Two teams who have already clinched playoff spots are trying to solidify their campaign for a first-round bye before the year ends.
While other teams have been eliminated and have nothing to play for, even benching their star player, the Cowboys vs. Lions Week 17 match will be a spectacle for many before the year ends.
The current playoff picture in the National Football Conference puts the Detroit Lions in third place while the Dallas Cowboys are in fifth place.
After the playoff season, they have reached where they want to be, but they both still have a shot at a first-round bye.
The San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Lions share an identical record of 11-4. The Cowboys are at 10-5.
Read more: NFL Standings 2023 - NFC Fighting for Survival
This game is as important as it can be.
Kickoff is at 7:15 P.M. CST at the AT&T Stadium on Saturday, December 30. Fans can catch the game via ESPN or ABC.
Cowboys vs. Lions Week 17 Odds, Spread, Betting Lines
The AT&T Stadium is too tough for visiting teams to play at. The Cowboys are 7-0 in the season on their home turf. Detroit hasn't been lucky against the Cowboys in their last five.
With that, coach Mike McCarthy's squad are favorites in this encounter.
Spread: Cowboys (-6), Lions (+6)
Moneyline: Cowboys (-275); Lions (+220)
Over/under: 53.5
Cowboys vs. Lions Week 17 Preview
The Cowboys are the favorites, but it must be noted that they are coming off a two-game losing streak. It can either be a preview of their form right now or inspire them to go off against their visitors.
Meanwhile, the Lions are on a two-game winning streak after stumbling against a lowly Chicago Bears three weeks ago.
The game is going to be a showdown of offensive prowess. The Lions are third in the league in yards run per game with 141.1. Leading the pack is David Montgomery, who averages 4.7 yards per carry. In their last win, he rushed 17 times for 55 yards, leading to one touchdown.
On the other hand, the Cowboys can score points, too, but they had a problem with the slow start. Quarterback Dak Prescott lost a fumble at the beginning of the game against the Miami Dolphins, leading to an opponent's touchdown.
They recovered and forced a 20-19 deficit with 3:22 left in the game.
Despite the early struggle, Prescott showed glimpses of his MVP form in that game. He finished with 253 yards on 20/32 passing without an interception. His average yards per pass attempt was 7.9 yds.
They can light up the scoreboard on ordinary days, averaging 30.1 points per game, second most this season.
The Cowboys' defense also typically does not yield, as they are consistently in the Top 10 of every defensive category. They are seventh in defensive yards average and fifth in passing defense.
Cowboys vs. Lions Week 17 Preview
Expect a high-scoring affair in the Cowboys vs. Lions Week 17, although it might end up as a close one.
The Lions will be able to cover the spread somehow.
Final score: Cowboys 31-27 Lions
Related article: 2023 NFL MVP Race - Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, and Brock Purdy Sprint to the End
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