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Bold Predictions for Detroit Lions Preseason Game Vs. Bengals
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- Bold Predictions for Detroit Lions Preseason Game Vs. Bengals
It's officially game day for the Detroit Lions , as the team will square off against the Cincinnati Bengals in the preseason opener at Paycor Stadium on Thursday.
Dan Campbell's squad has been practicing against each other for about two weeks, but will now have the chance to translate their practice play into a game. With most of the Lions' starters set to sit out versus the Bengals , much of the focus will be on the backups and players on the bubble.
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The preseason doesn't matter when it comes to wins and losses, but it's a critical time for depth players , and Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes will also use it to evaluate their roster ahead of the regular season. With all that said, let's take a look at some bold predictions for Thursday night's preseason contest for Detroit.
Luke Altmyer Will Throw 2 Touchdowns
Aug 2, 2026; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer (2) throws a pass during Detroit Lions training camp at Meijer Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Paul Barnick-Imagn Images
With Jared Goff not playing and newly signed backup Josh Dobbs likely to see limited snaps as he just signed, Altmyer will get the bulk of the work on Thursday. The undrafted rookie has shown some promise in camp , but has also been a bit inconsistent with his accuracy.
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However, I think Altmyer is in for a big day in his preseason debut. Outside of the first few drives, Altmyer will be facing the Bengals' backups for most of the night, and with a deep-threat receiver like Dominic Lovett and a savvy veteran like Cedrick Wilson Jr. being Altmyer's top targets, the young signal-caller should post some prolific numbers.
An efficient, two-touchdown game is definitely in the cards for Altmyer, and should bolster his roster case.
Dominic Lovett Catches a 40-Plus-Yard Touchdown
Speaking of Lovett, the Georgia product has made some explosive plays in camp and is fighting for one of those last spots in the receiver room. The 23-year-old cracked the 53-man roster last year and wants to do the same in 2026.
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With Lovett likely to see a ton of action and opportunities, he should be able to use his speed to break away for a long touchdown on Thursday night, whether that's a catch-and-run or a deep ball from Altmyer. Regardless, Lovett should find the end zone and once again showcase why he is a must-keep.
Nick Whiteside Snags an Interception
Detroit Lions defensive back Nick Whiteside (38) practices during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
There hasn't been a player in camp who has raised his stock more than Whiteside, who is now firmly in the running for the No. 2 boundary cornerback job alongside Rock Ya-Sin and Ennis Rakestraw Jr . Whiteside has been taking a bunch of first-team reps in practice with D.J. Reed out with a groin injury .
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It's unclear how much Whiteside will play on Thursday, given that he's competing for a starting spot and has emerged as a valuable piece on Kelvin Sheppard 's defense. However, in the time Whiteside does get, I think he'll snag an interception and continue his excellent performances from practice.
The Whiteside hype train is still taking passengers, but it's moving faster than anyone thought before camp.
The Lions Win by Two Scores
Though the Bengals are playing their starters for a drive or two, and the Lions aren't sending out most of theirs, Detroit is still in a fantastic position to come away with a win on the road. The Lions have an exciting variety of youth and experience for depth at each position, and they should be hungry to prove their worth against the Bengals.
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Detroit has a golden opportunity to start the preseason on a high note with a dominant win and carry the momentum into next week, when they host the Washington Commanders on Aug. 22.
Best of the Lions
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
