Thursday, December 4, 2025

Pre-Game Lions Links for Thursday 12-4-25

Articles:

INACTIVES: Lions vs. Cowboys:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/inactives-lions-vs-cowboys-awosika-joseph-raymond

5 things to watch: Lions vs. Cowboys:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-things-to-watch-lions-vs-cowboys-williams-gibbs-montgomery





Notebook: Why Lions Did Not Claim Slay, Former DE Dishes on Poor Culture:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/notebook-why-lions-did-not-claim-darius-slay

Lions' Week 14 Depth Chart Features WR, DB Injury Concerns:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/lions-week-14-depth-chart-features-wr-db-injury-concerns







PFF Grades and Data: Key insights for the Week 14 NFL games (Dallas Cowboys @ Detroit Lions - Thursday Night Football will showcase two of the league’s most dynamic wide receivers this season. For Dallas, George Pickens has been playing at an elite level in his first year with the Cowboys. His 18 contested catches are tied for the most in the NFL, and his 19 missed tackles forced lead all wide receivers.  On the other side, Jameson Williams is coming off the best game of his young career in Week 13 against Green Bay, posting career highs in receiving yards (144), yards after the catch (86) and missed tackles forced (4).  Now in his fourth season, Williams has become a far more explosive threat with the ball in his hands. He has already set single-season highs in missed tackles forced (10) and yards after contact (138), and his 8.8 YAC per reception is the best mark of his career. His improved ability to create after the catch has added a dangerous new dimension to Detroit’s passing attack.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-grades-and-data-key-insights-for-the-week-14-nfl-games

2025 NFL defensive line rankings ahead of Week 14: Houston Texand are right behind the Cleveland Browns (9. Detroit Lions):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-defensive-line-rankings-ahead-of-week-14-2025

NFL Week 14 Preview: Schedule, storylines, matchups to watch and betting spreads (Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions (-3).   Storyline of the game: The Cowboys and Lions are both getting desperate - The preseason expectations for the Lions, even in a post-Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn world, were high. The Lions (92.6 grade; 3rd) have one of the best rosters in the NFL, but currently sit 7-5 after an inconsistent campaign and are on the outside of the playoffs looking in. Meanwhile, the Cowboys (80.3 grade; 11th) have turned their season around in the last three weeks, but it might be too little too late.  Both teams are clawing to make the postseason, but a loss for either team practically ends its hopes. The Lions have a 44% chance of making the playoffs, while the Cowboys have 21% odds. Only one team can win, but both teams are in go mode.  Matchup to watch: Cowboys T Nathan Thomas vs. Lions EDGE Aidan Hutchinson - Given that the Cowboys will be without Tyler Guyton (58.1 grade; 60th) for the second straight game, it’ll be up to 2024 seventh-round pick Nathan Thomas (45.4 grade) to deputize. Thomas has allowed three pressures in 66 pass-blocking snaps in the last two weeks and has been surprisingly assured in pass-protection, earning a 70.1 PFF pass-blocking grade.   Things will get more difficult for Thomas in Week 14, as he takes on Lions star Aidan Hutchinson (90.5 grade; 4th). Hutchinson has been a pressure machine in 2025, leading all defenders with 71, while his 10 sacks are top 10 at the position.  Additional News: Lions T Penei Sewell (shoulder) is questionable. Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (concussion/knee) was designated to return from injured reserve but has been ruled out.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-14-preview-schedule-storylines-matchups-to-watch-and-betting-spreads

Eleven outrageous Next Gen Stats entering Week 14 (4. Jahmyr Gibbs Sonic-ism:  Another player in the Thursday Night Football game this week, Jahmyr Gibbs has continued to make history. He joined Barry Sanders as the only players to have at least 1,200 scrimmage yards and 10 rush touchdowns in three career seasons before turning 24. Gibbs speed has lived up to his Sonic moniker: he has three of the six carries that reached 22-plus miles per hour and has accounted for three of the four highest ball carrier speeds this season. Number 0 has accounted for three of the four fastest ball carrier speeds this season.  8. Clutch Pass Rushers: Will Anderson Jr. and Aidan Hutchinson:  Aidan Hutchinson and Will Anderson Jr. have some things in common. Both were top three picks in their respective drafts, and both rank in the top three in quarterback pressures this season. Hutchinson is second with 65 this season, while Anderson is third with 62. However, it’s when they’ve affected the passer that has mattered most. Anderson has 36 pressures on third down this season, nine more than the next closest player, Myles Garrett (27). Anderson also leads the NFL with 3.5 sacks on third down in the fourth quarter. Hutchinson leads the NFL with 32 pressures in the fourth quarter this season, only five shy of the most in a season in the Next Gen Stats era (Trey Hendrickson, 37 in 2024).):  https://www.nfl.com/news/outrageous-next-gen-stats-entering-week-14

