After a statement win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving, the Dallas Cowboys are staring down the final challenge of a tough three-game stretch: a Thursday night showdown with the Detroit Lions. This one’s shaping up to be a playoff-caliber clash with real postseason implications.
Both teams are in the thick of the race, and neither can afford to slip. For Dallas, a few key players will need to rise to the occasion if they want to come out on top in what promises to be a physical, high-stakes battle.
Let’s break down three Cowboys who’ll be crucial in this matchup.
1) Javonte Williams - Time to Lean on the Ground Game
Dallas has been efficient on the ground all season, and this week, they’ll have a chance to exploit a Lions defense that’s been reeling since the bye week. Detroit came into Week 9 with a 5-2 record and a defense that was holding opponents to just 21 points per game.
But since then, the wheels have started to wobble a bit. Over the last five games, the Lions have gone 2-3 and are giving up 25 points per contest - a noticeable slide.
A big part of that regression? Their run defense.
Detroit has allowed an average of 126 rushing yards per game in that span, and their defensive rush EPA has dipped into the bottom half of the league. Simply put, they’re struggling to stop physical backs, and that’s where Javonte Williams comes in.
Williams may have had a quiet outing against Kansas City, but don’t let that fool you - he’s been one of the most consistent backs in the league this season. He’s top six in rushing yards (955), first downs on the ground (50), and yards per game (79.6). He’s a downhill runner with the kind of physicality that can wear down a defense over four quarters.
If Dallas can establish Williams early and get their offensive line moving bodies at the point of attack, it could open up the rest of the playbook. We’ve seen teams like the Packers and Giants use the run to set up explosive plays against Detroit in recent weeks. That blueprint is there for the Cowboys - now it’s about execution.
2) DeMarvion Overshown and Logan Wilson - Containing the Home-Run Threat
On the flip side, Dallas’ defense has its own headache to deal with: Jahmyr Gibbs.
Gibbs has been electric this season. He’s not just fast - he’s fast with purpose.
The Lions’ young back leads the league in explosive runs, with 24 carries of 20+ yards, including 14 of 30+ and eight of 40+. That’s not just production - that’s game-breaking ability.
Just ask the Giants. In Week 12, Gibbs torched New York for 219 yards on just 15 carries, including a 69-yard walk-off touchdown in overtime. That kind of play flips a game on its head, and it's exactly what Dallas can’t afford to give up on Thursday.
The responsibility of slowing down Gibbs will fall heavily on linebackers DeMarvion Overshown and Logan Wilson. Both have been working their way into rhythm - Overshown with his rookie adjustments and Wilson getting back into form - but this is the week they’ll need to put it all together.
It’s not just about making tackles - it’s about making the right tackles. Gibbs thrives on missed angles and over-pursuit.
Dallas’ linebackers will need to stay disciplined, read their keys, and close fast. If they can keep Gibbs from getting to the second level, they’ll force Detroit to play a more methodical game - and that plays into the Cowboys’ hands.
3) The Bigger Picture
This game has the feel of a playoff preview - two talented teams with explosive offenses and defenses capable of swinging momentum. For Dallas, the formula is clear: control the line of scrimmage, limit the big plays, and let their stars shine.
Javonte Williams is built for games like this - physical, cold-weather battles where every yard matters. And on defense, Overshown and Wilson will be the tip of the spear against one of the league’s most dynamic backs.
There’s no margin for error in December football, and the Cowboys know it. They’ve already proven they can knock off top-tier teams. Now it’s about consistency - and closing out this stretch with another statement win.