The Week 14 opener in the NFL brings two NFC heavyweights together as the Dallas Cowboys host the Detroit Lions in what could easily be a playoff preview. Both teams have spent most of the season inside the NFC’s top tier, both have explosive offenses, and both know this game could shape seeding down the stretch. With primetime lights, big-game quarterbacks and star power everywhere you look, this matchup promises high energy and high stakes from the opening kick.
Check out our NFL tips below, and why not sign up to a new betting site to place your bets this weekend!
NFL Week 14 Cowboys at Lions Betting Tips
Friday, 12:15pm (AEDT)
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas enters this clash in strong form, powered by an offense that has rediscovered its identity. Dak Prescott is playing some of his best football of the season, distributing confidently and taking advantage of pre snap mismatches. CeeDee Lamb continues to be a target magnet, and the Cowboys’ passing game looks as dangerous as it has at any point this year. The return of rhythm in the run game has also helped, giving the offense balance on early downs and slowing down opposing pass rushes.
Defensively, Dallas still leans on its speed and chaos. The pass rush remains the heartbeat of this unit, consistently forcing quarterbacks off spots and creating turnover opportunities. The concern has been discipline in the back end, with occasional communication lapses allowing chunk plays. But at home, on a short week, the Cowboys typically thrive with energy and crowd noise feeding their athletic front seven. If they can get Detroit into long yardage situations early, Dallas can dictate the style of game.
Detroit Lions
Detroit comes into Week 14 with a trademark blend of grit and firepower. Jared Goff has once again been steady and efficient, operating John Morton's offense with timing and precision. The Lions’ run game has been a major driver as well, with Jahmyr Gibbs’ explosiveness and David Montgomery’s physicality giving them one of the league’s most effective backfield duos. Detroit has become excellent at sustaining long, draining drives that slow down aggressive defenses like Dallas’.
On the defensive side, the Lions have made strides but still live dangerously at times. Their run defense has been solid, but they have been vulnerable against high end receiving talent and complex route combinations. The pass rush has improved, but this is the type of matchup where they’ll need constant pressure on Prescott to disrupt timing. If the secondary can avoid getting isolated against Lamb and Pickens, Detroit has the toughness to stay in it until late.
Prediction
This one should be tight early, with both offenses capable of moving the ball and answering momentum swings. But playing at home with extra juice under the lights, the Cowboys have the slight edge. Prescott has been excellent in primetime, and the combination of Lamb’s matchup advantage plus Dallas’ defensive speed may be enough to tilt a possession or two.
Detroit won’t go quietly. Their offense is too balanced and too well coached to fold, and they can absolutely control stretches of this game with their run game and sustained drives. But over four quarters, the Cowboys’ pass rush and big play capability give them the upper hand. Tough game to call either way with the line sitting at three points in favour of the Lions. Instead I'm opting for the over here as this should be a back and forth clash between two high powered offences.
Over 52.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Player Prop
CeeDee Lamb Over 89.5 Rec Yards ($2.05 at Ladbrokes)
Lamb has been on an absolute tear this season, and this matchup plays directly into his strengths. Detroit’s defense is tough, but their biggest weakness is defending elite route runners in space. They’ve been vulnerable to No. 1 receivers who can win both inside and outside, and Lamb is exactly that type of matchup nightmare.
Hurts Anytime TD
$2.05 (1 Unit)
