Final thoughts and predictions for Cowboys vs. Lions in Week 14: Dallas’ biggest problem in this game is obvious
The Dallas Cowboys could nearly double their playoff chances by beating the Detroit Lions.
It’s Dallas Cowboys gameday, and once again, it is a big one.
With a win over the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football, the Cowboys’ playoff chances could increase from 21% to 39%, according to NextGen Stats. But it won’t be easy to steal the win while on the road. Below is a look at my final thoughts and predictions for Dallas’ huge Week 14 showdown.
Let’s dive in.
The Cowboys’ biggest problem in this game is obvious
Lions’ star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson is back to being a superstar. He is fourth in the NFL in pressures and has 8.5 sacks entering the game. He’s a monster, and he’ll go up against RT Terence Steele most of the game. If the Lions decide to move him around, he’ll square off against backup LT Nate Thomas. It could very well be a potential game-wrecking matchup.
How can the Cowboys account for it? Same as they have most year. A heavy dose of play action, max protect looks, and asking RB Javonte Williams to be Dak Prescott’s bodyguard in the pocket. This is one of those games where you really don’t want to fall behind because you don’t want Hutchinson to enter pass rusher mode 100% of the time.
George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb should keep on keepin’ on
The Lions play man coverage at the second-highest rate in the NFL and while they’re very good at it, they’re down their top cornerback in Terrion Arnold and could be missing their two starting safeties. That’s no bueno when Pickens and Lamb are coming to town.
I expect Prescott to go off as finding his top playmakers as long as he has time in the pocket.
Another huge Quinnen Williams game lies ahead of us
Williams has been truly impressive since arriving at Dallas and this game could be another mismatch in his favor. The Lions may be banged up at offensive tackle, but two starting interior lineman are questionable going into gameday. One of them is Detroit’s weak link in the trenches: The left guard.
I reached out to A to Z Sports Detroit’s Mike Payton to ask about where the Cowboys should focus his efforts and he didn’t hesitate.
“The Cowboys need to go after left center Kayode Awosika as much as possible. He’s allowed 10 pressures and three sacks in the last four games as a starter. At this point, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Lions try something different in this game. They could try center Graham Glasgow there and keep Trystan Colon at center or they can flip those guys. Either way, attacking the interior is the way to go for Dallas.” – Mike Payton.
You gotta stop: WR Jameson Williams
It looks like star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown is going to be a gametime decision for the Lions but another concern on defense will be slowing down Jameson Williams.
He’s fresh off of a seven-catch, 144-yard outing in Thanksgiving against the stingy Green Bay Packers defense. The Lions will try to get Williams involved early and often and his speed shows up in more than just go routes. Detroit will likely call screens to Williams and force the Cowboys to make tackles in the flats. I don’t expect Dallas to ask one of its corners to “shadow” Williams but Shavon Revel Jr. has shown some speed and I wonder if the rookie is the most favorable matchup for Dallas here.
Final Cowboys at Lions score prediction
The Cowboys haven’t been as effective on offense on the road as they have been at AT&T Stadium but I don’t see how the Lions deal with Pickens and Lamb. Not to mention, Lions coaches have suggested more blitzing could be on the way for them, and that’s not good against Dak Prescott. I expect the Cowboys defense to struggle more than it has in recent weeks but I ultimately see Dallas winning a shootout. Cowboys 30, Lions 23.
Dallas Cowboys News
Brian Schottenheimer makes it sound like the Cowboys will be down one of their most important players vs Lions
Not ideal.
