The Detroit Lions took on the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, December 4, for Thursday Night Football, and it was a must-win for Detroit. The Lions dominated the game for most of the clock, and they walked out of Ford Field with a 44-30 win over Dallas, bringing their record up to 8-5 record.
This game was important for both the Lions and Cowboys, but for the Lions, it was extra critical for the overall playoff picture. A Detroit Lions victory obviously boosts the team’s playoff chances, but what’s marked is just how much and in what ways it helps the Lions.
Going into the showdown, the Detroit Lions were on the fringe of contenders to get to a wild-card game, but with the win, their chances went up significantly. The win for the Lions also had the impact of crushing Dallas’ hopes for making the playoffs, not completely, but a lot. After Dallas’ loss, their likelihood of getting to the playoffs is in the single digits.
The Detroit Lions’ Playoff Pictured Based on Research
According to Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports, the Lions went from having a 30 percent chance of making the postseason to a 45 percent chance after the game. But, if they had lost, the Lions’ chances would have dropped to 12 percent. So, they made significant progress with this win.
Before the game, Dallas had a 23 percent chance of making the playoffs. A win would have snagged them a 41 percent chance, while the loss dropped them to single digits at nine percent.
Now, Detroit has a much stronger wild-card case and could even leapfrog other teams, making their route to the playoffs easier, even if they trail the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers in the NFC North.
Detroit Lions Player Highlights
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson were all strong against the Cowboys, as was the entire suqad. But, one player who really stood out, especially early in the game, was linebacker linebacker Jack Campbell.
Early in the game, Campbell had a third-down sack that helped Detroit make their short field on the team’s first touchdown drive. It set the mood for the game and put Detroit in charge. Then, later in the half, he stripped the ball from Jake Ferguson, and Brian Branch recovered. That set up the Detroit Lions for solid field position for the offense. Then, four plays later, Montgomery made a touchdown. So, Campbell was one of the game changers for the Lions.
One of the biggest moments of the game for all involved was in the fourth quarter, right after Dallas scored a touchdown and two-point conversation to come within single digits of the Lions. On third-and-six, Goff was firmly in the pocket, which enabled Williams to get across the field and hit him for a 29-yard gain. Then, the refs also called a roughing the passer, adding 15 yards in Detroit’s advantage. The Lions made a touchdown, widening their lead again.
It’s down to the wire for not only the Detroit Lions but all of the teams in the NFC North. After this win, thankfully, things got markedly better for the Lions.
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