The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions meet under the bright lights of Thursday Night Football in a matchup carrying major playoff implications for both NFC contenders. Detroit enters Week 14 reeling from a costly Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers, dropping to 7-5 and slipping further in a division now controlled by the surging Chicago Bears (9-3) and Green Bay (8-3-1). With only five games left, the Lions’ postseason path is officially narrowing.
Dallas, on the other hand, has breathed new life into its season. The Cowboys stunned the NFL with back-to-back upsets over the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, improving to 6-5-1 and climbing back into the Wild Card race. With a favorable late-season slate—featuring Detroit, Minnesota, the Chargers, Washington and the Giants—Dallas suddenly looks like a team capable of a serious December push.
Oddsmakers still like Detroit at home, installing the Lions as slight favorites at Ford Field. Both teams benefit from extended rest after Thanksgiving, putting added weight on coaching adjustments, injury management and preparation. With both offenses capable of explosive stretches, this matchup sets the stage for one of Week 14’s most intriguing NFC showdowns.
Odds and Viewing Information
• Spread: Cowboys +3 (+100) | Lions -3 (-120)
• Moneyline: Cowboys +145 | Lions -175
• Total: 54.5
• Kickoff: Thursday, Dec. 4 at 8:15 p.m. EST
• Location: Ford Field
• Broadcast: Prime Video
Betting Trends to Know
Dallas has been a bettor’s friend this season, posting a 7-5 record against the spread—including a remarkable 5-1 mark as an underdog. Detroit sits at 6-6 ATS but has been dependable when bouncing back from losses, going 3-1 in those spots. Both teams have leaned heavily toward shootouts in 2025: the Cowboys lead the NFL with an 8-4 record to the OVER, while Detroit isn’t far behind at 7-5.
Injury Updates
Cowboys: TBA
Lions: Amon-Ra St. Brown (Questionable), additional updates pending.
Key Player to Watch: George Pickens, WR, Cowboys
Cowboys receiver George Pickens has emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers in 2025. His clutch performance on Thanksgiving—including a vital two-point conversion—helped seal Dallas’ win over Kansas City. Through 12 games, Pickens has totaled 73 catches, 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns, surpassing 78 receiving yards in seven straight outings. With Detroit ranking 16th in EPA per pass, the Cowboys are expected to lean heavily on Dak Prescott’s rapport with Pickens to stretch the field early and often.
Prediction
Both teams enter with urgency, but Detroit’s home-field advantage and ability to respond after setbacks give the Lions a slight edge. Dallas will challenge them vertically, and the scoreboard should light up as a result. Expect a fast-paced contest where one key stop—or turnover—decides the outcome.
