Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 5, 2025, 4:25 PM ET
Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Network: FOX
Detroit Lions
Quarterback
Jared Goff: START, QB1
I generally avoid starting Jared Goff outside the friendly confines of Ford Field. But the Bengals are a top 10 fantasy matchup for QBs, allowing eight passing touchdowns in four games. His ceiling is likely capped due to gamescript, but Goff is a fine start in all formats.
Running Back
Jahmyr Gibbs: START, RB1
David Montgomery: START, RB2
You don’t need me to tell you to start Jahmyr Gibbs. But did you know that he shares a birthday (March 20th) with the late Chester Bennington, the former lead singer of the band Linkin Park?
David Mongomery followed up his 29.4 point fantasy performance with a total of 1.2 points, his lowest since 2022. I’m still starting him without hesitation this week, and he’ll likely be fed in a game the Lions won’t have to do much to tame the Bengals.
Wide Receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown: START, WR1
Jameson Williams: START, WR3
You don’t need me to tell you to start Amon-Ra St. Brown. But did you know that he shares a birthday (October 24th) with hip-hop icon Drake?
You know what you’re getting with Jameson Williams. It’s either five-ish or twenty-ish fantasy points. There is no in between. Although it’s a great matchup, the Lions likely won’t air it out much, making Jamo a riskier start than most weeks.
Tight End
Sam LaPorta: START, TE1
I’m not overly excited to start Sam LaPorta. However, he’s seeing decent usage and is in a favorable matchup, as the Bengals allow the seventh most points to the position. That’s about all you can ask for at tight end.
Defense/Special Teams
Detroit Lions: START
You’re starting any DST facing the Browning Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Jake Browning: SIT
Nope.
Running Back
Chase Brown: SIT
As awful as the Bengals offense is at the moment, Chase Brown‘s inefficiency and lack of explosiveness are exposing how flimsy a fantasy “stud” he really was. I’m avoiding starting him at all costs, especially in a bad matchup against Detroit.
Wide Receiver
Ja’Marr Chase: START, WR3
Tee Higgins: START, WR3
Andrei Iosivas: SIT
Based on their talent, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are startable as WR3 based on garbage time production and prayers to sweet baby Jesus. It feels impossible to bench Chase, but I wouldn’t blame you for putting the duo on the bench.
Tight End
Drew Sample: SIT
You’re not starting any Bengals tight end in fantasy.
Defense/Special Teams
Cincinnati Bengals: SIT
The Bengals DST isn’t in consideration for fantasy, especially against the Lions’ juggernaut offense.