Saturday Night Football Preview: Lions Vs. Cowboys Props, Odds & Injury Report


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Lions Wild Card Injury Report - Sam LaPorta Dealing With Knee Injury

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 logo Lions DET
Cowboys logo Cowboys DAL
Offense Ranking OFF RNK3rd14th
Defense Ranking DEF RNK22nd23rd
Offense Net Yards Per Game OFF NET YPG397330.8
Defense Net Yards Per Game DEF NET YPG349355.3
Passing Yards Per Game PASS YPG245.8255.5
Turnovers Committed Per Game TOC PG10.8

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

PlayerInjuryStatus
Taylor DeckerGroinQuestionable
C.J. Gardner-JohnsonPectoralQuestionable

Dallas Cowboys Week 17 injury update: Tyron Smith likely to play

Player Pos Position Injury Status Snaps/g Snaps Per Game Comment
Brandin Cooks WR Knee Out 54.3 Cooks is dealing with an infection in his knee and has been placed on the injured reserve list. He will miss at least four games.
Caelen Carson CB Shoulder Out 51 Carson is listed as a gameday inactive for Week 5 versus the Steelers.
Chuma Edoga G Toe Out 7 Edoga is dealing with a toe injury and has been placed on the injured reserve list. He will miss at least four games.
DaRon Bland CB Foot Out 0 Bland suffered a stress fracture in his foot and has been placed on the injured reserve list. He will miss at least four games.
DeMarcus Lawrence DE Foot Out 41.8 Lawrence is dealing with a foot injury and has been placed on the injured reserve list. He will miss at least four games.
Deuce Vaughn RB Gameday Inactive Out 8.5 Week 5
Earl Bostick Jr. OT Leg Out 60 Bostick is dealing with a leg injury and has been placed on the injured reserve list. He will miss the entire 2024-25 season.
John Stephens Jr. TE Gameday Inactive Out 0 Week 5
Jordan Phillips DT Wrist Out 17 Phillips is dealing with a wrist injury and has been placed on the injured reserve list. He will miss at least four games.
K.J. Henry DE Gameday Inactive Out 9 Week 5
Marist Liufau LB Quad Probable 38.3 Liufau is active for week 5 versus the Steelers.
Matt Waletzko OT Gameday Inactive Out 0 Week 5
Micah Parsons LB Ankle Out 60 Parsons has been ruled out heading into Week 5 versus the Steelers and is listed as a gameday inactive.
Nathan Thomas OT Undisclosed Out 0 Thomas is dealing with an undisclosed injury and has been placed on the injured reserve list. He will miss the 2024-25 season.
Sam Williams DE Knee Out 0 Williams suffered a torn ACL and MCL and has been placed on the injured reserve list. He will miss the 2024-25 season.
Trevon Diggs CB Ankle Probable 64.3 Diggs is active for Week 5 versus the Steelers.
Trey Lance QB Gameday Inactive Out 0 Week 5