The Detroit Lions (11-4) are NFC North champions for the first time ever and will try to improve their playoff seeding in a road game against the Dallas Cowboys (10-5), who are vying for a postseason berth of their own.
The Lions wrapped up the division crown last week in a 30-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings for their first division title in 30 years. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for three rushing touchdowns and the Detroit defense intercepted Nick Mullens four times. It was their first win in Minnesota since 2017.
The Cowboys continued their road woes with a 22-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb scored a touchdown in his seventh straight game, the longest active streak in the NFL, and surpassed 5,000 career yards from scrimmage. Dak Prescott lost a fumble as the Cowboys threatened to score on their first possession and a roughing-the-passer foul on Micah Parsons led to a Dolphins touchdown.
Will the Lions continue their dominance? Or will the Cowboys be more hungry for the win?
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Cowboys vs. Lions odds, moneyline, over/under
The Cowboys are favorites to defeat the Lions, according to BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app.
- Spread: Cowboys (-5.5)
- Moneyline: Cowboys (-250); Lions (+200)
- Over/under: 52.5
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BBrowns vs. Jets | Cowboys vs. Lions | Ravens vs. Dolphins | Bills vs. Patriots | Bears vs. Falcons | Texans vs. Titans | Colts vs. Raiders | Jaguars vs. Panthers | Giants vs. Rams | Eagles vs. Cardinals | Buccaneers vs. Saints | Commanders vs. 49ers | Seahawks vs. Steelers | Chiefs vs. Bengals | Broncos vs. Chargers | Vikings vs. Packers
Lorenzo Reyes: Cowboys 24, Lions 21
Dallas is a pristine 7-0 straight up at home and 6-1 against the spread. The Cowboys have lost and failed to cover two in a row, but those were on the road. The problem is that Detroit is also fighting for playoff seeding and is 6-2 against the spread in road games. I like the Cowboys to win, but six is a big number here.
Tyler Dragon: Cowboys 26, Lions 25
This NFC battle is one of the games of the week. The Cowboys are 7-0 at home and 3-5 on the road. Luckily for the Cowboys, this one is in the comfortable environment of AT&T Stadium. The Lions have scored 72 combined points in two weeks. This one might be a high-scoring affair, but the Cowboys have a better defense.
Safid Deen: Lions 31, Cowboys 27
The Cowboys lost their last two games and already resigned to the idea they might start the postseason on the road this year. The Lions are riding high after their first NFC North title and have a chance to play for the No. 1 seed if they can keep pace with the 49ers. Detroit has more to play for this week, and will upset Dallas at home, handing three Cowboys their first home loss of the season.
Victoria Hernandez: Cowboys 28, Lions 26
The Cowboys have a lot of factors going for them. They had a real chance of winning on the road with a historic day from CeeDee Lamb last week and are now back home, where they are undefeated. The Lions have their division title wrapped up and will struggle to get things going against this fierce defense. But they keep it close.
Jordan Mendoza: Cowboys 34, Lions 23
Detroit is riding high after finally winning the NFC North, but this matchup screams let-me-down game after the celebrations. Dallas has been a machine at home, and they get back on track with a clinical performance.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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