NFC Conference Matchup
Point Spread: Cowboys -5.5 | Total Points: 53.5
Coming into this week 17 NFC matchup, the Lions are in the middle of a two-game winning streak and have an above .500 record of 11-4. In their previous game, the Lions secured a victory against the Vikings by a score of 30-24. Given that they were favored by 2.5 against the Vikings, the Lions picked up an ATS win. Totaling 54 points alongside Minnesota, the game’s point total exceeded the set over/under line of 47.5.
Dallas comes into this NFC matchup in the midst of a two game losing streak. Currently, the team is 5th in the NFC and has a Conference record of 7-3. After a 22-20 loss to the Dolphins, the Cowboys are looking to get back on track this week. In addition to their 2-point loss, the Cowboys also suffered a setback in their ATS record. They were 1.5-point underdogs at the start of the game. The over/under line for their most recent game against Miami was 48.5. Finishing with a combined total of 42 points, the under hit in this matchup.
Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys History
The Cowboys picked up a 24-6 over the Lions in their only head-to-head matchup last season. With their combined 30 points, the Lions and Cowboys stayed below the over/under line of 49. The Cowboys covered the spread in this matchup. In last year’s win, the Cowboys finished with 330 of total offense, with 139 coming in the running game and 191 through the air. On the other side, the Lions ended the game with 312 of offense.
The Cowboys have gone a perfect 3-0 in their last three head-to-head matchups vs. the Lions. In the last three games as the favorite against the Lions, the Cowboys have put together a 2-1 vs. the spread.
Notable Injuries
Detroit Lions
- Scott Daly – Knee (Out)
- Nate Sudfeld – Knee (Out)
- Halapoulivaati Vaitai – Back (Out)
- Brock Wright – Hip (Questionable)
- Alim McNeill – Knee (Out)
- Matt Nelson – Ankle (Out)
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson – Pectoral (Questionable)
- Emmanuel Moseley – Knee (Out)
- James Houston – Ankle (Questionable)
- Mohamed Ibrahim – Hip (Out)
- Shane Zylstra – Knee (Out)
- Zonovan Knight – Shoulder (Out)
- Taylor Decker – Groin (Questionable)
Dallas Cowboys
- Billy Price – Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Leighton Vander Esch – Neck (Out)
- Tyron Smith – Back (Questionable)
- Johnathan Hankins – Ankle/knee (Out)
- C.J. Goodwin – Pectoral (Out)
- Sean McKeon – Ankle (Out)
- Trevon Diggs – Knee (Out)
- Josh Ball – Hip (Out)
- David Durden – Knee (Out)
- DeMarvion Overshown – Knee (Out)
- Viliami Fehoko Jr. – Knee (Questionable)
- John Stephens Jr. – Knee (Out)
- Rico Dowdle – Ankle (Out)
Keys To Victory: Detroit Lions
Regarding their offense, the Lions have an average of 27.5 points per game, which places them 5th in the NFL. Taking the field as the starting quarterback for the Lions is Jared Goff. So far, he has completed 67.7% of his passes and is currently 3rd among quarterbacks in passing yards. His current passer rating is 98.3. A key to the team’s offensive success is their effectiveness on the ground. On the season, the Detroit offense is 4th in rush yards per attempt. This figure has led to an average of 141.1 yards per game.
Keys To Victory: Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ offense has performed well in the first half of the game, averaging 16.7 points. Their overall offensive numbers of 30.1 is 2nd in the NFL. Dallas will look to continue executing well in the passing attack, as they currently ranked 6th in the league in yards per game. This has come while dropping back to pass at a rate of 35.7 times per contest. In terms of rushing, the Cowboys are averaging 27.9 rushing attempts per game, placing them 12th for rushing yards. They have an average of 4.1 yards per rushing attempt.
Betting Trends
- In their last five road games, Detroit has averaged 24 points per game while allowing 31. The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 3-2 vs. the spread.
- Across the Cowboys’ last three home games, the team averaged 21 points per game while allowing 21. Their record vs. the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 1-2 straight-up.
- As the betting underdog, the Lions have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 2-1.
- Going back to their previous ten games as the favorite, Dallas has an ATS mark of 8-2 while going 9-1 straight up.
Prediction
- Dallas Cowboys 26 – Detroit Lions 23
