The Detroit Lions are back under the Thursday night lights, and while it’s not technically a short week, it sure feels like the pressure is mounting fast. After a tough Thanksgiving loss to the Packers, the Lions are staring down a critical stretch - and it starts with a marquee matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field on December 4, with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
At 7-5, Detroit finds itself in a tight NFC playoff race, trailing in the NFC North and needing to win four of its final five games to realistically keep its postseason - and Super Bowl - aspirations alive. That’s a tall order, especially with injuries piling up and a red-hot Cowboys team rolling into town.
The Cowboys Are Clicking - Especially on Defense
Let’s start with Dallas. Yes, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys' passing game have been lighting it up - and no, that’s not hyperbole.
Prescott threw for 354 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles, then followed it up with 320 yards and two more scores against the Chiefs. That’s back-to-back wins over the defending NFC and AFC champions, and he made it look smooth.
But here’s the thing: this recent three-game win streak isn’t just about the offense. Dallas has tightened up defensively, giving up just 312 total yards per game over that stretch. Compare that to the nearly 400 yards per game they were surrendering in the first nine weeks, and you’ve got a team that’s not just explosive - it’s balanced.
That defensive surge could spell trouble for a Lions offense that’s banged up at the worst possible time.
Detroit’s Injury Woes Are Mounting
When healthy, the Lions can go toe-to-toe with anyone - including the Cowboys. But that’s a big “when.”
Detroit will be without starting guard Christian Mahogany and standout rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. And there’s a real chance All-Pro wideout Amon-Ra St.
Brown misses the game as well.
That’s a brutal hit to the offense, especially for quarterback Jared Goff, who’s already been under duress more often than he’s used to. Goff was sacked three times for the second straight week against Green Bay, and with center Frank Ragnow staying retired, there’s not much relief coming up front. If the pocket keeps collapsing, Goff’s ability to keep pace in a shootout could be compromised.
Still, the Lions Have Firepower
All that said, Detroit isn’t limping into this game. They’ve still got weapons - and some of them are just starting to hit their stride. Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs continues to be a spark plug out of the backfield, and wide receiver Jameson Williams is coming off a breakout performance, racking up a career-high 144 receiving yards against the Packers.
If this game turns into a shootout - and with these offenses, it very well could - the Lions have the firepower to hang. The key will be creating just enough disruption on defense. If Detroit can force a turnover or two, especially considering Prescott’s history of being turnover-prone under pressure, the Lions can flip the script and control the game’s tempo.
Prediction: Lions 28, Cowboys 27
This one has the makings of a classic - two teams with explosive offenses, postseason stakes, and a national spotlight. It’s going to come down to execution in the trenches, timely stops, and which quarterback can stay upright long enough to make the big throws. Give the edge - just barely - to the Lions at home in what could be a defining win for their season.
How to Watch
Game: Cowboys at Lions
Date: Thursday, Dec.
4
Time: 8:15 p.m.
ET
TV/Streaming: Prime Video (national), WJBK-TV (Fox 2 in Detroit), Fubo (free trial available)
Betting Lines (via BetMGM)
- Spread: Lions -3
- Over/Under: 53.5
- Moneyline: Cowboys +145, Lions -175
Lions 2025 Schedule (So Far)
- Week 1: L, 27-13 at Packers
- Week 2: W, 52-21 vs.
Bears
- Week 3: W, 38-30 at Ravens
- Week 4: W, 34-10 vs. Browns
- Week 5: W, 37-24 at Bengals
- Week 6: L, 30-17 at Chiefs
- Week 7: W, 24-9 vs. Buccaneers
- Week 8: Bye
- Week 9: L, 27-24 vs.
Vikings
- Week 10: W, 44-22 at Commanders
- Week 11: L, 16-9 at Eagles
- Week 12: W, 34-27 (OT) vs.
Giants
- Week 13: L, 31-24 vs.
Packers
- Week 14: vs.
Cowboys, Dec. 4
- Week 15: at Rams, Dec. 14
- Week 16: vs. Steelers, Dec.
21
- Week 17: at Vikings, Dec.
25
- Week 18: at Bears, Jan.
3-4 (TBD)
The Lions have no margin for error. Thursday night could be the moment this team either reasserts itself as a true contender - or starts to slip out of the playoff picture.
Either way, buckle up. This one’s going to be fun.