The Detroit Lions are once again back in the prime time spotlight, but this time in a bumpier spot than normal.
Riddled with late season injuries once more, the Lions need a win against the Dallas Cowboys tonight on “Thursday Night Football” on their precarious road to the playoffs.
With the stakes so high, national media writers and analysts certainly have a lot to say about this matchup, take a look.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco: Cowboys 34, Lions 33
“This is a playoff game. Both teams need it in the worst way. Dallas has come alive the past two weeks, while the Lions have been leaking oil. The Cowboys offense should be able to move the football here, while the improved Dallas defense will be able to limit the Lions late to win it. It’s close, but the Cowboys take it.”
Sporting News’ Bill Bender: Lions 28, Cowboys 24
“Both teams are in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt. Dallas has allowed 69.7 rushing yards per game through a three-game winning streak. Detroit is at home and in desperation mode in the NFC North. The Lions have allowed 29 points per game in their last three home games.”
Pro Football Talks’ Mike Florio: Cowboys 27, Lions 24, and Chris Simms: Cowboys 37, Lions 28.
“The Cowboys are surging. The Lions are struggling. The Lions may be tight. The Cowboys should be loose.”
Three NFL.com analysts picked the Cowboys to win, while two are rolling with the Lions. Tom Blair: Cowboys 30, Lions 25
“Fittingly, Dallas and Dan Campbell’s crew sit next to each other in the conference standings, only the Cowboys climbed up to ninth place, winning three straight, while the Lions slid down to eighth, losing two of their last three. And though their defenses have been comparable in that span (23rd in EPA per play for Dallas, 24th for Detroit), the Cowboys’ offense (third in EPA per play) has been much more dangerous than the Lions’ (18th). Quinnen Williams and Dak Prescott have Dallas clicking on both sides of the ball, but — nope! No buts! I’m riding with the hot hands on the hot team, and that’s that.”
The USA Today’s sports staff was a bit more confident in the Lions, with four picking Detroit to win and two going with Dallas.
“The Lions have been rather unreliable as of late, losing two of their last three. But I think, at home, this presents the chance for them to get their offense back on track against a Cowboys defense that has been better, but can be vulnerable. Jahmyr Gibbs could be in line for a huge day.” — Lorenzo Reyes, Lions win
“How much does the injury of Amon-Ra St. Brown hurt the Lions? Dallas is looking great, and it should be able to keep this one at least close.” — Jordan Mendonza, Cowboys win
Finally, of the 11 experts who were polled at ESPN, just two think the Lions will pull off a win.
And onto the rest of your notes.
- Remember to wear white tonight if you’re heading to the game.
- DJ Reader has been nominated for the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
- Voting is open now for the Lions’ nominees for NFL Fan of Year. Get to work!
- In case you missed this — a wholesome moment between Lions fans. It pays off to be kind to strangers!
- Known to many as World of Isaac, Andy will be honored with the Courage Award at the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025 induction ceremony this Dec. 19, and anyone can attend.
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