Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions Preview & Predictions

The Dallas Cowboys finally broke through and won the NFC East, clinching their first playoff berth since 2009. The Detroit Lions are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2011, but are looking for their first postseason victory since 1991.

Records:

Dallas: 12-4

Detroit: 11-5

Last Meeting: Detroit won 31-30 in 2013

Dallas Outlook:

The Cowboys finally snapped a streak of three straight 8-8 seasons behind a dominant rushing attack, headlined by running back DeMarco Murray. That's opened up the passing game for quarterback Tony Romo and wideout Dez Bryant, creating the leagues fifth best offense (29.2 points per game). Their defense has been good enough the year, but is still far from being a strength.

Detroit Outlook:

Detroit's offense has struggled this year, ranking 22nd in the league with just over 20 points a game. While they're still an explosive unit thanks to quarterback Matthew Stafford and wideout Calvin Johnson, the Lions have relied on their defense to get to this point in the season. They've been the third-stingiest defense in the league this year, allowing just 17.6 points a game, and will be relied on to slow down Murray, the NFL's leading rusher.

What to watch for:

Last year, Calvin Johnson absolutely went off against the Cowboys secondary, catching 14 passes for 329 yards (that's not a typo) and a touchdown. Dallas went through every coverage they had to try and slow him down, but nothing they did slowed him down.

Dallas' defense has played better this year, but their secondary has still been suspect at times. If Megatron torches them again, the Lions will win this game.

Prediction: Dallas wins 34-24

That being said, this Cowboys team is different. Their offense has become one of the best in the league thanks to a breakout year from Murray, and that's allowed them to dictate the tempo of most games they've been in. I expect them to do the same to a good, but not great, Lions defense.