By DaVince “Dino” Wright
Game Info
Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys
Saturday – December 30 – 7:15 p.m.
TV: ABC/ESPN/ESPN+
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX
Records Before the Game
Detroit Lions (11-4, 6-2 Away)
Dallas Cowboys (10-5, 7-0 Home)
What’s Going On…
I’m not sure but the Cowboys really think that they can’t win on the road. I don’t know who told them that or why they believe it. This team has given away 3 very winnable games to teams that they should manhandle. Last week’s loss to the Dolphins was basically a slap in the face. Play calling and execution was pitiful! You can say or think whatever you like, but when you get hit in the mouth and just stand there bleeding, you’re supposed to lose. The Detroit Lions are coming to AT&T Stadium to build on their 2-game winning streak while Dallas has lost their last 2 games. This game will be a huge step for the Cowboys. Dallas is currently sitting in 2nd place in the NFC East. Let’s take a closer look at this week’s Cowboy matchup at home.
Detroit Lions
The Lions has clinched the NFC North this year. This team hasn’t won their division in 30 years. The Lions have been a better team since acquiring Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford. Goff has passed for 3984 yards with 30 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Running back David Montgomery will get his touches. He has 910 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns. Keep an eye on wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. He has 106 receptions for 1281 and 8 touchdowns. The x-factor will be the Lions defense. They are giving up over 350 yards to opposition. They will need to stop that Cowboys offense that plays lights out at home. Will this be a game where their effort won’t be played with the same intensity as usual?
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have been perfect at home this season. Here’s what I think about that… Nothing! Dallas will need to kill a mosquito with an axe for the rest of the season. The defense will need to apply pressure from start to finish. The defensive coordinator will need to send timely blitzes off the edge to help DE Micah Parsons. Parsons is a handful but playing him in the same position allows offenses to double him and take him out of the game. The offense will need to stop panicking when they fall behind. The offensive line is designed to run the ball and Dallas is throwing 5-yard passes that go nowhere. It’s actually hard to watch when this team can be even more dynamic. Dak will need to be more aggressive than passive!
Prediction
ESPN has the Cowboys with a 70.1% chance of winning at home. The over/under is 53.5, so take the under in this one. Both defenses will play tough this game. I’m taking Dallas by 12! Dallas needs this game and they know it!
Final Score
Cowboys – 33
Lions – 21
