Cowboys vs Lions prediction, picks, spread, betting odds

The Dallas Cowboys will host the Detroit Lions in a Saturday night game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what could possibly be a preview of a future playoff matchup

Detroit (11-4) has won the NFC North Division for the first time since 1993 after a 30-24 road win against the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions accounted for 143 yards and two touchdowns behind Jahmyr Gibbs (80 yards, two TDs) and David Montgomery (55 yards, TD). Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had 12 receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown. Detroit forced four turnovers on defense.

The Lions are currently the No. 3 seed in the NFC behind San Francisco and Philadelphia. However, all three teams have an 11-4 record and the No. 1 seed is still in play for Detroit as long as it wins out.

Dallas (10-5) saw its road woes continue with a 22-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 16. Dak Prescott (20-of-32, 258 yards, two touchdowns) had a solid game and connected well with CeeDee Lamb, who caught six passes for 118 yards and a touchdown. But the Cowboys had a turnover at the goal line, gave up four sacks and went 4-of-12 on third down. Dallas dropped to 3-5 on the road this season with the defeat.

Even with the loss, the Cowboys will be in the playoffs and they are currently the No. 5 seed. They can still win the NFC East but they would need Philadelphia to lose at least one of its final two games to have a shot.

Caesars Sportsbook, the official odds partner of Bet.NOLA.com, lists the hosts as 5.5-point favorites with a total set at 52.

Let’s take a closer look at the odds and trends:

Detroit Lions (11-4) at Dallas Cowboys (10-5)

Time/TV:7:15 p.m. CT (ABC & ESPN)

Point spread (from Caesars): Cowboys -5.5

Over/Under: 52

Moneyline: Cowboys -250, Lions +205

Analysis:Dallas is 7-0 at home and 6-1 against the spread at home. The Cowboys have hit the over on five of seven home games. Detroit is 6-1 on the road straight up and against the spread. This is going to be a fun battle and it would be accurate to expect this game to be somewhat of a shootout with two dome teams that are clicking on offense.

Prediction: Cowboys 35, Lions 30 (Over 52)

Best bet: Lions-Cowboys OVER 52 points (-110 via Caesars Sportsbook)