The Detroit Lions head to take on the Dallas Cowboys later today in the NFL Wild Card Playoffs. The game is scheduled for a 4:40 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on FOX. Currently the Betting Odds for the game have the Cowboys favored by about a touchdown in this one.
The Lions nearly picked up an NFC North title last week, but lost to the Green Bay Packers. Now Detroit has to hit the road once again, taking on the Cowboys in Dallas, as they reach the playoffs for the first time under head coach Jim Caldwell. Detroit has played very well under Caldwell this season, sporting a strong defense and an offense that has the ability to be very good in the playoffs. Remember, in year's past the Lions offense was very good while the defense continued to let them down. This year, though, it's changed as the defense has taken them to this point.
Taking on a Dallas team loaded with talent in the league's best runner DeMarco Murray, one of the best receivers in football in Dez Bryant and a solid quarterback in Tony Romo will be tough. Dallas has been a very solid offensive club this year, averaging 29.2 points per game, which is fifth best in the league. Detroit's defense comes in ranked second best in the league themselves defensively, allowing only 17.6 points per game to opponents while having the second best total defense in football.
Matt Stafford returns home to Dallas looking to pick up his first playoff win. Stafford and the Lions have not beaten a winning team on the road in 17 opportunities, but all of that can be forgiven with a win in Dallas this afternoon. Detroit has one of the best receiver combos in the league in Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, both who will test the Dallas secondary that has only 11 interceptions this season and allows opponents to pile up an average of 252 yards through the air per game.
Detroit should be able to move the football on the Cowboys, but they will have to be able to run the football.
Dallas should be able to run the football as well. They have arguably the best offensive line in football, but they are going up against a great Detroit rush defense. The Lions own the best defense in the league against the run, allowing just 69.3 yards per game. Detroit did give up 152 yards on the ground last week to the Packers, so Dallas will look to keep running the ball.
The Cowboys are just 1-3 under Romo in the post season. Dallas is going to have to work in a good mix of run and pass against the Lions, who have a very good front seven that can cause havoc, led by Ndamukong Suh, who will play in this game despite having a bit of a problem last week. Romo also needs to avoid the big mistake in this one, not giving the Lions any extra possessions.
Dallas finished the regular season just 4-4 at home, Detroit was just 4-4 on the road, so one of those will get better this week. Detroit is going to play tough and has the ability to beat Dallas, especially playing inside a dome on turf, where the Lions can thrive. Look for Detroit to push Dallas and possibly win.
Free Pick: Dallas 31, Detroit 28
NFL Free Picks: Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys Betting
What pro football bettors need to know about betting Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys on Sunday (01/04/15) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Teddy Covers with added insight from Pauly Howard.
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