The Detroit Lions are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now, but history hasn’t always been kind to them when it comes to the Cincinnati Bengals. In fact, the matchup has been pretty one-sided over the years.
The two teams have met 13 times in the regular season and postseason combined, with the Bengals holding a commanding 10-3 lead in the series. That means Lions wins over Cincinnati are rare, and it’s been a long time since the last one.
The Last Lions Win vs. Bengals
The last time the Detroit Lions beat the Cincinnati Bengals was all the way back on November 22, 1992! Detroit went into Cincinnati that day and walked out with a 19-13 victory. That win feels like a lifetime ago, considering Barry Sanders was still in the backfield (he rushed for 151 yards and a TD), and the Lions were fresh off a trip to the NFC Championship the year prior.
Since then? It’s been nothing but frustration. The Lions have lost seven straight to the Bengals, including some gut-punch losses like the 27-24 defeat in 2013 and the 34-11 drubbing in 2021.
The Rivalry in Numbers
Here’s how the matchup history breaks down:
- Total meetings: 13
- Bengals lead the series: 10-3
- Lions last win: November 22, 1992 (19-13 at Cincinnati)
- Points scored: Bengals 334, Lions 250
The most recent meetings haven’t been close either. Detroit has dropped the last two games, in 2017 and 2021, by double digits.
Full Lions-Bengals Results
| Date | Visitor | Home | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/17/2021 | Bengals 34 | @ Lions 11 | Loss |
| 12/24/2017 | Lions 17 | @ Bengals 26 | Loss |
| 10/20/2013 | Bengals 27 | @ Lions 24 | Loss |
| 12/06/2009 | Lions 13 | @ Bengals 23 | Loss |
| 12/18/2005 | Bengals 41 | @ Lions 17 | Loss |
| 10/28/2001 | Bengals 31 | @ Lions 27 | Loss |
| 09/13/1998 | Bengals 34 | @ Lions 28 (OT) | Loss |
| 11/22/1992 | Lions 19 | @ Bengals 13 | Win |
| 11/19/1989 | Lions 7 | @ Bengals 42 | Loss |
| 11/02/1986 | Bengals 24 | @ Lions 17 | Loss |
| 12/11/1983 | Lions 9 | @ Bengals 17 | Loss |
| 12/08/1974 | Lions 23 | @ Bengals 19 | Win |
| 09/27/1970 | Bengals 3 | @ Lions 38 | Win |
Why It Matters Now
The timing of this matchup is fascinating. The Lions come in at 3-1 on the 2025 season, looking like a legitimate contender, while the Bengals are dealing with major questions at quarterback with Joe Burrow injured.
It’s been 33 years since the Lions last got the better of Cincinnati. If there was ever a time to flip the script, this Sunday might be it.
The Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions haven’t beaten the Cincinnati Bengals since 1992. That’s seven straight losses spanning more than three decades. But with Dan Campbell’s squad playing with grit and confidence, and with the Bengals banged up, the Lions have a real shot to end that streak this weekend.
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