Nolan Bianchi, Richard Silva, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News offer predictions for Thursday’s game between the Lions and Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field in Detroit (8:15 p.m., Channel 2, Amazon Prime/97.1 FM).
▶ Nolan Bianchi: The Lions are on death’s doorstep, and a loss to the Cowboys would only further devastate Detroit’s playoff chances. Given the recent trajectory of these two teams, I think many are expecting the Cowboys to roll. The Cowboys’ explosive offense is a huge threat against the Lions defense that’s shown up in recent weeks, and their revamped defensive front could pose problems for Detroit’s running game. Still, I think the Lions’ defense is a lot better than they’ve shown over their last few games. Detroit’s pass rush is due for some positive regression, and ultimately, I’m expecting a bounce-back game from that unit. It’s now or never. Pick: Lions, 27-21
▶ Richard Silva: Offensively, the Lions have struggled to run the ball against elite defensive fronts. Defensively, they haven’t been able to limit explosive passing plays. Both of those are issues against the Cowboys, who are allowing 69.7 rushing yards per game since acquiring defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, and roster elite receivers in George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. Pickens has been a force this season, averaging the sixth-highest yards per reception (15.6) in the NFL. The Lions are backed into a corner and fighting to make the playoffs. Could they respond? Absolutely. But my brain says to pick the Cowboys. Pick: Cowboys, 31-28
▶ John Niyo: Is this the week the streak ends? The Lions haven’t lost back-to-back games since a stretch in October 2022 that included a loss in Dallas. But the Cowboys are healthier right now and probably happier about the way they’re playing, riding a three-game win streak that has them back in the NFC playoff hunt. A big reason is the improved defense, particularly against the run, which could be a problem for the Lions. If they can’t generate some explosive plays in the run game, I’m not sure they’re going to put up 30-plus points given their injury issues. And that might be what it takes to win Thursday night against a Dallas team that’s more than capable of exploiting some of Detroit’s issues in the secondary. Pick: Cowboys, 28-24
▶ Bob Wojnowski: Of all the key games down the stretch for the Lions, this might be the mustiest of must-wins. The Cowboys (6-5-1) have won three straight to climb into the NFC playoff picture, while the Lions (7-5) keep alternating wins and losses. Another test of the remarkable streak under Dan Campbell: The Lions haven’t lost back-to-back regular-season games in three years. This looks like a bad matchup, with Dallas’ offense leading the league in passing yards and second in points. Dak Prescott has big-play receivers in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, and they’ll be going against a depleted Lions secondary without Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph. Where oh where can the Lions find a pass rush? Aidan Hutchinson is playing over 90% of defensive snaps, sapping his effectiveness without help from the other edge. The Cowboys also beefed up their run defense, which means Jahmyr Gibbs will have to bust tough runs and Jared Goff will have to be at his sharpest. It’s hard to pick against the Lions at home on prime time. It’s also hard to pick against that Dallas offense. Pick: Cowboys, 30-27
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