The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys meet Saturday in NFL action from AT&T Stadium. Detroit is 11-4 on the year so far. The Lions beat Minnesota in their latest outing. As for Dallas, they’re coming off a close loss to the Dolphins which dropped the Cowboys to 10-5 overall. Let’s get into our Lions vs. Cowboys prediction. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Detroit Lions
The Lions have stayed pretty consistent this year by avoiding consecutive losses. Detroit is 3-1 in their last four matchups, taking out the Saints, Broncos and Vikings in that stretch. So far the Lions are averaging 27.5 points per game while giving up 23.7 points on the other side. The running game has been pretty effective for Detroit, with 141.1 yards per game and 24 touchdowns on the ground.
Detroit last appeared in a matchup versus the Vikings on Sunday. In that one the Lions scored in every quarter (and gave up points in every quarter) during a 30-24 win. QB Jared Goff put up 257 yards with a TD, while Jahmyr Gibbs added 80 yards and a pair of scores. Amon-Ra St. Brown led the receivers on 106 yards and a TD off 12 catches.
Detroit Lions Team Facts
- The Lions have won each of their last four games as underdogs against NFC opponents.
- The Lions have covered the spread in eight of their last nine games as underdogs against NFC opponents.
- The Lions have scored the first touchdown in five of their last six road games against NFC opponents.
- The Lions have won the first quarter in four of their last five games as underdogs against the Cowboys.
- The favorites have won the first half in 16 of the Lions’ last 17 games.
Dallas Cowboys
Over on the Cowboys’ side, they lost only three of their first 13 games this year but since have fallen to the Bills and Dolphins in consecutive outings. Dallas has been able to score a solid 30.1 points per game this year, and they’re giving up 19.1 points per game on defense. Though the pass, the Cowboys have posted 251.0 yards per game with 30 touchdowns and eight picks in total.
In their last matchup versus the Dolphins on Sunday, the Cowboys were down 19-10 going into the fourth quarter and couldn’t stay ahead in a 22-20 loss. QB Dak Prescott put up 253 yards with two scores, while CeeDee Lamb caught six balls for 118 yards and a touchdown. Tony Pollard led an ineffective rush with 38 yards on 12 carries.
Dallas Cowboys Team Facts
- The Cowboys have won each of their last 15 games at AT&T Stadium.
- The Cowboys have covered the spread in each of their last 10 games as favorites following a loss.
- The Cowboys have scored the first touchdown in each of their last five games as favorites against NFC North opponents.
- The Cowboys have won the first quarter in each of their last seven games at AT&T Stadium.
- The Cowboys have won the first half in nine of their last 10 December home games against NFC opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Cowboys rank 32nd in the NFL in average punt return this season (5.5 yards).
- The Cowboys rank 32nd in the NFL in punt return yards per game this season (6.3).
- The Lions rank T1st in the NFL in Q2 win percentage this season (66.7).
- The Lions rank T31st in the NFL in Q3 opponent points per game this season (6.7).
ANDREW’S FREE LIONS VS COWBOYS PREDICTION
I’ll probably just stick with the Cowboys here. I’ll also probably stay away; you could make a case for either team. There’s been a bit of worry among Dallas faithful lately, what with the team sitting on consecutive losses. That said, the Cowboys didn’t play terribly against Miami, notching 339 total yards (242 passing) and holding a late lead. Granted, Dallas has scored a combined 30 points over the last two games after hitting 33 or more for five straight (all wins).
As for the Lions, they’re coming off a pretty strong effort versus Minnesota with 28 first downs and 389 total yards (246 passing). Detroit has a combined 72 points in their last pair, so it’s going to be important for the Cowboys to get off to a good start on the scoreboard here. I like Dallas to eke out a cover if they play well, but it’ll be close.