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NFL · Week 15 · December 18, 2005 · 12 min read

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions: 2005 Week 15 Recap

Bengals defeat Lions 41–17 in Week 15

C.Palmer led Fantasy Impact as Bengals prevailed in a 41–17 Week 15 finish.

Cincinnati Bengals 41 11–3 Winner
Final 41–17
Detroit Lions 17 4–10
Winner
Cincinnati Bengals
Final score
41–17
Halftime
Cincinnati Bengals 24–7 Detroit Lions
Top passer
C. Palmer
FantasyHQ MVP
C.Palmer
Game date
December 18, 2005

Top fantasy performers · Bengals

  • C.Palmer 28/45 · 273 YDS · 3 TD +16.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Cornelius Johnson
    Cornelius Johnson 11 REC · 99 YDS · 1 TD +11.2 Fantasy Impact
  • T.Houshmandzadeh 6 REC · 61 YDS · 1 TD +9.2 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Lions

  • Casey Rogers
    Casey Rogers 3 REC · 71 YDS · 1 TD +7.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Jax Harrington 6/7 · 77 YDS · 1 TD +6.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Ryan Williams
    Ryan Williams 3 REC · 27 YDS · 1 TD +2.7 Fantasy Impact
View Bengals vs Lions box score View all 2005 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Cincinnati Bengals
Final score
Cincinnati Bengals 41–17 Detroit Lions
Halftime
Cincinnati Bengals 24–7 Detroit Lions at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
C. Palmer
Top passer
C. Palmer
Biggest EPA play
17-S.Graham kicks 63 yards from CIN 30 to DET 7. 31-R.McQuarters to DET 23 for 16 yards. F…
Game date
2005-12-18

Game summary

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Detroit Lions 41–17 on 2005-12-18. C. Palmer posted a game-high +16.26 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 17 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Cincinnati Bengals177710041
Detroit Lions0737017

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

CINCincinnati Bengals
DETDetroit Lions

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

17 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 11:44FG
    SGS. Graham

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DET 10
    Score
    3-0

    (11:44) 17-S.Graham 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  2. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 7:58TD
    KWK. Washington

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 18
    Score
    9-0

    (7:58) 9-C.Palmer pass to 87-K.Washington for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 7:52XP
    SGS. Graham

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    10-0

    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  4. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 3:05TD
    Cornelius Johnson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 1
    Score
    16-0

    (3:05) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 2:59XP
    SGS. Graham

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    17-0

    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  6. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 12:46TD
    Ryan Williams

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CIN 5
    Score
    17-6

    (12:46) 5-J.Garcia pass to 11-R.Williams for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  7. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 12:42XP
    Jake Hanson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CIN 2
    Score
    17-7

    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.

  8. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 9:27TD
    THT. Houshmandzadeh

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 7
    Score
    23-7

    (9:27) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  9. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 9:20XP
    SGS. Graham

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    24-7

    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  10. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q3 9:37TD
    Roschon Johnson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 4
    Score
    30-7

    (9:37) 32-R.Johnson right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q3 9:32XP
    SGS. Graham

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    31-7

    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  12. DETDetroit Lions
    Q3 5:27FG
    Jake Hanson

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CIN 27
    Score
    31-10

    (5:27) 4-J.Hanson 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.

  13. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q4 11:08TD
    Roschon Johnson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 16
    Score
    37-10

    (11:08) 32-R.Johnson left tackle for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  14. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q4 11:01XP
    SGS. Graham

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    38-10

    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

  15. DETDetroit Lions
    Q4 6:54TD
    Casey Rogers

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CIN 35
    Score
    38-16

    (6:54) 3-J.Harrington pass to 80-C.Rogers for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  16. DETDetroit Lions
    Q4 6:44XP
    Jake Hanson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CIN 2
    Score
    38-17

    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.

  17. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q4 1:59FG
    SGS. Graham

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DET 15
    Score
    41-17

    (1:59) 17-S.Graham 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1C. Palmer · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +16.26 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
  2. 2Cornelius JohnsonCornelius Johnson · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +11.25 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.02 EPA/play
  3. 3T. Houshmandzadeh · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +9.15 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.52 EPA/play
  4. 4Casey RogersCasey Rogers · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +7.34 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.45 EPA/play
  5. 5Jax Harrington · Detroit Lions · Passing · +6.26 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
  6. 6K. Washington · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +5.96 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.49 EPA/play
  7. 7Ryan WilliamsRyan Williams · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.68 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
  8. 8S. Vines · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.30 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

C. Palmer — CIN · Passing

C. Palmer posted the highest total EPA (+16.26) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Cincinnati Bengals. Across 45 counted snaps, they averaged +0.36 EPA per play.

