DETROIT -- As the Detroit Lions entered Thursday's game with a 7-5 record, running back Jahmyr Gibbs described the regular-season homestretch as "must-win games."
The first challenge was a big one against a surging Dallas Cowboys team, but the Lions proved up to the task with a 44-30 victory. Detroit's oddds to make the playoffs improved from 43% before the game to 56% with the win, according to ESPN Analytics.
"We need to treat it like playoff games," Gibbs told ESPN beforehand. Gibbs responded with three touchdown runs and 77 receiving yards.