Week 14 Staff Predictions – Cowboys at Lions

The Lions once again let a game (literally) slip through their fingers against a team they were favored again and should have beaten. The same issues that have plagued them since the injury bug hit flared again, with communication problems in the Defensive Backfield and on the OL the main problems allowing the Lions to underwhelm.

With the Cowboys vising on Thursday night, both teams are on even footing in terms of prep, although the injury situation is less than ideal for the Lions. Both teams' offenses are almost a dead match, and their defenses have the same weaknesses, but the Cowboys defense is bottom third if not bottom five in almost all major metrics. This should be a close matchup and likely a higher scoring affair when the dust settles.

Week 14 Staff Picks

Once again, everyone took a loss last week when the Packers pulled it out on Thanksgiving, so the scoring remains the same, with the tiebreakers changing slightly. This week we should see some movement, as we will either end with a tie at the top, or a clear-cut leader going into the final four games of the year.

Mike

The Dallas Cowboys visit the Motor City for Thursday night game against our Detroit Lions. Trends is this week’s theme. Over the last 3 weeks the Cowboys have been trending upward while the Lions seem to be trending downward. Over the last 3 weeks the Cowboys have defeated the Raiders, Eagles and Chiefs. They have won all 3 of these games averaging 29.3 pts per game. They also have the No 1 ranked Offense in the NFL. During this same timeframe the Lions played the Eagles, Giants and Packers and have gone 1-2 during this stretch and are averaging 22.3 pts per game. The Lions have the # 3 ranked Offense in the NFL. This may indicate a high scoring affair.

The Defense for the Cowboys ranks # 29 in the NFL giving up an average of 376.2 yards per game and allowing 41 TD’s. However, they have strengthened the middle of the DL with the acquisition of Quinen Williams at the trade deadline, this is also the weakest spot on the Lions Offensive Line. The Lions are ranked No 14 in overall Defense in the NFL giving up 316 yards per game and allowing 33 TD’s. The big topic of conversation of late with the Lions defense is their lack of QB Sacks. The DL will need to get to Dak Prescott Thursday.

As always Special Teams will play a big role. The Cowboys have probably the best FG kicker in the NFL in Brandon Aubrey. I would not be surprised if he connects on a 70-yard FG before the end of the 2025 season. The Lions seemed to have tightened up their Punt and KO coverage over the last few games. Let’s hope this continues.

With Trends being the theme, I am going with: Lions - 24 Cowboys - 31 I don’t see the Lions banged up Secondary keeping up with Lamb and Pickens. Plus, the Cowboys may have a score to settle with the Lions after last year’s game.

Cowboys 31, Lions 24

Brent

The Detroit Lions came into this season off a 15-2 record setting 2024 NFL season. The Lions suffered the losses of both Offensive and Defensive coordinators to head coaching opportunities in New York with the Jets and the division rival Chicago Bears. The Lions have had moments of excellence however, not consistent enough to achieve their 2024 performance.

The Lions stand at 7-5 and are two games back from a Wild Card opportunity. Unless a dramatic loss by the Bears and Packers, not likely given they play twice guaranteeing two wins by the division rivals. Also. The Lions have lost twice to Green Bay and once to Minnesota with a single win over the Bears. The Lions only advantage is a head-to-head tie with the Bears. Therefore, the Lions must win and hope the Bears lose twice to the Packers.

The Lions likely need to win a minimum of 4 games to remain eligible to get into the playoffs. This game is critical to the Lions postseason hopes. Despite all of the injuries, the Lions have immense talent. In the end, the Lions will not be able to overcome the large number of injury losses they are confronted with.

Cowboys 38, Lions 17

Chris

Dallas rolls into Ford Field with three straight wins and Dak Prescott firmly in the MVP conversation. He leads the league in win probability added, and the George Pickens trade has paid off big. Pickens and CeeDee Lamb give defenses no easy answers, and outside of Rock Ya-Sin - our CBs don't present a physical matchup against them.

The Lions are banged up - to say the least. The Sun God is questionable, the offensive line is compromised, and the defense is struggling. But this offense still has explosive firepower with Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams capable of scoring from anywhere.

The difference? Dallas fixed their defense. Since adding Quinnen Williams, they're playing with real confidence and just took down the Chiefs and Eagles back-to-back.

This will be somewhat of a shootout, but the Cowboys have momentum and health on their side. Dallas 38, Lions 27.

Cowboys 38, Lions 27

Dan

I am going to keep this short, and sweet and bullet point it out:

• Lions' backs are against the wall with their playoff hopes dwindling and success having been just a missed assignment, bad bounce or ill-timed penalty away each game they have lost

• The Lions haven't lost back-to-back games since 2022

• The Cowboy's Defense is mid, at best, even with trade deadline help

• The Lions defense has the same starters back this week as last, not trying to incorporate anyone in on a short week with just walk throughs, so communication and play should improve.

• Injuries will impact both teams

• Dallas’ linebackers are neither playmakers, nor fleet of foot. Kenneth Murray is their best, and he is a 245lb 4.52 guy. Hello Jahmyr Gibbs, to the boundary!

Bottom line, I expect the Lions to come out angry, fired up and looking to make a point. Only the KC and 1st Packers game did it feel hitting the fourth quarter that there was little hope of a victory. I expect both teams' offense will likely move the ball a lot tonight with the Lions defense getting just enough stops when needed to allow the Offense to score enough to win.

Lions 31, Cowboys 28