The Detroit Lions have not lost back-to-back regular-season games since October 2022. They’ve won 13 straight games coming off a loss. That streak will be put to the test on Thursday night when the Dallas Cowboys roll into town for a Thursday night affair with plenty at stake.

Dallas has won three straight games entering the showdown, with their two most recent wins being against Philadelphia and Kansas City in impressive fashion. This winning streak correlates with the trade deadline, when the team bolstered its defense by acquiring DL Quinnen Williams and LB Logan Wilson.

Detroit enters banged up at key positions, including defensive back, offensive line and wide receiver. Will they be able to pull off the win as a slight home favorite at the top Michigan sportsbooks?

Cowboys vs. Lions predictions and best bets

*Note: Odds are based on the best value our experts find as of publication; check lines closer to game time to ensure you get the best odds.

Injuries have hit Detroit at the worst time, and it’ll make Thursday’s contest against Dallas much tougher. As mentioned above, the Lions have injury concerns at defensive back, offensive line and wide receiver.

Defensive back injuries have a good chance of being exposed by arguably the best wide receiver duo in football, in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

Offensive line injuries have already created issues for Detroit, as QB Jared Goff was pressured on 47% of his dropbacks last week. An improved Cowboys’ defensive line hopes to have similar results.

The loss of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta and Kalif Raymond will be tough to overcome in a game with a total of 54.5 points, especially when the other side possesses the weapons they do in Lamb, Pickens, RB Javonte Williams and TE Jake Ferguson. Someone needs to make plays.

The player who will likely be asked to step up the most for Detroit is WR Jameson Williams. He normally plays a tertiary or quaternary role in this offense behind St. Brown, the running backs and LaPorta. However, he did step up with 144 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay last week.

Dallas remains more susceptible through the air after improving its run defense, so expect Williams to be heavily involved again. The question is whether it will be enough for Detroit to hang in a projected shootout.

Cowboys vs. Lions moneyline odds analysisWhy Detroit could win as the favorite

Best odds: -158 at FanDuel Sportsbook

The Lions are the home team, which gives them the leg up. With that being said, they don’t get the typical Thursday home team boost because both teams are playing on a normal week of rest. Nevertheless, sleeping in your own bed and not needing to travel is certainly a plus.

Under Dan Campbell, the Lions have made it a point to bounce back. This is a team that hasn’t lost back-to-back games in the regular season in over three years. They are 13-0 after losses in that stretch. They lost to Green Bay last week. Will the streak continue?

On paper, the Lions have the ninth-best passing attack in the league according to DVOA, while the Cowboys’ defense ranks 29th in defending the aerial attack. Of course, the Lions are down two of their top three receivers and their two top tight ends, while a lot of the Cowboys’ defensive woes have been addressed in recent weeks. With that being said, Detroit did move the ball without St. Brown against Green Bay.

Why Dallas can win as the underdog

Best odds: +145 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Dallas has a lot of momentum, winning three straight, including two against tough opponents. QB Dak Prescott is having a terrific season, and George Pickens is getting himself paid. The defense has done a complete 180 since the first half of the season.

In a game where there is an expectation of points (total of 54.5), the Cowboys have a healthy unit of weapons, including arguably the best wide receiver duo in football. The Lions are banged up. Who are you trusting to come up with the big play: CeeDee Lamb or Tom Kennedy?

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.