The NFC playoff race heats up Thursday night when the Dallas Cowboys travel to Detroit to face the Lions in a showdown that could reshape the conference hierarchy. Both teams enter this Week 14 clash averaging nearly identical offensive production – Dallas at 28.6 points per game and Detroit at 28.8 – but their paths to this point couldn't be more different.
Cowboys-Lions Betting Picks
The Cowboys arrive riding a three-game win streak that's revived their playoff hopes after a sluggish 3-5-1 start. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions sit at 7-5, coming off a disappointing 31-24 loss where Jared Goff threw three touchdowns without an interception.
The central storyline revolves around ball security. Detroit has been exceptional at protecting the football with a +5 turnover differential, while Dallas has struggled all season with a league-worst -6 differential. In a hostile Ford Field environment, this disparity could determine who walks away with a crucial victory.
First-time users can claim the BetMGM bonus code to bet on Thursday Night Football and win $150 in bonus bets or get a $1,500 First Bet Offer, depending on their location.
Cowboys vs Lions Betting Odds
Date: Thursday, December 5, 2024
Kickoff: 8:15 PM ET
Venue: Ford Field — Detroit, MI
Weather: Indoor dome conditions
- Moneyline: Lions (-175) | Cowboys (+145)
- Spread: Lions -3 (-112) | Cowboys +3 (-108)
- Total: Over/Under 54.5 (Over -105 | Under -115)
Betting odds courtesy of DraftKings
The Lions enter as 3-point home favorites, reflecting both their home-field advantage and superior ball security this season. The Cowboys offer +145 value as road underdogs, while the lofty 54.5 total suggests oddsmakers expect a shootout between these high-powered offenses.
Statistical Breakdown: Offensive Powerhouses With Key Differences
When these NFC contenders are compared side by side, the numbers reveal two remarkably similar offensive machines with crucial distinctions in execution and discipline. Dallas holds a slight edge in total offense at 393.1 yards per game compared to Detroit's 376.2, but their scoring outputs are nearly identical.
The Cowboys fuel their attack through a high-volume passing game that's accumulated 3,255 yards, while the Lions present a more balanced approach with a formidable ground game totaling 1,657 rushing yards. However, the real separation comes in situational football and ball security.
Key matchups to watch include Dallas's exceptional third-down offense (44.1% conversion rate) against Detroit's defense, and the Lions' elite red zone efficiency (65.2% touchdown rate) versus the Cowboys' 60.4% mark. Most critically, Detroit's +5 turnover differential stands in stark contrast to Dallas's league-worst -6 mark.
Prescott enters with immense confidence after his recent four-touchdown showcase, while Goff has been steady despite the team's last loss, maintaining his reputation for avoiding costly mistakes. The Lions' pass rush has generated 32.0 sacks this season, which could pressure Prescott into the type of forced throws that have plagued Dallas all year.
Cowboys vs Lions Prediction and Best Bets
This Thursday night showdown has all the ingredients for a classic shootout, but Detroit's discipline and home-field advantage give them the edge in what should be a tightly contested battle. While both offenses are statistical equals, the game will likely pivot on efficiency and avoiding costly mistakes – two areas where the Lions have proven superior.
Dallas boasts the more prolific third-down offense, but their propensity for turnovers represents a critical flaw against a team as disciplined as Detroit. The Lions' ability to protect the ball and capitalize in scoring situations should be the difference in a high-scoring affair.
Sign-up with he linked DraftKings promo code to bet $5 on Cowboys-Lions and get $200 in bonus bets (if you win).
Best Bet: Lions -3 (-112)
The most compelling angle centers on the turnover battle. Detroit's +5 differential demonstrates their disciplined approach, while Dallas's -6 mark reflects season-long struggles with ball security. In a hostile road environment, expect this trend to continue and ultimately decide the game's outcome.
Best Prop: Dak Prescott Over 0.5 Interceptions (-155)
This prop aligns perfectly with the game's narrative. The Cowboys have given the ball away 15 times this season, and Detroit's defense has intercepted nine passes. With the Lions' pass rush applying consistent pressure, Prescott will face situations requiring risky throws, increasing the likelihood of a crucial turnover.