The fourteenth week of the season launches with an important “Thursday Night Football” contest that could greatly affect the NFC playoff standings. The Dallas Cowboys (6 wins, 5 losses, 1 tie) are heading to Ford Field to compete against the Detroit Lions (7 wins, 5 losses) in the evening’s main event. With both teams just outside of making it to the postseason – holding the eighth and ninth positions in the conference respectively – a victory is crucial to keep their playoff dreams alive.
Just a short time ago, the Cowboys were viewed as underachievers. However, after securing three consecutive victories, there’s a renewed sense of possibility around their season. Jerry Jones’ squad is riding high from two consecutive triumphs over teams that competed in last year’s Super Bowl. They achieved narrow victories over the Chiefs and Eagles in recent games and are now focused on securing their fourth straight win against the Lions on TNF.
After a promising 4-1 start, Detroit’s performance has been inconsistent, alternating between wins and losses for the majority of the past couple of months. Now, they are battling to get back into contention for the playoffs. Their recent loss to Green Bay was a significant setback, affecting their position in both the division and conference standings. The outcome was heavily influenced by the Dan Campbell-led offense’s two unsuccessful fourth-down conversion attempts, a strategy they are typically known for.
Fortunately, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown will be ready to play on Thursday, confirmed as active for the game after recovering from an ankle injury sustained on Thanksgiving. This is a major boost for the Lions, especially with star tight end Sam LaPorta likely sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a back injury.
Cowboys-Lions start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Ford Field | Detroit
TV channel, live stream: Amazon Prime Video, NFL+
Stay connected with Yahoo Sports for real-time updates, key moments, and comprehensive coverage as the Cowboys and Lions begin Week 14:
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Andy Backstrom
CeeDee Lamb’s participation in the game has concluded, as he’s been sidelined due to a concussion. This injury occurred when he landed forcefully after attempting to secure a potential catch within the end zone.
Prior to this, he had a notable performance, securing six receptions for 121 yards in approximately two and a half quarters of play.
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Andy Backstrom
Although George Pickens sustained the Cowboys’ drive by successfully catching the ball on fourth-and-5, he subsequently lost possession while vying for additional yardage amidst the Detroit defense’s swarm.
Fortunately for Dallas, they were able to recover the lost ball.
Shortly thereafter, running back Javonte Williams successfully carried the ball into the end zone, scoring a crucial touchdown for the Cowboys. This play also marked his achievement of surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the season.
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Andy Backstrom
Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is undergoing evaluation after his attempt to make an impressive catch in the end zone.
Dak Prescott threw the ball towards Lamb, who was being guarded by Lions cornerback Amik Robertson.
Lamb used his left arm to reach for the ball, trying to secure it close to his body, but he was unable to maintain possession upon landing.
He initially remained on the ground before being assisted off the field by the medical personnel.
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Andy Backstrom
Detroit’s point total has reached 14, all stemming from Dallas’s errors. Jared Goff successfully connected with wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the end zone, resulting in a 12-yard touchdown. This play unfolded shortly after the defense managed to intercept a pass from Dak Prescott.
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Andy Backstrom
The Lions’ defense is performing at its peak, maintaining intensity from the very first play of the second half.
During a quick slant route, Dak Prescott aimed a pass toward George Pickens. However, Lions cornerback Amik Robertson skillfully intervened with his left hand, turning the play into a broken pass that resulted in an interception.
Linebacker Derrick Barnes was quick to secure the deflection, running the interception back 23 yards, positioning the ball at the Dallas 14-yard line.
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Andy Backstrom
DETROIT LIONS
Goff: Completed 13 out of 21 passes, gaining 153 yards
Montgomery: Rushed twice for 37 yards, scoring 1 touchdown
Gibbs: Rushed thrice for 18 yards, scoring 1 touchdown; Caught 5 passes for 63 yards
St. Brown: Caught 4 passes for 46 yards
Campbell: Recorded 7 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumbleDALLAS COWBOYS
Prescott: Completed 16 out of 21 passes, gaining 154 yards
J. Williams: Rushed 9 times for 29 yards
Lamb: Caught 5 passes for 89 yards
Houston: Recorded 1 sack -
Andy Backstrom
Detroit’s strategy in the last two minutes was aided by a defensive pass interference penalty committed by Dallas rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., which led to Jake Bates successfully making a 47-yard field goal.
The Lions are ahead with a score of 20-9 as they go into halftime.
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Andy Backstrom
Dallas has demonstrated effective ball movement tonight, but their progress towards potential touchdown drives has been hindered by sacks, penalties, and a turnover.
Wide receiver George Pickens received a penalty for a face mask infraction during a second-and-10 play from Detroit’s 43-yard line.
With 25 yards remaining to reach the line for a first down, the Cowboys faced a tough challenge. However, they nearly overcame this hurdle, thanks to consecutive completions to CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson for 10 and 11 yards, respectively.
On fourth-and-4, Brian Schottenheimer chose to rely on Brandon Aubrey’s proven kicking ability rather than risking a further play.
Aubrey successfully executed a 55-yard field goal.
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Andy Backstrom
After the Lions gained possession, they faced a first-and-25 situation due to holding and false start penalties that occurred consecutively.
However, Detroit was able to recover from this setback.
A significant factor in their recovery was a 25-yard connection between Jared Goff and Jameson Williams.
Shortly after, running back David Montgomery skillfully maneuvered through the defensive line and broke free from a tackle, advancing for a 35-yard score.
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Andy Backstrom
Earlier in the first half, Lions linebacker Jack Campbell almost achieved a safety with a sack.
Now, he’s credited with forcing a fumble, which happened when he punched the ball free from Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson.
Here’s a closer look at that play:
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Andy Backstrom
Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are well-coordinated tonight. Prescott delivered this 38-yard pass precisely to his four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver.
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Andy Backstrom
The fans supporting the Lions are becoming increasingly frustrated with the decisions made by the officiating crew at Ford Field.
This time, their disapproval was evident when a flag wasn’t issued on third-and-2, a moment when Jared Goff and the Lions believed the Cowboys had moved prematurely.
Despite these beliefs, Dallas didn’t receive a penalty, and Goff’s pass fell short, resulting in a punt.
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Andy Backstrom
Following Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone’s disruption of a Cowboys screen pass, edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad tackled Dak Prescott, resulting in a loss of nine yards.
This sack forced Dallas back to the Detroit 24-yard line. Brandon Aubrey then executed a 42-yard field goal, narrowly passing inside the right upright, reducing the Cowboys’ deficit to 10-6.
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Andy Backstrom
Detroit has faced challenges with injuries in their defensive lineup throughout the season, and tonight is no different.
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