Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions

The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions seem to be on diverging paths as they approach the 2025 season. Injuries have significantly affected the Lions at this juncture.

Last season, it was the defense that faced numerous injuries towards the end, which ultimately hampered their performance, notably against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders in the playoffs.

Nevertheless, the Lions primarily rely on their offense, which is currently struggling to find its rhythm. Head coach Dan Campbell, known for his bold approach, has seen his team go 0-7 on fourth downs since he resumed calling plays starting from Week 10 this year.

Assessing his overall effectiveness is challenging due to the team’s injury woes. Their victories against the underperforming Commanders and Giants contrast sharply with losses to Philadelphia and, for the second time this season, the rival Packers just last week.

I began analyzing that game last week but ultimately discarded my initial draft. I then shifted my focus to the impressive performance by the Cowboys this season.

Owner Jerry Jones has faced criticism recently, particularly this year for trading away star defender Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

However, Jones seems to be rejuvenated, showing renewed vigor in his suite. While I’ve never been a fan, it’s hard not to commend his dedication in a league where many owners lack such commitment to their teams.

The addition of Quinnen Williams has made a significant impact, with linebacker Logan Wilson also delivering standout performances. The Dallas Cowboys have demonstrated remarkable development from the first half to the second half of the regular season.

Given the current circumstances, this week presents a golden opportunity for the Detroit Lions to regain their footing. It appears to be an ideal chance to capitalize on Dallas’s momentum while securing Detroit at a field goal or less in their home arena.

Dallas Cowboys (+3) at Detroit Lions (-3)

The initial odds for this matchup were set at (-5.5). However, after witnessing the Lions’ recent struggles on Thanksgiving and the Cowboys’ impressive showing, the line adjusted to a more favorable (-2.5). That was the situation when I checked it on Monday, but that line didn’t last long.

Considering how the public observed both teams in their last matchups, I doubt this line will shift to 3.5 by kickoff.

• Point Total: 54.5
• Moneyline Odds
• Cowboys: +135
• Lions: -165

Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions Betting Insights

It’s important to note that neither squad is facing a short week, as both enjoyed a standard week off. We’ve highlighted the Lions’ offensive injuries, notably missing star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown this week.

This absence is critical for Detroit since they’re not accustomed to playing without him. The Lions also grapple with defensive injuries, particularly in their secondary.

Even if they successfully contain the Cowboys’ rushing game early on, it’s difficult to envision them stalling Dak Prescott, especially with what might be the league’s best receiving duo, George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, in action.

Upon reviewing the statistics from the Packers vs. Lions matchup on Thanksgiving, it’s striking how the teams mirror each other, with the only notable difference being that the Packers converted 2-2 in the red zone while Detroit managed 2-3.

However, it’s important to remain cautious. While Dallas will again be playing indoors, their performance away from home has typically fallen short of what they achieve in AT&T Stadium.

The Lions may not have shined against formidable teams like Philadelphia and Green Bay, but those squads boast two of the best defenses in the league. Detroit will challenge the Cowboys’ defense across the field with Jahmyr Gibbs, while we might start to see Dallas’s emotional momentum take a hit.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions Betting Recommendation

Pick: Detroit Lions (-3)