Dak Prescott says he's ready to light up Lions pass defense:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/lions-vs-cowboys-updates-dak-prescott-detroit-defense/

One reason for hope for seven NFL teams on bubble of playoff picture (Detroit Lions (7-5) - Playoff chances: 37.8%.  They can still move the ball with the best of them. It's not that Detroit isn't racking up the yards and points; the Lions rank third in both categories, ahead of title favorites and potential No. 1 seeds like the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots. The fundamentals and trenches just haven't been nearly as solid, leading to iffier results on coach Dan Campbell's notorious fourth-down efforts. We're not counting out home run hitters like Jahmyr Gibbs, and we've seen Campbell turn adversity into improved focus before.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-playoff-picture-reasons-for-hope-bubble-teams-2025/



Dak Prescott Sounds Extremely Confident Ahead of Potential Shootout vs. Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/dak-prescott-confident-quote-shootout-vs-lions-thursday-night-football


3 NFL teams that cannot afford to lose in Week 14 (Detroit Lions - The Lions enter this week third in the NFC North and are the first team outside of the playoffs if they were to start today. With two teams ahead of them in the division and the three teams already at nine wins in the NFC West, the 7-5 Lions will need to play their way into the postseason with some wins, so right now, a loss could be fatal to their playoff hopes. This week, they get the 6-5-1 Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, which should prove a winnable game.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/touchdown/2025/12/04/three-nfl-teams-that-cannot-afford-to-lose-in-week-14/87596735007/

QB Rankings:

A New No. 1 Emerges in Our 2025 NFL QB Rankings (7. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - Last ranking: 7.  The Lions aren’t having the year they were hoping for, but that’s not because of Goff. The quarterback ranks eighth in EPA (+45.3) while throwing for 3,025 yards and 25 touchdowns against five interceptions. Goff has also been an asset, whether facing the blitz or just a four-man rush, posting a +3.4 CPOE versus the former and a +2.5 opposing the latter.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2025-nfl-qb-rankings-matthew-stafford-drake-maye-battling-for-mvp

NFL QB rankings, Week 14: Lamar Jackson falls out of top 20; who jumped 12 spots? (8. Jared Goff - 2025 stats: 12 games | 69.8 pct | 3025 pass yds | 8.0 ypa | 25 pass TDs | 5 INTs | 46 rush yds | 0 rush TDs | 3 fumbles):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-qb-rankings-index-week-14-2025-nfl-season

Cowboys Media:

Dallas Cowboys elevate fan favorite pass rusher ahead of Week 14 vs Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/onsi/news/dallas-cowboys-elevate-fan-favorite-pass-rusher-ahead-of-week-14-vs-lions

NFL insider says Dak Prescott’s MVP hopes collapse if Cowboys lose to Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/onsi/news/nfl-insider-dak-prescott-mvp-hopes-collapse-dallas-cowboys-lose-lions




Video:



Throwdown Thursday: More likely for DAL to end NFC Championship drought or DET to make Super Bowl?:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/throwdown-thursday-more-likely-for-dal-to-end-nfc-championship-drought-or-det-to-make-super-bowl-gmfb

'GMFB' previews Cowboys-Lions on 'TNF':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/gmfb-previews-cowboys-lions-on-tnf







Stephen A. takes stock of Lions, Cowboys ahead of pivotal matchup:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/47200990

Lions playoff hopes on the line Thursday against Cowboys:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1750897
Posted by LionsFan at 7:03 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Week 14 Predictions

