Tough Lions take on scintillating Cowboys in Dallas
The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys face off on Saturday night football in Week 17 armed with two of the best offenses in the NFL. Both teams are top-five in EPA per play and points scored, averaging a combined 58.1 points and 762.5 yards per game. Detroit wrapped up the NFC North with a Week 16 win against the Minnesota Vikings, securing their first division title since 1993 and their first postseason berth since 2016.
However, while playoff passage is essentially secured for the Cowboys, they’ll be looking to bounce back from consecutive losses to the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. Despite that, they could still put themselves back in the driver’s seat for the NFC East title with a win.
The Lions might have to pound the rock to win
The Lions are averaging the third-most rushing yards per game in the NFL this season (141.1) and are top five in rushing touchdowns (24). Thanks to a strong offensive line, solid play-calling, and an excellent one-two punch in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, the offense flows through the running game. The Cowboys’ defense is a top-10 unit in EPA per play this season, per PFF, and has few weaknesses, but if it’s beatable anywhere, it’s likely on the ground.
Dallas is allowing 115.7 rushing yards per game this season and 154.3 rushing yards per game in its last three contests, including 266 rushing yards against the Bills. The Lions may look to create mismatches up front with the menacing offensive line, potentially paving the way for Montgomery and Gibbs.
The Cowboys’ path to victory likely includes plenty of CeeDee Lamb
The Dallas offense has been one of the best in the NFL for a few years now, but it’s elevated itself in 2023 thanks in part to the performance of CeeDee Lamb. The former No. 17 overall pick is having a career season, recording highs in receptions (109), receiving yards (1,424), and total touchdowns (11).
The Lions’ passing defense has struggled with consistency, too. It’s allowing 234.9 passing yards per game and is 26th in EPA per play allowed in coverage. The Cowboys’ strength is and can be the Lions’ weakness. Per PFF, Detroit has also allowed the third-most explosive pass plays in the NFL this season. If Dak Prescott can get the ball to Lamb often, the Cowboys’ chances of winning could see a boost.
Lions vs. Cowboys player props
Below, we will take a look at some player props for this matchup. If you are located in a state where pick’em contests are legal, feel free to check out our PrizePicks and Betr Picks reviews.
Lions vs. Cowboys odds & betting lines
Lions vs. Cowboys head to head
| STATS | 
Lions
DET | 
Cowboys
DAL |
|---|---|---|
| Offense Ranking OFF RNK | 3rd | 14th |
| Defense Ranking DEF RNK | 22nd | 23rd |
| Offense Net Yards Per Game OFF NET YPG | 397 | 330.8 |
| Defense Net Yards Per Game DEF NET YPG | 349 | 355.3 |
| Passing Yards Per Game PASS YPG | 245.8 | 255.5 |
| Turnovers Committed Per Game TOC PG | 1 | 0.8 |
Lions vs. Cowboys injury report: Who’s out, who’s starting?
Detroit safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was medically cleared to return ahead of Week 16 but may still not be ready in time as he ramps up after suffering a pectoral injury. If he’s playing, Gardner-Johnson can be a difference-maker for a Detroit secondary that needs a shot in the arm.
The Cowboys will hope to have starting left tackle Tyron Smith back for the game after he missed the Week 16 loss to the Dolphins. In his absence, Prescott was sacked four times.
Detroit Lions Week 17 injury update: C.J. Gardner-Johnson questionable
| Player | Injury | Status |
| Taylor Decker | Groin | Questionable |
| C.J. Gardner-Johnson | Pectoral | Questionable |
Dallas Cowboys Week 17 injury update: Tyron Smith likely to play
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