Lions vs Bengals: Exact Channel, Stream & Time Revealed
Detroit Lions Kick Off 2026 Preseason Against Cincinnati Bengals
Game Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Detroit Lions vs. Cincinnati Bengals |
| Date | Thursday, August 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 7:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) |
| Location | Cincinnati (Bengals’ home stadium) |
| Game Type | First Preseason Game of 2026 |
Important Note: Preseason games are practice games played before the regular season starts. They don’t count toward a team’s official win-loss record, but they’re super important for coaches to evaluate players and for teams to get ready for the real games!
Last Time These Teams Met
The Lions and Bengals last faced each other during the 2025 regular season in Week 5. Here’s what happened:
- Final Score: Detroit Lions 37 – Cincinnati Bengals 24
- Location: The game was played in Cincinnati (Bengals’ home field)
- Result: The Lions won convincingly on the road
This means Detroit has some confidence heading into this preseason matchup, but remember—preseason games are totally different from regular season games!
What Coach Dan Campbell Is Looking For
Head Coach Dan Campbell spoke to reporters on Tuesday and shared his expectations for Thursday’s game. Here’s the breakdown:
Campbell’s Main Goals for Game 1
- Discipline Over Perfection – "Nothing’s going to be perfect, certainly the first preseason game," Campbell said. He knows mistakes will happen.
- Composure Under Pressure – He wants to see players keep their cool when things get intense.
- Technique Translation – Can players take what they’ve practiced in training camp and actually use it in a real game situation?
- Handling Competition – How do players respond when going against another NFL team (even if it’s just preseason)?
What to Expect from the Bengals
- Campbell expects Cincinnati to play a few of their starters (their best players)
- This is actually good for Detroit—it gives younger Lions players a chance to test themselves against top-tier talent
- Both teams will likely play many backups and rookies as the game goes on
ELI5 Explanation: Think of this like a scrimmage in gym class. The teacher (coach) isn’t worried about the final score—they’re watching to see who listens to instructions, who uses the skills they practiced, and who stays calm when the other team pushes hard.
How to Watch & Follow the Game
Note: The original article mentioned "Here are all the ways to follow Thursday night’s game:" but didn’t list the specific options. Below are the typical ways to follow NFL preseason games:
Watch Live
- Local TV: Check your local Detroit (WJBK Fox 2) or Cincinnati stations
- National TV: NFL Network often airs preseason games
- Streaming: NFL+ (league’s official streaming service), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, Sling TV
Follow Live Updates
- Official Team Apps: Detroit Lions app / Cincinnati Bengals app
- Social Media: Follow @Lions and @Bengals on X (Twitter)
- NFL App: Official NFL app for live stats and play-by-play
- Sports Apps: ESPN, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports
Listen Live
- Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT-FM) in Detroit
- Online Radio: Team websites, TuneIn, SiriusXM NFL Radio
Track Stats & Highlights
- NFL.com/GameCenter – Official live stats
- Team Websites – DetroitLions.com / Bengals.com
- YouTube – Post-game highlights and press conferences
Why This Game Matters (Even Though It’s "Just Preseason")
| Reason | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Roster Battles | Players on the "bubble" (maybe making the team, maybe not) fight for spots |
| Rookie Debut | First chance to see 2026 draft picks in actual NFL action |
| Scheme Testing | Coaches try out new plays and strategies in live conditions |
| Health Check | See how players hold up physically after training camp |
| Chemistry Building | Units (offense, defense, special teams) work on timing together |
Summary
The Detroit Lions open their 2026 preseason on Thursday, August 13 at 7:00 PM EDT in Cincinnati against the Bengals. This is Detroit’s first live game action since last season, and while the score doesn’t officially count, it’s a crucial evaluation tool for Coach Dan Campbell and his staff.
Key Storylines to Watch:
- How do Detroit’s rookies and young players perform under the lights?
- Can the Lions maintain the discipline Campbell emphasizes?
- Which backup quarterback separates himself in the QB2 battle?
- How does the revamped offensive/defensive line look against live competition?
The Lions won the last meeting 37-24 in Week 5 of 2025, but preseason is a whole different ballgame—literally and figuratively!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do preseason games count toward a team’s regular season record?
A: Nope! Preseason games are exhibition games. A team could go 0-3 in preseason and still win the Super Bowl (it’s happened before). They’re purely for evaluation and preparation.
Q: Will star players like Jared Goff or Amon-Ra St. Brown play?
A: Usually, starters play very little in the first preseason game—maybe a series or two, or sometimes not at all. Coaches don’t want to risk injury in games that don’t count. Expect to see mostly backups and rookies.
Q: What’s the difference between training camp and preseason games?
A: Training camp is practice—players wear helmets and sometimes pads, but they’re going against their own teammates. Preseason games are live competition against another team with real hitting, real speed, and real pressure.
Q: How many preseason games do NFL teams play?
A: Most teams play 3 preseason games (some play 4 if they’re in the Hall of Fame Game). The Lions have 3 scheduled for 2026.
Q: Can I attend this game in person?
A: Yes! Preseason tickets are usually much cheaper than regular season tickets. Check the Bengals’ official website or ticket resale sites for availability. It’s a great, affordable way to experience an NFL game live!