difficult at the end of the season, making this Lions game an absolute must-win. Even though Detroit could be considered a lackluster opponent, this still remains a big game for Cincinnati.

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