Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys - October 13, 2024

As I gear up for the upcoming clash between the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium this Sunday, the excitement is palpable. With both teams hungry for a victory, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The oddsmakers have the Cowboys as slight favorites, opening the game at -1 point, but the Lions are coming off a strong win against the Seahawks, boasting a record of 3-1. Their recent performances suggest they’re riding high, with a solid offense that averages an impressive 26 points per game, and a remarkable completion percentage of over 76%. This efficiency in the passing game, coupled with a potent ground attack, has made them formidable opponents. The Lions are also 5-1 against the spread in their last six games, which speaks volumes about how they perform not just on the scoreboard, but also against expectations.

On the other side, the Cowboys sit at 3-2, having edged out a tightly contested game against the Steelers by a narrow margin of 20-17. Their 23.4 average points per game, while respectable, is eclipsed by what Detroit brings to the table. Dallas has struggled to meet the betting spread in their recent outings, going just 3-7 ATS in their last ten games. Yet, despite those struggles, they’ve also shown sparks of brilliance, evidenced by the total points in five of their last seven games going OVER.

While I’m leaning towards a Lions victory in this matchup, I expect the spread to come into play since the Lions are underdogs. With their dynamic rushing attack averaging 151.25 yards per game and a high yards-per-attempt stat, they could prove to be a tough nut to crack for a Dallas defense that hasn’t always been consistent. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ passing game, which averages 286 passing yards per game, could put them in the position to keep pace, but I don’t have high expectations for the total points to go OVER.

In this context, I believe we can expect a tightly contested game with the Lions ultimately coming out on top. However, considering the spread, I think Dallas will manage to keep it close enough to cover. This game has the making of a low-scoring affair, possibly falling under the total of 50.5 points, especially as both teams look to tighten their defense against solid offenses.

So, as kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on how each team plans to execute their strategies. The Lions seem primed to maintain momentum and take the victory, while the Cowboys will aim to not only defend their home turf but also keep the game within that critical one-point margin for the cover. In closing, expect an exciting match-up this Sunday filled with strategic plays, solid defense, and perhaps, a few surprises.