The Detroit Lions faced the rising Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, December 4, for Thursday Night Football, and it was a critical game for Detroit. Well, the Detroit Lions showed up, dominating the game from start to finish and never even letting the Cowboys take the lead for a single moment. Now, the Lions are up to a 8-5 record after a solid 44-30 win over the Cowboys.
What a difference one game makes. This showdown was critical for the playoff chances of both the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys, but aside from these two teams, this game also meant a lot to a team that wasn’t even on the field.
A Detroit Lions win improves the team’s playoff chances, and what’s interesting is how much is also impacts the standings in the NFC North. Before the Cowboys game, the Lions were on the edge of contenders to get to a wild-card game, but with the victory, their chances went up significantly. Not only that, but they’re once again contenders in the NFC North, putting pressure on both the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.
The Detroit Lions’ NFC North Standings
According to research from 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.
But, when it comes to the NFC North, the news gets even better. The Lions’ win is a spoiler of sorts for the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. Lions moved closer to second-place in the NFC North, coming up closely on the Packers. It puts more pressure on the Bears to beat the Packers in their game on Sunday, December 7. How great does it feel to put pressure on former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson?
So, it’s not as smooth sailing for Johnson and his Bears as it was just 24 hours ago. Now, they have to work harder to stay on top of the division. When the Bears and Lions face each other in Week 18, and that game may decide the fate of the NFC North title or a playoff slot.
Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys Game 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 squad.
After the game, the Lions announced that Gibbs was named the Player of the Game. He scored three touchdowns during the game and was a difference-maker.
Another 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 in a stellar moment.
So, it’s still going to take work to get the Detroit Lions to the playoffs. But, after this victory over the Cowboys, the path got clearer.
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