The Dallas Cowboys have turned their season around and have a winning record for the first time all season, thanks to a crucial three-game win streak with the season on the line.
America’s team now sits at a 6-5-1 record and is currently the ninth seed in the NFC playoff picture. Ahead of them are the Detroit Lions with a 7-5 mark, making this highly anticipated Thursday Night Football clash of utmost importance for both teams in terms of potential playoff hopes.
After winning a big-time Thanksgiving matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs 31-28 in one of the best games of the year, the Cowboys face another important challenge against the Lions in primetime.
Keys to Victory
Dallas’s high-powered offense will need to show up the way it has been the last three weeks. A crucial part of this is no turnovers. While the Cowboys made up for the early interception from Dak Prescott, that may not be the case on Thursday. The Chiefs and Eagles have struggled recently, and the same can be said for the Lions. However, with Detroit being at home, a single turnover could prove to be costly.
The Lions go for it a lot on fourth down, and it will likely be the difference in the game. If the Cowboys' defense can stop Dan Campbell’s offense on those downs, that sets up the offense in a prime position as well. The point differential from those turnovers on downs is massive.
The Cowboys struggle with penalties; this is no revelation, and a loud road environment certainly will not help their case. Dallas will have to limit its pre-snap penalties and not get behind the chains.
Matchup History
Dallas has won six of the last seven games against the Lions. Most recently, the Lions won at AT&T Stadium, 47-9, last season, when Prescott was hurt. This Thursday will be the first time Dallas plays in Detroit since 2019, a game which the Cowboys won 35-27.
Prediction: Cowboys Get It Done For Signature Road Win
While Dallas has had great success at home this season, it faces a massive road test this week at Detroit in Ford Field. The Cowboys were able to beat both the Eagles and Chiefs in under a week, and playing in the confines of AT&T Stadium certainly helped them.
While the Cowboys have not been a great road team this season, being on a winning streak with confidence sky-high can make the difference. The environment may be tough to handle at times, but Dallas makes some big plays through both the run and passing game as the offense leads them to victory.
This will be a defensive challenge for the Cowboys against a high-powered Lions offense. It may not look good at times, but a couple of key stops will be crucial. Prescott leads the Cowboys to a statement win that puts Dallas firmly in the playoff hunt.