The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Detroit Lions 16–14 in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL preseason.
The game was played on August 13, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. It was one of the opening full-weekend preseason fixtures, following the Hall of Fame Game between Carolina and Arizona.
Preseason games are exhibition contests used to evaluate players, especially rookies, reserves and athletes competing for roster positions. Teams often limit the workload of established starters, so the result does not carry regular-season standings value.
The 16–14 margin made the contest a close opener for both teams. Cincinnati began its preseason with a win, while Detroit opened with a narrow defeat before later meeting Indianapolis in Week 3.