NFL Preseason Betting - Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals

The Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals are known more for throwing the ball than running it. Both teams are trying to change that image and will get another chance to do so as they meet in Cincinnati on Sunday at 7:30pm EST in Week 2 NFL preseason betting. The Lions won last week in Week 1 NFL preseason betting against the New York Giants 13-10 while the Bengals upset the Green Bay Packers 20-17. Detroit head coach Rod Marinelli is really stressing the running game this preseason.

Although starting quarterback Jon Kitna was 4-4 last week with a touchdown pass, it was the running game that concerned Marinelli. “It’s like pounding the rock,” he said, “You keep swinging if it’s not breaking. And some guys cry about it, ‘Oh, it’s not going to break, it’s not going to break.’ Well, we’re going to break it and you just keep working at it.” Rookie running back Kevin Smith had eight carries for 22 yards. The first string offense is expected to play into the second quarter this week against the Bengals. Kitna will be followed at quarterback by Dan Orlovsky who played well last week going 8-11 for 81 yards.

The Bengals first string offense was sluggish last week against Green Bay but finally put a touchdown on the board in NFL odds before leaving in the second quarter. Quarterback Carson Palmer completed 5-of-9 passes for 33 yards including a 14-yard touchdown pass to Ben Utecht. It is expected that Palmer will play into the second quarter in Sunday's NFL preseason betting game. Running back Rudi Johnson did not play last week but could see action on Sunday. His replacement, running back Chris Perry looked excellent and the Bengals are talking about Perry sharing time with Johnson in the backfield this season.

Perry had 11 carries for 42 yards last week. Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh did not play last week against Green Bay and is doubtful for Sunday's preseason betting game. Following Carson Palmer on Sunday will be the continuing battle for the backup quarterback position between Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeff Rowe and Jordan Palmer, younger brother of Carson. NFL preseason betting stats show that the Bengals have an 18-16 lead in their all-time preseason series with Detroit. Last season the Lions pulled out a 27-26 home win in the preseason against Cincinnati.