The crowded NFC playoff race takes center stage on Thursday Night Football, with the Detroit Lions hosting the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys have won three in a row to get themselves back in the playoff picture, while the Lions have faded, going 3-4 in their last seven games. Both teams would be left out if the playoffs started today, making this a must-win game for both sides.
Below, I’ll take a look at the latest Cowboys vs Lions odds and make my TNF predictions for Week 14.
Updated TNF Odds Comparison
Despite some recent struggles, oddsmakers still believe the Lions are the better team, as they are favored by three points at home.
Of course, Detroit’s moneyline is a modest -180, while the Cowboys sit at +150. There is also an understandably high over/under of 53.5 points.
All NFL odds referenced for these TNF Week 14 predictions are current as of Tuesday, Dec. 2, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
TNF Implied Score & Team Totals
Lions 28, Cowboys 25
Oddsmakers are expecting both teams to find success offensively in this game. With the Lions being 4-2 at home and Dallas being 2-4 on the road this season, Detroit is getting the benefit of the doubt at home.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Thursday Night Football Prediction
TNF Score Prediction: Cowboys 30, Lions 28
Thursday night games are sometimes low-scoring, but with both teams having a full week to prepare, that won’t be the case. Both teams have prolific offenses and should have no trouble moving the ball against a pair of lackluster defenses.
The difference is that the Dallas defense has shown some promise in recent weeks after starting to get healthy and making additions at the trade deadline. The Cowboys also have a kicker with unlimited range who can help them steal points, whereas the Lions prefer to go for it on fourth down rather than take points when they’re available.
Ultimately, the Dallas defense is more likely to get a key stop. The Cowboys will also benefit from Brandon Aubrey scoring points every time they cross midfield, leading them to their fourth consecutive win.
Thursday Night Football Bet Tips
Keep these Thursday Night Football bet tips and trends in mind before making your Cowboys vs Lions best bets.
- The Lions are 0-3 against the spread in their last three games as a home favorite.
- The Cowboys are 5-1 against the spread as an underdog.
- Detroit and Dallas have combined to go 15-9 O/U this season.
Thursday Night Football Best Bets
TNF Over/Under Pick: Cowboys @ Lions Over 53.5 Points (-120)
The over/under for this game is high, but both teams average 29 points per game, while both defenses are average at best.
The Cowboys have already had seven games finish with at least 57 total points, with most going well beyond that mark. That trend will surely continue against a dynamic Detroit offense, especially in a game where the weather won’t be a factor.
Give me the Over as my NFL pick of the day for Thursday Night Football.
TNF Pick Against the Spread: Cowboys +3 (-105) @ Lions
This isn’t the same Detroit team we’ve seen the last few years.
The Lions have lost two of their previous three home games, with an overtime win against the lowly Giants sandwiched in between, making it hard to trust them.
Equally important, the Cowboys have tons of momentum and confidence amidst a three-game winning streak.
With Dak Prescott making a late charge for MVP and the Cowboys being one of the best underdogs in the NFL this season, it’s best to give Dallas the benefit of the doubt.
Thursday Night Football Prop Bet
TNF Prop: Dak Prescott Over 264.5 Passing Yards (-112)
On the heels of back-to-back games over 300 yards, it’s wise to back Prescott to have another big game.
The receiver tandem of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens has become impossible to contain, helping rack up yards for Prescott after the catch.
The Lions haven’t been able to contain Jameis Winston and Jordan Love the past two weeks, so it’s hard to imagine they can slow down Prescott and a red-hot Dallas passing attack.
Thursday Night Football Parlay
Best TNF Same-Game Parlay (+315)
- Dallas Moneyline (+150)
- Dak Prescott: 2+ TD Passes (-186)
- Jared Goff: 2+ TD Passes (-215)
The Cowboys look poised to continue their hot streak and win a high-scoring game.
This means that both quarterbacks will be poised for big games, especially since the Cowboys and Lions rank first and third, respectively, in passing touchdowns allowed.
Prescott has thrown multiple touchdown passes in three straight games, while Goff has multiple touchdown passes in seven of his last nine games, making it safe to back prop bets for both quarterbacks.
Combine these three outcomes for your TNF Week 14 parlay.
