The Lions are favored by three points over the Cowboys with the total points line set at 54.5.

Now, let's review the picks from our experts before diving into the game analysis!

Paul (122-56-1): Cowboys 31-24 Lions

The Cowboys will compete against a Lions squad missing Amon-Ra St. Brown and struggling with a porous defense that faltered again in their Thanksgiving defeat to the Packers.

Detroit will surely be clever offensively, but Dallas’ offense is formidable. I worry this game might deliver a small blow to Detroit’s playoff hopes on Thursday.

I’m backing Hunter Luepke’s Cowboys!

Eric (118-60-1): Lions 30-26 Cowboys

The Lions have scored 24 or more points in every home game this year, while the Cowboys have allowed at least 22 points on the road in every away contest this season.

Although Dallas enters this game with momentum, they are 2-4 on the road this year, with those wins coming against the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders. Detroit is coming off a hard loss to the Packers but is undefeated at home (3-0) against bottom-15 defenses this season—the Cowboys rank 29th overall.

Have the Cowboys improved? Certainly. But the Lions have alternated one win and one loss through the air in their last eight games. If that trend continues, they’ll secure victory here.

The main concern is the injury troubles on the Lions’ offensive line heading into this matchup.

Miguel (114-64-1): Lions 34-27 Cowboys

Despite Dallas’ recent winning streak and the Lions’ Thanksgiving loss to Green Bay, this game is crucial for Detroit to remain in playoff contention.

While Dallas’ offense looks strong, I’m not fully convinced they can overcome this Lions team.

Inconsistency has plagued the Cowboys, which could be costly playing at Ford Field.

Henri (108-71-1): Cowboys 34-24 Lions

Detroit recently fell to the Eagles, went to overtime against the struggling Giants, then lost on Thanksgiving to the Packers—the Lions’ magic seems to be fading.

Dallas, meanwhile, has played exceptionally well since the tragic passing of Marshawn Kneeland. The Cowboys are pouring their hearts into every play, honoring their lost teammate, and this inspired effort on both offense and defense will secure a win for “America's Team” on Thursday night.

Game analysis

This game’s over-under is the highest this week for a reason—it’s a showdown between the No. 1 offense (DAL) and No. 3 offense (DET).

Dallas has won their last two games by three points each, while the Lions’ last two games were decided by seven points.

Both offenses have been productive recently, with Detroit scoring a total of 111 points and Dallas 105 across the past four weeks.

The Lions have averaged 368.0 yards per game over the last month with only two turnovers. Dallas’ top-ranked offense has averaged 411.0 yards per game but committed seven turnovers in that span.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has thrown for at least 320 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in consecutive weeks. He ranks second in the league with 3,261 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions this season.

Similarly, his receiver, George Pickens is second in receiving yards (1,142) and tied for third in touchdowns (8) league-wide.

Another key player is tight end Jake Ferguson, who ranks second among tight ends with 70 receptions, just three fewer than Pickens this season.

Though Ferguson’s 496 yards aren’t high relative to his catches, his seven touchdowns tie him for fourth-most in the league, making him a major red zone threat for Dallas.

Conversely, their defense struggles, allowing the third-most points (342), fourth-most yards (4,514), and generating only 10 turnovers—the fourth fewest in the NFL this season.

Though recent trades and returning players have improved the defense, no player has yet recorded five sacks this year.

The last time they faced a quarterback outside the top 10 in sacks was against the Arizona Cardinals with Jacoby Brissett , whom they failed to sack even once. Before Brissett, it was Bo Nix, who also wasn’t sacked.

On the other hand, the Lions hold a significant advantage with their No. 3 ranked offense.

How does Detroit’s defense match up against Dallas’ offense? Detroit ranks 13th in yards allowed (3,794) and 15th in points allowed (274).

They have forced only three more turnovers than Dallas but have the 10th most sacks (32).

Pay attention to their run defenses—Dallas leads the league with 28 rushing touchdowns, and Detroit is close behind with 25.

Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs ranks fourth in rushing yards (1,109) and rushing touchdowns (10), while also placing fifth in scrimmage yards (1,416) and third in total touchdowns (13).

If Detroit outpaces Dallas, it will likely be due to their offense leaning heavily on him, especially if their top receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is sidelined.

St. Brown is the NFL’s fifth-leading receiver this season with 884 yards and ranks second in touchdowns (9).

In summary, the large over-under for this game is well justified.

Injury updates

( LP = limited practice participation / FP = full practice participation / DNP = did not practice )

Kerby Joseph (S), Kalif Raymond (WR), Brock Wright (TE), and Shane Zylstra (TE) are allinactive for the Lions.

Kayode Awosika (DNP),  Amon-Ra St. Brown (DNP), Brian Branch (LP), Taylor Decker (LP), Graham Glasgow (LP), Penei Sewell (LP), and Sione Vaki (LP) are allquestionable.

As for Dallas, they will be without Tyler Guyton (OT) and Trevon Diggs (CB), both listed asinactive.

Jadeveon Clowney (LP), Hakeem Adeniji (FP), and Malik Hooker (LP) are allquestionable.