The Dallas Cowboys host the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium for Week 17 of the National Football League on Saturday, December 30th, at 10:15 pm.
Dallas Cowboys
With a record of 10 wins and 5 losses, the Cowboys have demonstrated their good performance so far in the NFL. The team, led by coach Mike McCarthy, has shown a mix of offensive and defensive talent.
On offense, the Cowboys have been led by quarterback Dak Prescott, whose throwing ability and decision-making have been crucial. Prescott, with 253 yards and two touchdowns in the last game against the Dolphins, has been the team’s offensive engine.
He has found a reliable target in CeeDee Lamb, who has excelled with 118 yards and a touchdown. Lamb’s ability to create spaces and make crucial receptions has been a differentiator.
However, the Cowboys’ ground game has faced challenges, as evidenced by the performance of Tony Pollard, who managed just 38 yards in the last game. The offensive line will have to improve to give more space to the runners.
Defensively, the Cowboys have been solid, allowing an average of just 19.1 points per game. They have shown a remarkable ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers, an aspect that will be crucial against the Lions.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions, on the other hand, have been one of the pleasant surprises of the season, with a record of 11 wins and 4 losses. The team, under the leadership of coach Dan Campbell, has shown remarkable consistency, avoiding consecutive defeats and demonstrating an ability to bounce back.
The Lions’ offense has been one of the most efficient in the league, averaging 27.5 points per game. Jared Goff has been effective at the quarterback position, throwing for 257 yards and a touchdown in the last game against the Vikings. His leadership and precision have been fundamental to the team’s offensive success.
The Lions’ ground game has been particularly impressive, averaging 141.1 yards per game and 24 touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs emerged as a threat in both the running game and the aerial game, demonstrating versatility and explosiveness.
Amon-Ra St. Brown has been another standout, with 106 yards and a touchdown in the last game. His ability to make tough catches and gain yards after the catch has been vital.
Defensively, the Lions have allowed an average of 23.7 points per game. Although this is not the best mark in the league, the defense has shown moments of brilliance, especially in putting pressure on the opposing quarterback and creating turnovers.
Conclusion:
Playing at home, the Dallas Cowboys, supported by a good record and their fans, must focus on the efficiency of the aerial attack and the defensive ability to contain the Lions’ ground game to guarantee victory. On the other hand, the Detroit Lions have stood out for surprising favorite teams, thanks to their strong ground game and the efficiency of quarterback Jared Goff.
Therefore, the forecast is for a narrow victory for the Dallas Cowboys, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the Lions managed to pull off an upset, given their trajectory this season. So, the home factor and Prescott’s experience could be decisive, but the Lions certainly won’t make the task easier for the Cowboys.