Two NFC playoff hopefuls square off on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in a game with huge playoff implications
An absolutely massive Week 14 across the NFL kicked off on Thursday with a crucial NFC clash between the Lions and the Cowboys in Detroit.
The Lions (7-5) currently occupy the No. 8 seed in the NFC, while the Cowboys (6-5-1) are right behind them at No. 1. The teams enter this game trending in very different directions, though. Detroit lost on Thanksgiving, 31-24, to the Packers, and potentially just as damaging, lost wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to an ankle injury, but he is active for Thursday night’s game.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, have won three straight, including a 31-28 win over the Chiefs on Thanksgiving, four days after beating the Eagles 24-21. The passing attack, centered around Dak Prescott, George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, has been outstanding this season and will provide a major challenge for an inconsistent Detroit secondary. Dallas’ defense, boosted by the trade deadline addition of Quinnen Williams plus the return of a healthy DeMarvion Overshown, has been much improved of late, too.
Dan Campbell and the Lions haven’t lose two straight games since 2022. The Cowboys are rolling. One of those two trends will end tonight. Here’s how to watch the action, and below that will be our live coverage leading up to and throughout the game!
Where to watch Cowboys vs. Lions
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 4 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Ford Field — Detroit
- Stream: Amazon Prime
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Odds: Lions -3, O/U 54.5 (via DraftKings Sportsbook)
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Touchdown Lions: David Montgomery powers through, runs away from Dallas defense
The difference in this game, so far, is the Lions have fully cashed in on two short fields, while the Cowboys have settled for two field goals after crossing midfield.
Turnover: Jack Campbell strips Jake Ferguson
Cowboys catch a break?
Al-Quadin Muhammad with a sack
Thomas Harper (concussion) is out
Touchdown Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs to the end zone
Amon-Ra St. Brown had a 27-yard catch-and-run on a quick throw to set up the score. It’s incredible he’s playing in this game, much less making a huge impact.
The Lions just tried a screen to an offensive lineman
Wow, a controversial call here early
Brandon Aubrey makes it look easy from 57 yards
Aubrey’s seven field goals from 50+ are tied for third-most in the NFL this season.
Thomas Harper is slow getting up
James Houston helps limit Lions to field goal
James Houston, who had eight sacks for Detroit as a rookie in 2022 but had just one combined from 2023-24, brought down Jared Goff on third down. Houston now has 5.5 sacks this season and continues to be one of the best under-the-radar free agent finds from this past offseason.
One under-the-radar free agent addition that has helped every NFL playoff hopeful
Zachary Pereles
Welcome to the Jahmyr Gibbs show
We are underway from Detroit!
Amon-Ra St. Brown is moving pretty well on that sprained ankle …
George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb look to feast
But that will be especially difficult against Dallas. George Pickens leads the NFL with 438 receiving yards against man coverage, and CeeDee Lamb is fifth with 277. We’ll see how defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard adjusts against such a talented wide receiver duo.
Cowboys must pressure Jared Goff
| Jared Goff ranks this season | Pressured | Not pressured |
| Net yards per attempt | 18th | 4th |
| Completion percentage | 21st | 2nd |
| TD rate | 32nd | 1st |
Dallas has the fifth-highest pressure rate this season but is 21st in average time to pressure.
Cowboys inactives: Jadeveon Clowney out
Lions inactives: Amon-Ra St. Brown is active for Detroit
Here are the hosts’ inactives: