Two playoff-bound NFC teams clash on Saturday Night Football, as the newly crowned NFC North Champion Lions head to Dallas to take on the Cowboys. With two high-powered offenses going at it indoors, expect fireworks and points, in what is sure to be an exhilarating contest.
Below, we will dissect the matchup, previewing how we think things will play out, and give out our NFL Best Bet. Make sure you are following Before You Bet, as we will have dedicated NFL betting tips for all primetime NFL games this season, as well as a preview of the main NFL slate on Mondays. All for free!
NFL Week 17 Preview & Betting Tips
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
AT&T Stadium, Sunday 31st December, 12:15pm (AEDT)
Last Week
As mentioned, the Lions clinched the NFC North divisional title for the first time in their history in week 16, defeating the Vikings 30-24 on the road. The Vikings’ offense was rocks and diamonds, as PJ Mullens threw for 411 yards, two touchdowns, and FOUR interceptions, the latter of which undoubtedly helped the Lions win. Jared Goff was efficient, throwing for 257 yards and a touchdown, but it was the ground game that continued this Lions offense humming, as rookie Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 80 yards and two touchdowns, whilst David Montgomery managed 55 yards and a score.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys lost their second in a row last week, all but ending their chances at an NFC East title. It was a tight matchup with the Dolphins, with a last-minute Jason Sanders field goal winning it for the Dolphins, 22-20. There was a massive play early in the game, as the Cowboys were knocking on the door of the Miami goal line. With the scores tied at 0-0, Dak Prescott fumbled the ball, with the Dolphins recovering. Whilst there was plenty more football to play, you can’t help but look back on this fumble and believe it decided the game.
Injury Report
Dallas Cowboys
David Durden (WR) – OUT
DeMarvion Overshown / Leighton Vander Esch (LB) – OUT
John Stephens Jr. / Sean McKeon (TE) – OUT
Josh Ball (OT) – OUT
Trevon Diggs (CB) – OUT
C.J. Goodwin (DB) – OUT
Rico Dowdle (RB) – OUT
Jonathan Hankins (DT) – OUT
Tyron Smith (OT) – Questionable
Detroit Lions
Nate Sudfeld (QB) – OUT
Zonovan Knight (RB) – OUT
Emmanuel Moseley (DB) – OUT
Alim McNeill (DT) – OUT
James Houston (OLB) – OUT
Brock Wright (TE) – OUT
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (SAF) – OUT
Cameron Sutton (CB) – Questionable
Match Preview
These teams haven’t met for over two years, with the Cowboys winning the most recent meeting between the teams in week 7 of the 2022 NFL season, 24-6. Detroit haven’t managed a win over the Cowboys since 2013, however this Lions team is built a little differently to the recent Lions teams. I won’t take anything from these past results when handicapping this matchup.
The Cowboys were 5.5-point favourites on the lookahead, before re-opening as 6-point favourites. I would imagine this was based off the fact the Lions had just come off an emotionally charged victory in week 16, and having clinched the division, and now don’t have much to play for moving forward. The market disagreed with the move, with Lions money coming in and bringing this number down to 5/5.5. I would ordinarily make the Cowboys a 5.5-point favourite, but I do believe that there are some decent motivational angles in this one, that makes me believe they can cover this number.
As for the total, it was 50.5 on the lookahead, before re-opening at 52.5. Further early money came in on the over, however it has gradually skewed back towards the opener of 52.5, where it currently sits. I do like the over in this game, with both teams capable of scoring 30 points easily. However, the Cowboys team total over once again looks the bet to make in this spot. The Cowboys are two very different teams with their home/road splits, with their offensive output this season at home being exceptional, averaging 39.9 points per game at home, with a low score of 30. They are also 7-0 at home, and I expect them to once again score 30+ on Saturday night.
Also Backing: Cowboys (-5.5) - $2.00 @ Betfair (1u)
Dallas Cowboys (team total) over 29.5
$1.95 (2 Units)
