Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions Prediction & Best Bets (December 4th, 2025)
After losing a big divisional game last week, the Detroit Lions will have their backs against the wall on Thursday Night Football. The Dallas Cowboys have endured that feeling all year, however, and won’t bat an eye despite being +142 road underdogs.
Dallas has been in solid overall form of late, and both teams badly need a win in week 14, setting up an intense clash at Ford Field. Detroit’s season wouldn’t be over with a loss here, but it’s arguable the same cannot be said for the Cowboys.
This game figures to be tight and offers shootout potential, giving bettors plenty to work with. It’s important to be selective, however, so it makes sense to limit your wagers and focus on the best bets this matchup has to offer.
Not sure what they are? I’ll walk you through the latest odds and key matchups to get to the top picks and my final Cowboys vs. Lions prediction.
Game Info Snapshot
- Date & Location: Monday, December 1st, 2025 | Kickoff at 8:15 pm ET (ABC/ESPN) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA
- Team records entering the game:
- Cowboys: 6-5-1
- Lions: 7-5
- Odds (from DraftKings)
- Spread: Cowboys +3 (-108) | Lions -3 (-112)
- Moneyline: Cowboys (+140) | Lions (-166)
- Total: Over 54.5 (-105) | Under 54.5 (-115)
Dallas comes in as pretty light underdogs despite this game being in Detroit. The oddsmakers are both balancing their recent form and Detroit’s struggles of late.
This is a very healthy game total, which leans into a typically weak Cowboys defense, as well as two of the most explosive offenses the NFL has to offer.
Storylines to Watch
The biggest Cowboys vs. Lions storyline goes both ways; this is a massive game for both teams’ playoff chances. Detroit can’t afford to lose if they want to win the NFC North, while a loss for either team may bring them closer to missing postseason play altogether.
Here’s a look at some more key Lions vs. Cowboys storylines to keep in mind:
- Loss of Spirit: The Lions got faked out by news of star center Frank Ragnow’s comeback, but now they’re left searching for answers. He was supposed to come out of retirement, but a failed physical for now tables that plan and keeps Detroit looking for answers on the interior of their offensive line.
- Stay Aggressive? The Lions have hung their hat on head coach Dan Campbell’s aggressive ways, especially with him recently taking over offensive playcalling duties. While it often leads Detroit to wins, it came back to bite them in a loss to the Packers on Thanksgiving Day. Will their aggressive ways remain, or will Detroit look for more of a balance?
- Rising Defense?: Dallas has been known strictly for their offense, but they’ve gotten healthier and traded for Quinnen Williams. Could a once-struggling unit slowly be turning into a strength for the Cowboys? If they can stifle a talented Lions offense on the road, we may have our answer.
Team Profiles
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have had a wild season. They lost to the defending Super Bowl champs in week one, won a crazy OT thriller in week two, and tied the Packers in week four.
Despite a suspect 1-2-1 start, Dallas has battled back, going 5-3 over their last eight games and keeping themselves in the NFC playoff mix. Heck, they’re not even for sure out of the running for the NFC East crown, making them a tough team to bet against these days.
On the year, this is a team that relies heavily on a dynamic and explosive offense, while trying to plug leaky holes caused by their defense. Here’s a quick look at where they’ve stood out the most on the season:
- Big Play Szn: Dallas is all about the big play. They only run the ball 40% of the time, but an elite 4.6 yards per carry (9th in the NFL) keeps their ground game relevant. The passing game is where they make their money, though, as they have the league’s third-best yards per play average (6.1).
- Max Protect: The Cowboys have been insanely good on the offensive line, especially when you take note of their pass rate (7th highest). Despite the many dropbacks, quarterback Dak Prescott is still being sacked at the 2nd-lowest rate (3.67%) in the league.
- Unstoppable Duo: Dallas has two stud wide receivers in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. They have even more weapons than that, but those guys alone allow this passing attack to nuke opposing defenses to the tune of 271.3 passing yards per game – the most in football.
Detroit Lions
Detroit got off to a brutal start in week one, getting dominated by the rival Packers. They bounced back in a big way by crushing the Chicago Bears, and until just recently, looked largely like their normally dominant selves.
However, the retirement of center Frank Ragnow and two coordinator changes seem to have created a certain lack of continuity – enough to force the Lions into some rough patches.
Detroit still has a solid 7-5 record, but they’ve now fallen out of favor in a competitive NFC North division, while getting swept by Green Bay means they probably need to claim a wild-card spot to make the playoffs.
