Cowboys vs Lions Predictions: Week 14 Thursday Night Football Preview

Dallas Cowboys @ Detroit Lions

Line: Lions -3.5 

Total: 54.5 

 

We kick off the Week 14 slate with a NFC banger between two play-off hopefuls. The Lions are listed as 3.5 point home favorites while Vegas is expecting plenty of points to be scored. Kick-off is set for 8:15 ET and the game will be broadcast on Prime Video. 

 

As noted above, both of these teams are still fighting for the play-offs and with a total approaching 55 this could be one of the best games of the week. These teams have been trending in opposite directions, however. Dallas has been in arguably the best form in the NFL while the Lions have been struggling as of late. When looking at both teams, I firmly believe that the Cowboys are the better team right this instance and had this game been played in September we would have seen a near touchdown spread for the home team. 

 

Detroit plays the most man-coverage in the NFL on defense and I just don’t see how they’re going to man up CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens all night. They’ve operated as a pass-funnel defense this season and it’s another smash spot for Dak and the Cowboys passing offense. Prescott, in my opinion, should be getting more MVP buzz. 

 

As far as the Lions side of things, they want to run the ball. That may be tough tonight, as the Cowboys run defense has been much improved as of late with the additions they made at the trade deadline. Amon-Ra St. Brown will be out for this game as well, putting even more pressure on Jared Goff to have a good game. I think Dallas could play from ahead here, so we should see Jahmyr Gibbs contribute big time as a receiver tonight. 

 

Overall, as I wrote on Monday I hate to back a public dog but this game is a tale of two situations for me. Dallas is in the best form of any team right now and it’s tough for me to pick against them in a game I expect to shoot out. 

 

Touchdown Prediction: George Pickens 

Score Prediction: Cowboys 31, Lions 23