Game: Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions

Date: December 4th at 8:15 PM ET

Where to Watch: Prime Video

Thursday Night Football continues to deliver strong matchups, and this week features two NFC teams desperate for a win in the Cowboys and Lions. Both squads are coming off their annual Thanksgiving Day games and remain firmly in the playoff mix. Dallas enters on a three-game win streak with a 6-5 record, though they’ve struggled on the road this season. Their offense continues to shine, ranking 1st in yards per game (393.1) and 2nd in points per game (29.3). The defense, while slightly improved, still sits near the bottom of the league, allowing 376.2 yards per game (29th) and 28.5 points per game (31st).

Detroit has had trouble finding consistency but still owns a strong 7-5 record and will look to rebound after last week’s loss to the Packers. Their offense has cooled recently, yet remains elite, ranking 3rd in both yards (376.3) and points per game (29.2).

This is the type of matchup both teams may look back on at season’s end as a turning point—potentially the difference between making and missing the postseason. Expect both sides to leave everything on the field.

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Betting Overview

This matchup originally favored Detroit by nearly a touchdown at -6 in the preseason, but the current line has tightened to -3 to -3.5 in their favor. On the moneyline, the best value for Dallas sits at +145 (up from +210), while Detroit is listed at -164 (down from -258). As for the total, we’ve seen a notable jump from the opening number of 48.5 to between 53.5 and 54 depending on the book.

Position Group & Coaching Comparisons

Coaching: Both teams appear to be settling in well with their newer coaching staffs. While Dan Campbell has been the established leader in Detroit for some time, adjusting to two brand-new coordinators hasn’t been easy. Even so, if there’s an edge in the coaching department, it still leans toward Detroit.

DLs vs. OLs: We’re in for a fun battle in the trenches this week. Detroit is dealing with injuries along the offensive line, which tilts things slightly toward Dallas up front. However, the Lions still boast the better defensive line overall.

QBs: This quarterback matchup has all the makings of a great one. Jared Goff hasn’t looked quite as sharp without Ben Johnson calling plays, while Dak Prescott has been consistently impressive. That gives Prescott and the Cowboys the edge.

RBs & TEs vs. LBs: Even with Sam LaPorta out for the season, Detroit remains strong here thanks to one of the league’s best running back duos and reliable linebacker play. They hold the advantage in this category.

WRs vs. Secondaries: Amon-Ra St. Brown’s status remains uncertain, but Detroit still has a solid receiving room even without him. Dallas, however, has the stronger wide receiver group. The issue for the Cowboys is on the back end, where their secondary—potentially with Trevon Diggs returning—still doesn’t match Detroit’s. Because of that, the slight edge goes to the Lions.

Betting Trends

The Cowboys enter this matchup 7-5 ATS, including a 3-3 mark on the road and a 2-1 record as an away underdog. In non-division games, they are 4-4. Totals have leaned heavily toward the over, hitting in 8 of 12 overall, 4 of 6 on the road, 2 of 3 as an away underdog, and 6 of 8 in non-division matchups.

Detroit sits at 6-6 ATS, with a 3-3 record at home (all as favorites) and a 5-3 mark in non-division games. Lions totals have also favored the over, hitting in 7 of 12 overall and 4 of 6 at home, while splitting 4-4 in non-division games.

Final Thoughts

Heading into this crucial NFC matchup, both teams should have a chip on their shoulder and a real urgency to come away with a win. In a spot like this, I think the edge leans toward the home team, so I would side with Detroit to cover. As for the total, I would lean toward the over, given how consistently both teams have trended in that direction this season.