The Lions have still been a very dynamic group with loads of upside, however. Here’s a quick look at where they’ve stood out in 2025:
- Pound the Rock: Detroit surprisingly passes the ball 55% of the time, but they still love to run the football and are quite good at it. The ever-explosive Jahmyr Gibbs sets the tone for the NFL’s 4th-best ground game, which puts up over 138 rushing yards per contest and averages 1.3 rushing scores per game.
- Big Play Szn 2: Detroit can spring big plays with the best of them. Their aforementioned rushing attack ranks 2nd in yards per carry (5.0), while they’re about as good through the air (5th). They can hurt defenses from anywhere on the field, and in a hurry.
- Serious Pressure: Detroit’s defense isn’t amazing, but they do generate quite a bit of pressure up front. A healthy Aidan Hutchinson has been a blessing for their pass rush, which offers a 7.77% sack rate (9th).
Key Matchups & Angles
Check out the key Cowboys vs. Lions matchups:
- Cowboys’ o-line vs. Lions’ pass rush: Dallas has been amazing in pass protection all year, but the Lions have a solid pass rush. Who wins on the outside could be a deciding factor in this game.
- Lions rush offense vs. Cowboys’ defensive line: Detroit loves to run the ball, and they can be dominant on the ground. Their one-two punch of Gibbs and David Montgomery makes them lethal in that regard. A formerly terrible Dallas run defense has slowly gotten better thanks to the arrival of Quinnen Williams, which complicates this matchup greatly.
- Cowboys’ passing game vs. Lions’ secondary: Dak Prescott has loads of weapons and all day to throw, so Detroit’s pass defense will have their work cut out for them. The Lions are not elite at stopping the pass, which may be bad news against the league’s scariest passing offense.
Betting Trends & Odds Context
Take a look at the latest Cowboys vs. Lions odds, per DraftKings:
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Cowboys | +3 (-108) | +140 | Over 54.5 (-105) |
Lions | -3 (-112) | -166 | Under 54.5 (-115) |
Take a look at some key betting trends for this showdown:
- Public Betting: Early money is relatively even, but the public is siding with Detroit, putting 54% of the bets on the Lions, as well as 52% of the money.
- Record History: The Cowboys and Lions have faced off 32 times in history, with Dallas leading the series, 19-13. Detroit won the most recent game easily (47-9) in 2024, but Dallas has been hot in the series, winning four of the last five.
- ATS Tidbits: Dallas has been rock solid (7-5) against the spread in 2025, while they are 5-1 ATS as the underdog. Detroit is 6-6 against the spread, 3-3 ATS at home, and 5-3 ATS when favored.
Best Bets for Cowboys vs. Lions
Pick 1: Over 54.5 (-105) – 8/10 Confidence
Why We Like It
Both of these teams move the ball at will, make big plays look easy, and find a way to put points on the board. Even if only one of them tees off, the Over is majorly at risk.
Risks/What to Watch
This is a very intense showdown with a lot at stake. The offensive aptitude suggests we get a shootout, but a defensive battle wouldn’t be crazy considering what’s on the line.
Pick 2: Dallas Cowboys ATS +3 (-108) – 7/10 Confidence
Why We Like It
Detroit is a decent bet to win, but the Cowboys are in a groove, and this is just as much a must-win spot for them. They’ve also been good against the spread and seem to be getting better on defense. With so much riding on this game, I like Dallas to keep it tight and potentially even win.
Risks/What to Watch
Detroit is still at home and probably the better team. Their defense has not been great lately, but it’s always possible they really enforce their will and rise above Dallas. The spread is tight, so covering really wouldn’t be that difficult (or shocking).
Pick 3: Prop Play – Dak Prescott Over 260+ Passing Yards (-135) – 7/10 Confidence
Why We Like It
Dallas throws the ball a ton, whether it be by design or necessity. Detroit’s defense also begs you to throw the ball. That combination (plus the game total) has me digging Prescott to hit 260+ passing yards.
Risks/What to Watch
Detroit could always slow this game down and run the ball more than usual, while their defense could step up at home in a huge game.
Cowboys vs. Lions odds have been shifting with every injury update and market reaction — track all line moves, compare spreads and totals, and secure top value at our top football betting sites.
Final Verdict: Cowboys Scare Lions, Detroit Gets Back on Track
I’m not prepared to bet on the Lions to win, but I do expect a close game, plenty of points, and a big game through the air out of Dak Prescott.
Detroit’s ML is plenty inviting, but Dallas tends to be in most of their games, they’ve been good against the spread, and this is a must-win setting. They can lose by three, and we can win, while Dallas staging the upset would be fine as well.
More than anything, though, we have two dynamic and explosive offenses in a game they’ll both show up for. Brace for a shootout and hammer Dak Prescott’s yardage total.
Final Score Prediction: Lions 30, Cowboys 27
