FRISCO, Texas -- With a three-game winning streak in two, the Cowboys travel up north to Detroit to face the 7-5 Lions, who are just as hungry for a victory as Dallas is in terms of trying to secure a playoff spot.
Last year, Detroit hung 47 points on the Cowboys in Week 6 to win by a final score of 47-9 at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys are looking to go on the road and find vengeance for their loss, and also trying to pick up a signature road win in the 2025 season.
In a game that could come down to big plays on offense, Dallas' passing attack featuring George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb faces on with Detroit's talented rushing duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Which side can outdo the other?
Our staff weighs in and give their predictions for Thursday night:
Tommy: Give the Cowboys credit: In recent weeks, they have completely shut down the run game for opposing offenses, a turnaround from what we saw at the start of the year. This week though, they're facing a different animal in Detroit, and mainly Jahmyr Gibbs. I thought Kansas City ran the ball a bit better than they did on paper last week, and I'm wondering if that comes into effect in this game too. I think Dallas' defense will have their wins, but I do think Detroit's offense with Gibbs and Montgomery will too. And don't forget Jameson Williams too, who poses a big play threat to a secondary that has given up a good bit of them this season. At the same time though, you can't rule out Dallas' offense with how well they've played since the bye. Can they do it again in a harsh environment on the road, where they've struggled this season, is my question. Ultimately, I think we get a great, close game, but I still think the Lions are the better team in this one even though they're pretty banged up. Lions 31, Cowboys 24
Kyle: Three-straight wins for the Cowboys and the belief is off the charts within the building. It's the beginning of the run that Dallas has needed to make the playoffs a possibility and they're doing it in the toughest stretch of games on the schedule. Three games in 12 days is always a tough turnaround. Luckily, the Lions are having to do the same thing and are doing it after two losses in three games. This is the toughest matchup remaining on the schedule and both teams are desperate to keep playoff hopes alive. But I'm going to rock with the hottest team in the game, and that's the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas wins, 34-28.
Nick: This is why we love sports, especially football. You really can't get ahead of it. Sure, you can try but it's impossible. I mean, ask me back in May what would be the hardest game to win and I'd immediately say the Lions. After what we saw last year, and now going to Detroit – the third game in 11 days that included the Chiefs and Eagles – there's no way I would've picked them to win. Fast forward to the start of the season … nope, still the Lions. A month later, definitely Detroit. How about a few weeks ago … yeah, still the Lions but it's closer. And now here we are, the Cowboys have won three straight. The Lions were a miracle field goal to beat the Giants away from losing two straight at home. And now they're as banged up as we've ever seen a team. This isn't the same Lions team that scared the crap out us, and definitely not the one who beat Dallas 47-9 last year. And the Cowboys aren't the same team we saw just a few weeks ago. My gut feeling all along was the Cowboys couldn't beat the Lions in Detroit, but these teams aren't the same. My gut has changed and I don't think it's because I ate something spicy. I think it's because the Cowboys are now a better team and that's why I'm picking Dallas, 36-31.
Patrik: Revenge is a dish best served cold, and so it's appropriate this game will be played in Detroit where, outside the stadium, at least, temperatures could drop into the single digits. There's a chance the Cowboys bring their own winter storm into the building though, given how unshakeable they've been in the face of adversity since exiting the bye week — one could even say they suddenly have ice in their veins. The defense looks ready for action on a weekly basis thanks to the addition of Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson, and the return of DeMarvion Overshown, and the debut of Shavon Revel, etc. etc., and Dak Prescott has the offense once again firing on most cylinders, needing only to eliminate slow starts and, against a Lions defense that is bitten by injury and, schematically, might play into the hands of George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb — it might get very chilly inside Ford Field for the home team. This is yet another test to see if the Cowboys are the real deal now, and IF they eliminate self-inflicted wounds, they should pass it with flying colors, and avenge what occurred at AT&T Stadium last season. 40-17, Cowboys
Mickey: The other day when looking at where the Detroit offense is ranking in several categories, noticed they were Top 10 in average points per game (T3), total offense (3), rushing offense (4), passing offense (7), red zone efficiency (7) and fewest giveaways (T2). Funny thing, though, since the Lions are considered one of the top offenses in the NFL, when coming to the Cowboys they are ranked in the Top 10 in four categories, second in points per game, first in total offense, first in passing offense and fifth in third-down efficiency. Hmmm, higher than the Lions in four categories. So, I'm thinking my gut says, why not the Cowboys, their offense capable of outscoring the Lions. How about one of my favorite scores from one of my favorite college games back in the day, Cowboys 35, Lions 31.
