This Sunday, the NFL stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Detroit Lions take on the Dallas Cowboys in a matchup that promises to deliver excitement and intensity. Both teams are eager to showcase their strengths, with the Lions riding a wave of momentum coming off of their bye and the Cowboys looking to assert their dominance at home. As fans gear up for a pivotal game in the playoff race and the NFC rankings, all eyes will be on the field to see which team will rise to the occasion and secure a crucial victory.
The Lions are coming off of their bye week, so expect a well-rested team heading into this matchup. They are red hot after their stellar performance against the Seattle Seahawks, with quarterback Jared Goff going 18 for 18 to set a new perfect passing attempts record. I expect the Lions to ride this wave of momentum into this game and produce on a similar level to what they did against the Seahawks.
The Lions' issue is that they have lost six straight games to the Cowboys. On top of that, the Cowboys have won two back-to-back games against the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The momentum wave is with the Cowboys as well, and the Cowboys are 16-3 in their last 19 home games. This will be a true test of grit for the Lions, and a win for the Cowboys will put them right back in the driver's seat as an NFC contender.
How to Watch
Date: Sunday, Oct. 13
Time: 4:25 p.m. EST
Venue: AT&T Stadium
How to Watch (TV): FOX
Lions record: 3-1
Cowboys record: 3-2
Betting Odds
Spread
Lions -3 (-115)
Cowboys +3 (-105)
Moneyline
Lions -168
Cowboys +142
Total
OVER 52.5 (-105)
UNDER 52.5 (-115)
Lions Injury Report
Frank Ragnow, C - Questionable
Brian Branch, S - Questionable
Christian Mahogany, G - Out
Cowboys Injury Report
Micah Parsons, LB - Questionable
Caelen Carson, CB - Questionable
Marshawn Kneeland, DE - Doubtful
Tyler Guyton, OT - Questionable
Cowboys Injury Report
Micah Parsons, LB - Questionable
Caelen Carson, CB - Questionable
Marshawn Kneeland, DE - Doubtful
Tyler Guyton, OT - Questionable
Lions
Offense
The Cowboys have seriously struggled against the run this season, ranking 24th in rushing yards allowed per game, 26th in rushing attempts allowed per game, and 28th in rushing touchdowns allowed per game. With Micah Parsons' status up in the air for this game, the Lions need to take advantage of the Cowboys' struggling rushing defense and feed the football to Gibbs and Montgomery. Against the Seahawks, Montgomery produced 40 yards rushing on 12 attempts, including one touchdown. Gibbs had more touches with 14 and generated more yards with 78 and two touchdowns. It's a simple game plan for the Lions to execute: give Gibbs and Montgomery the ball. Capitalize on a struggling rushing defense and come away with a victory.
Goff does not need to throw the football as much in this game. While the Cowboys passing defense ranks intermediary at best, ranking 11th in passing yards allowed and 18th in yards per pass allowed, Goff doesn't need to rely on his arm to save the game. If anything, he can use a tat pad and make some highlight plays with his wide receivers, but this is not a game where the passing game is the priority. Just run the ball.
Defense
Here is the dilemma for the Lions. The Cowboys have one of the best passing offenses in the league, with QB Dak Prescott and star wide receiver Ceedee Lamb among them. The Cowboys currently rank second in passing yards, averaging 271 yards per game, while the Lions' defense currently ranks 27th in passing yards allowed per game, with an average of 258 yards. Surely, this is what the Cowboys will use the most, as their rushing offense is mediocre, especially with washed Ezekiel Elliot and Rico Dowdle.
The Lions can potentially win the defensive battle by pressuring Prescott. Lions star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is already having a DPOY candidate year, with 6.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Hutchinson getting to Prescott can greatly negate the passing threat for the defense. Sure, you already have Safety Kirby Joseph in the back, with three interceptions this year, but against this type of offense, it won't be easy to contain. Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold has had some success in coverage, but the defense needs to be aware of the penalties that he has produced. He has the most among cornerbacks, so expect the Cowboys to exploit this as much as possible to gain more yards after the play.
Cowboys
Offense
As I said above, the Cowboys' main priority is to throw the ball. The Lions' main struggle is against the passing game, allowing Seahawks QB Geno Smith to throw for over 300 yards in their last game. Ceedee Lamb should get some touches through the air with a touchdown or two, and against this defense, I would not be surprised if Prescott throws close to or over 300 yards.
In terms of the rushing attack, don't expect much. If anything, getting the first down or a one-yard touchdown run will be just a few yards. This has been the case all season, so don't expect any changes in this game. If you are relying on Elliot or Dowdle to grab some much-needed fantasy points in your league this week.... good luck.
Defense
The Cowboys cannot rely on their passing defense to steal the victory here. The Lions have running backs that will stampede all over the Dallas front, and with Micah Parsons' status up in the air, this is a worry for Cowboys fans. If the defense is going to have any success, they will need to contain the run game of the Lions and make Goff throw the ball, which is another concern. Goff was perfect in his last game, and with wide receiver stars Amon Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, it won't be as if the Lions won't have options to throw the ball. The Cowboys will most likely have to rely on their offense to carry them this game.
Prediction
This will be a frustrating game for both teams. It's frustrating in a way where the Lions have to find their groove again after the bye, and the Cowboys because they might not have their star defensive end and can't stop the run. Expect some highlight plays in the passing game for the Cowboys and some stellar rushing performances for the Lions. I believe the Lions will pull away in the 2nd half of this one and continue their rise in the NFL rankings.
Final Score: Lions 31, Cowboys 24
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