Cowboys ride a three-game win streak into a primetime showdown with the Lions, with NFC playoff positioning and a potential NFC East title push on the line.
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys have picked the perfect time to catch fire.
At 6-5-1 and finally over .500, Dallas enters Thursday night's showdown at Detroit surging on the back of a revitalized defense and the league’s top-ranked offense.
The matchup with the 7-5 Lions isn’t just another primetime feature; it's a pivotal point in the NFC playoff race, with both teams fighting for a wild-card spot while clinging to division-title hopes.
Dallas sits just behind the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles (8-3), and Dak Prescott admitted he's been peeking at the standings.
"I saw the AFC playoff picture on TV and had to look ours up," Prescott said. "We just win and handle our business, we'll put ourselves in a great spot."
Business, in this case, will be tough.
Detroit, the two-time defending NFC North champ, has stumbled after a 5-2 start, losing three of five to fall behind Chicago and Green Bay. That slide has Lions coach Dan Campbell fully aware of the stakes.
"Our margin for error is very small right now," Campbell said. "Time’s running out."
The game also brings a personal subplot. Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson returns to face the Cowboys after breaking his left leg in two places in last year's 47-9 Detroit blowout win at AT&T Stadium, the most lopsided loss of the Jerry Jones era.
Hutchinson is back in force with 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and 24 QB hits.
"Knowing how good of a player he is, we'll have eyes on him and as many hands as we can," Prescott said.
On paper, this one screams shootout.
Dallas leads the NFL in total offense at 393 yards per game and averages 29.3 points. Detroit is right behind at 376 yards and 29.2 points. It's just the fifth time since 1970 that two offenses averaging at least 375 yards and 29 points will meet this late in the season.
Defensively, Dallas will again be without 2021 All-Pro corner Trevon Diggs, who remains sidelined by a concussion and lingering knee issues. Also, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is inactive.
Meanwhile, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is active.
The Cowboys' recent surge has come with a more physical, opportunistic unit that’s helped flip their season.
Win on Thursday, and Dallas stays firmly in the NFC East chase and wild card mix. Lose, and with just a month left, there may not be enough time to recover.
WHAT: Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1, 2-4 Road) at Detroit Lions (7-5, 4-2 Home)
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 | 7:15 p.m. CT
WHERE: Ford Field, Detroit
TV: Prime Video
RADIO: 105.3 The Fan | KRLD-FM
SPREAD: DAL +3
TOTAL: 54.5
MONEYLINE: DAL +140 | DET -166