Lions vs Cowboys: A Must-Win Clash for Both Teams to Revive Playoff Hopes
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In a crucial matchup, the Detroit Lions host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, with both teams desperate for a win to boost their playoff prospects. The Cowboys are on a three-game winning streak, while the Lions are seeking to end a three-game losing streak. The Lions hold a slim 3-point lead over the Cowboys in the BetMGM line, with the Cowboys boasting a 7-5 record against the spread and the Lions at 6-6. This season, the Cowboys have a 19-13 series record against the Lions, with the Lions' last win coming in a 47-9 thrashing on October 13, 2024. The Cowboys' offense has been in top form, with running back Javonte Williams on the cusp of his first 1,000-yard season, while the Lions' ability to establish a running game with Jahmyr Gibbs will be pivotal in setting up Jared Goff's play-action passes. However, the Lions' running game has been inconsistent, with Gibbs averaging 4.5 yards or more per carry in six wins and fewer than 4 yards per carry in six losses. The Cowboys' defense, led by elite run-stopping DT Quinnen Williams, has allowed just 69.7 yards rushing per game since his acquisition. The Cowboys are also expected to get back cornerback Trevon Diggs, who has been sidelined with a concussion and knee issues, while the Lions will be without wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who suffered an ankle injury last week. In a battle of contrasting fortunes, the Lions are seeking to end a six-game losing streak against the Cowboys, while the Cowboys are looking to continue their momentum under head coach Brian Schottenheimer. The Cowboys have a 9-2 record on 'Thursday Night Football' since its launch in 2006, and their offense has allowed just 17 sacks this season. The Lions, meanwhile, are on a 56-game regular-season streak without losing two games in a row, but have lost three of their last five games. If they win on Thursday night, they will tie the league's longest streak since New England's 57-game run ended in 2006.