C. Palmer's top snap (+3.32 EPA): (11:56) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson to CIN 49 for 20 yards (31-R.McQuarters). PENALTY on DET-92-S.Rogers, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforced at CIN 49.

Biggest single play (-5.24 EPA): S. Graham — 17-S.Graham kicks 63 yards from CIN 30 to DET 7. 31-R.McQuarters to DET 23 for 16 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by CIN-88-T.Perry at DET 23. 88-T.Perry to DET 23 for no gain (63-B.Gutierrez).

Quarterback report card

C. Palmer led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) · 45 dropbacks · 62.2% completion · +0.36 EPA/play · +16.26 total EPA
  • J. Garcia (Detroit Lions) · 23 dropbacks · 56.5% completion · -0.31 EPA/play · -7.19 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatCincinnati BengalsDetroit Lions
Offensive EPA/play+0.261-0.091
Offensive success rate53.7%50.8%
Pass EPA/play+0.358-0.031
Rush EPA/play+0.035-0.112
Defensive EPA/play+0.091-0.261
Defensive success rate49.2%46.3%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Cincinnati Bengals generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.26 vs -0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Cincinnati Bengals: +0.26 EPA/play (96th percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
  • Detroit Lions: -0.09 EPA/play (31st percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
  • Cincinnati Bengals: 11 drives, +24.76 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
  • Detroit Lions: 11 drives, -5.76 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Cincinnati Bengals — K. Washington (C. Palmer pass) (Q1 7:58)
  • Cornelius JohnsonCincinnati Bengals — Cornelius Johnson (C. Palmer pass) (Q1 3:05)
  • Ryan WilliamsDetroit Lions — Ryan Williams (J. Garcia pass) (Q2 12:46)
  • Cincinnati Bengals — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 9:27)
  • Roschon JohnsonCincinnati Bengals — Roschon Johnson (Q3 9:37)
  • Roschon JohnsonCincinnati Bengals — Roschon Johnson (Q4 11:08)
  • Casey RogersDetroit Lions — Casey Rogers (Jax Harrington pass) (Q4 6:54)

Field goals

  • Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham (Q1 11:44)
  • Jake HansonDetroit Lions — Jake Hanson (Q3 5:27)
  • Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham (Q4 1:59)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 17–0. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the DET 10 (Q1 11:44) — (11:44) 17-S.Graham 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the DET 18 (Q1 7:58) — (7:58) 9-C.Palmer pass to 87-K.Washington for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 7:52) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q1 3:05) — (3:05) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 2:59) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the CIN 5 (Q2 12:46) — (12:46) 5-J.Garcia pass to 11-R.Williams for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q2 12:42) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the DET 7 (Q2 9:27) — (9:27) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q2 9:20) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..

The third quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 7–3. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the DET 4 (Q3 9:37) — (9:37) 32-R.Johnson right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q3 9:32) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the CIN 27 (Q3 5:27) — (5:27) 4-J.Hanson 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris..

