The Detroit Lions are set to clash with the Dallas Cowboys in a pivotal Week 14 matchup on Thursday night at Ford Field. This primetime contest is scheduled to kick off at 8:15 PM (EST). With a record of 7-5, the Lions find themselves in third place in the NFC North and face a tight playoff scenario. The Cowboys, currently at 6-5-1, share a similar predicament, as both teams are vying for a postseason spot.
Detroit is coming off disappointing performances on defense, including a loss on Thanksgiving to the Green Bay Packers, where quarterback Jordan Love faced minimal pressure. In the last two games, the Lions have allowed over 350 total yards per game, highlighted by an alarming 517 yards given up to Jameis Winston and the New York Giants in Week 12. The struggles of defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard”s unit have shifted from being opportunistic to overwhelmed, which raises concerns as they prepare to face a potent Cowboys offense.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is enjoying a career revival, leading the league in passing yards and QBR. Additionally, Dallas wide receivers George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb have consistently posed matchup challenges for opposing defenses. This dynamic duo has combined for 124 receptions, 1,886 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns in the 2025 season. With the Cowboys averaging nearly 30 points per game and ranking among the league”s elite offenses, Detroit”s struggling pass rush could be a significant liability. Over the last two weeks, the Lions have managed only one sack, totaling just four in the past month.
Aidan Hutchinson, a Pro Bowl EDGE rusher, has had a sluggish November, recording merely 1.5 sacks, which emphasizes a broader issue: Detroit has not been able to disrupt quarterbacks consistently. Allowing Prescott, one of the league”s most efficient and accurate passers, ample time to operate could spell disaster for the Lions.
Compounding their challenges, the Lions will be without tight end Sam LaPorta, who has been placed on injured reserve due to a back injury. Furthermore, the status of Amon-Ra St. Brown is uncertain as he missed practice on Monday and Tuesday with an ankle issue. Without St. Brown, quarterback Jared Goff loses a vital target, diminishing the Lions” offensive potency.
Despite these hurdles, Detroit remains competitive on its home turf and has the potential to control the game if its offensive line performs well. However, this matchup demands more than just determination; the Lions need a defensive turnaround and a productive offensive showing against a confident Dallas team that has recently secured victories over both the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Currently, this matchup appears to be a toss-up, with the Lions holding just a 51 percent chance of winning.
