Week 14 TNF features two teams looking to keep their playoff hopes alive
USA TODAY Sports’ Chris Bumbaca and Prince Grimes break down the huge Thursday night matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions.
The top two teams entering Week 14 on the outside looking in at the NFC playoff picture meet in a pivotal “Thursday Night Football” showdown.
The Detroit Lions (7-5) and Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1) are both hoping to still be in contention in their respective division races and the winner tonight will improve its position in the playoff picture.
Detroit has the eighth-best record in the NFC, leaving them as the first team out of the playoffs if the season ended today. They lost on Thanksgiving to the Green Bay Packers and are trying to catch the Packers (8-3-1) and the Chicago Bears (9-3) in the NFC North standings. The hosts have not lost back-to-back games since October 2022.
Meanwhile, Dallas is one of the hottest teams in the NFL entering Week 14. They are riding a three-game winning streak that includes victories over both Super Bowl 59 teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Dallas sits one spot behind Detroit in the ninth spot in the NFC standings, making this matchup a must-watch between two desperate teams whose playoff lives are hanging in the balance.
Dak Prescott is playing at an MVP level and Dallas’ surge has been boosted by its defense. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are positioned well to exploit Detroit’s secondary which will be without starters Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph.
The Cowboys own the No. 2 scoring offense in the NFL (29.3 ppg) and rank No. 1 in total yards (393 per game). Detroit also boasts a high-octane unit, which ranks third in yards (376 per game) and points (29.2 ppg).
The Lions firepower could be dimmed if Amon-Ra St. Brown is out or limited after he suffered an ankle injury on Thanksgiving. Jared Goff will likely lean on Jameson Williams and rookie Isaac TeSlaa. The X-factor could be Jahmyr Gibbs against the Dallas defense, which ranks 30th in defensive EPA per rushing attempt.
The margin for error is slim for both sides with just five games left in the regular season and this matchup should produce fireworks.
USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from the “Thursday Night Football” tilt between the Cowboys and Lions. All times are Eastern.
Aubrey is the kicker equivalent of an automatic transmission. Put the car in drive and don’t worry about anything else. For Aubrey, the Cowboys just have to step on the field and they are almost always guaranteed for at least three points. The kicker is good from 57 and made it look easy. Tie game in the Motor City. Lions 3, Cowboys 3
On a night that is expected to feature plenty of points, the Lions strike first with a 38-yard field goal from Bates on their opening drive. Detroit quickly worked it into field goal range thanks to Jahmyr Gibbs, who had 43 scrimmage yards on the series. Dallas’ defense held in the red zone though, sacking Jared Goff on third down. Now Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense get their chance to respond. Lions 3, Cowboys 0
Gibbs ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in 2023.
That put him in a tie for seventh-best at the event, but ranked second amongst running backs, sliding in behind De’Von Achane, who ran a 4.32. Former Titans’ running back Chris Johnson still holds the best 40-yard time for a running back, turning in a lightning quick 4.24 in 2008.
The Lions vs. Cowboys game will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Dec. 4. Detroit will host the game at Ford Field as both teams look to improve their position in the NFC playoff picture.
Amon-Ra St. Brown will play tonight, as he is not on the inactive list for the matchup. He reportedly went through pre-game warmups without a hitch, signaling positive availability for the night.
How to watch Cowboys at LionsLive stream: Amazon Prime Video Detroit market: WJBK (Fox 2) | Dallas market: KDFW (Fox 4)
The NFL’s “Thursday Night Football” game will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video for national viewers. For those in the Cowboys TV market, KDFW (Fox 4) will air the game. In Detroit, viewers can tune to WJBK (Fox 2).
The Lions enter Week 14 with an estimated 40% chance to make the playoffs, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. With a win on “Thursday Night Football,” those odds would improve to 53% and a loss would drop those chances down to just 18% with four games to go.
The Cowboys enter Week 14 with an estimated 19% chance to make the playoffs, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. With a win on “Thursday Night Football,” those odds would improve to 36% and a loss would drop those chances down to just 8% with four games to go.
Dallas will again be without starting tackle Tyler Guyton.
Jalen Tolbert, WRJaydon Blue, RBJadeveon Clowney, DETyler Guyton, TJay Toia, DTPerrion Winfrey, DT
Amon-Ra St. Brown will play tonight, but the Lions will again be without wide out Kalif Raymond. Here’s the list:
Kayode Awosika, OLKerby Joseph, STyler Lacy, DLKalif Raymond, WRHayden Rucci, TEMekhi Wingo, DLLions vs. Cowboys TNF live stream
Amazon Prime Video will air the Cowboys-Lions “Thursday Night Football” matchup. Those in local TV markets can watch the matchup on Fubo.
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Lions vs. Cowboys picks
Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels the Cowboys-Lions game will shake out:
Jon Hoefling: Detroit Lions (-3)Jordan Mendoza: Dallas Cowboys (+3)Lorenzo Reyes: Detroit Lions (-3)Richard Morin: Dallas Cowboys (+3)Tyler Dragon: Detroit Lions (-3)Blake Schuster: Detroit Lions (-3)
It feels like the last stand for the Lions and Cowboys in the Motor City tonight. Neither side can be eliminated in Week 14, but the math becomes increasingly difficult for them to make the playoffs with a loss. The Cowboys are riding a three-game winning streak and playing well in all three phases. The Lions are on a two-game slide, but needed a pair of late-game comebacks over the Giants and Vikings to avoid making it five.
Injuries continue to play a big role in Detroit’s season. They will likely be without Amon-Ra St. Brown on offense and the defense isn’t looking much healthier. If the new-look Dallas defense can get to Jared Goff early, it’ll make for a long night for the hosts. The Cowboys proved they were for real last week. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are too much for the Lions. Dallas keeps its playoff hopes alive with a 34-28 win in Detroit.
Lions vs. Cowboys odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list.
Moneyline (ML): Detroit -160 (Bet $160 to win $100) | Dallas +135 (Bet $100 to win $135)Against the spread (ATS): Detroit -3 (-105) | Dallas +3 (-115)Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)