The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 10–7. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the DET 16 (Q4 11:08) — (11:08) 32-R.Johnson left tackle for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 11:01) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the CIN 35 (Q4 6:54) — (6:54) 3-J.Harrington pass to 80-C.Rogers for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q4 6:44) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the DET 15 (Q4 1:59) — (1:59) 17-S.Graham 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Detroit Lions (Q1 15:00) — 17-S.Graham kicks 63 yards from CIN 30 to DET 7. 31-R.McQuarters to DET 23 for 16 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by CIN-88-T.Perry at DET 23. 88-T.Perry to DET 23 for no gain (63-B.Gutierrez). [WPA -8.7% · EPA -5.24]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 11:56) — (11:56) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson to CIN 49 for 20 yards (31-R.McQuarters). PENALTY on DET-92-S.Rogers, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforced at CIN 49. [WPA +7.3% · EPA +3.32]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 7:58) — (7:58) 9-C.Palmer pass to 87-K.Washington for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.1% · EPA +2.71]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 14:50) — (14:50) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh to DET 17 for 6 yards (31-R.McQuarters). [WPA +7.1% · EPA +0.21]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 9:56) — (9:56) (No Huddle) 9-C.Palmer pass to 87-K.Washington to DET 48 for 12 yards (32-D.Bly; 52-J.Davis). [WPA +6.8% · EPA +1.50]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Detroit Lions (Q1 15:00) — 17-S.Graham kicks 63 yards from CIN 30 to DET 7. 31-R.McQuarters to DET 23 for 16 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by CIN-88-T.Perry at DET 23. 88-T.Perry to DET 23 for no gain (63-B.Gutierrez). [WPA -8.7% · EPA -5.24]
  • Detroit Lions (Q4 6:54) — (6:54) 3-J.Harrington pass to 80-C.Rogers for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +0.1% · EPA +4.68]
  • Detroit Lions (Q2 8:07) — (8:07) 5-J.Garcia pass intended for 11-R.Williams INTERCEPTED by 24-D.O'Neal at CIN 43. 24-D.O'Neal to DET 48 for 9 yards (21-A.Pinner). [WPA -4.3% · EPA -4.00]
  • Detroit Lions (Q1 5:53) — (5:53) 5-J.Garcia pass intended for 49-S.McHugh INTERCEPTED by 97-J.Thornton at DET 45. 97-J.Thornton to DET 45 for no gain (81-M.Pollard). [WPA -6.5% · EPA -3.83]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q1 11:44 · DET 10 · Score 3-0
    (11:44) 17-S.Graham 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  2. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 7:58 · DET 18 · Score 9-0
    (7:58) 9-C.Palmer pass to 87-K.Washington for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 7:52 · DET 2 · Score 10-0
    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  4. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 3:05 · DET 1 · Score 16-0
    (3:05) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 2:59 · DET 2 · Score 17-0
    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  6. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 12:46 · CIN 5 · Score 17-6
    (12:46) 5-J.Garcia pass to 11-R.Williams for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 12:42 · CIN 2 · Score 17-7
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
  8. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 9:27 · DET 7 · Score 23-7
    (9:27) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 9:20 · DET 2 · Score 24-7
    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  10. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q3 9:37 · DET 4 · Score 30-7
    (9:37) 32-R.Johnson right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q3 9:32 · DET 2 · Score 31-7
    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  12. Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q3 5:27 · CIN 27 · Score 31-10
    (5:27) 4-J.Hanson 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
  13. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 11:08 · DET 16 · Score 37-10
    (11:08) 32-R.Johnson left tackle for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 11:01 · DET 2 · Score 38-10
    17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
  15. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 6:54 · CIN 35 · Score 38-16
    (6:54) 3-J.Harrington pass to 80-C.Rogers for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  16. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q4 6:44 · CIN 2 · Score 38-17
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
  17. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 1:59 · DET 15 · Score 41-17
    (1:59) 17-S.Graham 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Cincinnati Bengals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Detroit Lions on 2005-12-18?

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Detroit Lions 41-17 in Week 15, 2005.

What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Detroit Lions?

Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 17, Detroit Lions 0; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Detroit Lions 7; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Detroit Lions 3; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 10, Detroit Lions 7; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 41, Detroit Lions 17.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Detroit Lions?

Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — K. Washington (C. Palmer pass) (Q1 7:58) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Johnson (C. Palmer pass) (Q1 3:05) Detroit Lions touchdown — R. Williams (J. Garcia pass) (Q2 12:46) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 9:27) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — R. Johnson (Q3 9:37) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — R. Johnson (Q4 11:08) Detroit Lions touchdown — C. Rogers (J. Harrington pass) (Q4 6:54) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q1 11:44, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q3 5:27, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q4 1:59, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs Detroit Lions?

C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals), 62.2% completion, +0.36 EPA per dropback, +16.26 total passing EPA. J. Garcia (Detroit Lions), 56.5% completion, -0.31 EPA per dropback, -7.19 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Cincinnati Bengals vs Detroit Lions?

C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +16.26 total EPA on Passing plays. across 45 snaps. Their top snap (+3.32 EPA): (11:56) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass to 85-C.Johnson to CIN 49 for 20 yards (31-R.McQuarters). PENALTY on DET-92-S.Rogers, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforced at CIN 49..

Season records after this game

Cincinnati Bengals

Entered 10-3 Now 11-3 W

Detroit Lions

Entered 4-9 Now 4-10 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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