“You don’t ask what’s in it; you don’t ask how it’s made. You just enjoy it.”
No, that’s not Martha Ford talking about Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s Lions, though it’d be perfect. It’s the late, great Anthony Bourdain describing Cincinnati chili.
If you’ve never had it, let me save you a Google search: it’s basically coney sauce over spaghetti noodles, piled with beans, onions, and shredded cheese. To each their own, Cincinnati.
Now that I’ve ordered five coney dogs from Lafayette, let’s talk football. The Lions aren’t traveling to Cincinnati for chili—they’re heading there for a beatdown. Dan Campbell has been talking about debts owed, and this one stretches back 32 years and 10 months. That’s how long it’s been since Detroit last beat the Bengals. Seven straight losses, including a 2021 game where Cincinnati shut the Lions out for three quarters in Ford Field. Campbell hasn’t forgotten, and he’ll make sure his team remembers too.
This time, the Bengals come in wounded. Joe Burrow is sidelined, Jake Browning is doing his best Cillian Murphy “running from zombies” impression on every dropback, and Vegas has Detroit favored by 10.5 with a team total of 30.5. Vegas thinks it’ll be four touchdowns and a field goal. But Vegas doesn’t know the Lions like I do.
Here’s how to beat the books this week:
Leg 1: Lions -10.5
Detroit has covered four straight and Dan Campbell is the best coach in the NFL against the spread (56-31-1, 64.2%). When favored, he’s even better (28-14-1, 66.3%). These Lions don’t play down to competition—they bury it.
Campbell still remembers that 2021 embarrassment in Ford Field. He’s not out for revenge—it’s just fuel. Expect Detroit to pour it on and cover easily.
Leg 2: Amon-Ra St. Brown Anytime Touchdown
St. Brown leads the NFL with six receiving touchdowns through four games. He’s Goff’s go-to in the red zone, where he also leads the league in targets (10), catches (8), yards (54), and TDs (6).
The Bengals’ defense? They’ve allowed 13 red-zone touchdowns in four games and rank near the bottom in plays, yards, and passing attempts surrendered inside the 20.
St. Brown at plus money to score is a gift. Grab it now—this price won’t last long.
Leg 3: Jameson Williams 60+ Receiving Yards
Last week, the Goff-to-Williams connection was DOA. Miscommunication, drops, timing issues—you name it. But Williams still saw eight targets, and the Lions need this partnership to click for the stretch run.
Jamo is always one play away from cashing this line. With his speed and the Bengals’ broken defense, this is the perfect “get right” game.
The Parlay: Lions -10.5, Amon-Ra TD, Jameson Williams 60+ yards. Payout: around +600 / +700.
Ten bucks turns into $60 or $70. It’s Halloween season—and it’s about to get scary in Cincinnati. Not because of the chili, but because the Lions are coming to collect.