SN Bender (Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions (-3) - Both teams are in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt. Dallas has allowed 69.7 rushing yards per game through a three-game winning streak. Detroit is at home and in desperation mode in the NFC North. The Lions have allowed 29 points per game in their last three home games.  Pick: Lions 28, Cowboys 24):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-week-14/e0e76fcc42244c3653a84d58

CBS (PICK: Cowboys 34-27 over Lions):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-14-picks-score-predictions-cowboys-shock-lions-bengals-stun-bills-packers-edge-bears/

FOX Sports Lions vs. Cowboys 2025 Prediction, Odds, Picks - Dec 4 (Prediction: Lions 31 - Cowboys 24):  https://www.foxsports.com/articles/nfl/lions-vs-cowboys-2025-prediction-odds-picks-dec-4

Week 14 features 3 division battles for first place and 3 high-profile prime-time games (DALLAS (6-5-1) at DETROIT (7-5) - Line: Lions minus 3.  The Cowboys have won three in a row, including impressive back-to-back wins over the Eagles and Chiefs, to climb back into the playoff race. Dak Prescott and the offense are rolling. The defense has improved since defensive tackle Quinnen Williams arrived at the trade deadline. The Lions have lost three of four. Their dynamic offense has been inconsistent and they could be missing All-Pro WR Amon-Ra St. Brown.  LIONS: 27-26):  https://apnews.com/article/nfl-week-14-picks-steelers-chargers-56b0ab1670853f19d2c57886869859cc

Lions OnSI (3 pick the Lions to win by scores of 37-33, 30-27, 31-27.  1 picks the Cowboys to win 35-27):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/expert-predictions-will-detroit-lions-defeat-dallas-cowboys

NFL.com Video Cowboys vs. Lions preview | Week 14 (5 pick the Lions to win by scores of 33-31, 37-33, 24-23, 29-25, 30-27.  5 pick the Cowboys to win by scores of 30-28, 28-27, 28-27, 30-27, 34-33):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/cowboys-vs-lions-preview-week-14

CBS Dajani and Dubin (Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions (-3) (TNF) - Dajani (Cowboys +3): Are the Cowboys "America's Team" again? I don't know, there's something endearing about seeing a high-powered offense that had no defense to start the year experience a defensive turnaround to get above .500. Shoutout Quinnen Williams, Logan Wilson, DeMarvion Overshown and Shavon Revel Jr. As for the Lions, this defense has not been up to snuff, and the offense could be without Sam LaPorta AND Amon-Ra St. Brown. Detroit ranks first in yards per play with St. Brown on the field since 2021, and 25th without him. Prediction: Cowboys 26, Lions 23.  Dubin (Lions -3): I know Dallas is red hot. I know Detroit is dealing with some injuries. But I have the feeling that one of these two teams is a playoff team, and it's the home team, which means they need to win this game. The Cowboys defense has looked better these last few weeks but has also played two broken offenses in Vegas and Philly and then given up four touchdowns to Kansas City. I think the Lions can score to keep up with the Cowboys here, and then pull it out at the end. Prediction: Lions 32, Cowboys 28):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-14-expert-picks-predictions-analysis/

NFL.com NFL Week 14 picks: Upset and score predictions, matchup breakdowns for every game (Cowboys 30-27, Lions 26-24, Cowboys 29-26, Lions 34-26, Cowboys 30-25):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-picks-week-14-2025-nfl-season

Lions-Cowboys Week 14 score predictions from MLive's beat writers (1 picks the Lions to win 27-24.  2 pick the Cowboys to win 31-27, 35-17):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2025/12/lions-cowboys-week-14-score-predictions-from-mlives-beat-writers.html

USA Today (2 pick the Lions to win by scores of 31-27, 28-26.  4 pick the Cowboys to win by scores of 30-29, 34-28, 24-23, 28-23):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl-picks/2025/12/04/nfl-week-14-picks-spread-predictions-locks-cowboys-lions-packers-bears/87599140007/

Detroit News (1 picks the Lions to win 27-21.  3 pick the Cowboys to win by scores of 31-28, 28-24, 30-27):  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/12/03/predictions-detroit-lions-vs-dallas-cowboys/87559931007/

Gut Feeling: Cowboys-Lions staff predictions (1 picks the Lions to win 31-24.  4 pick the the Cowboys to win 34-28, 36-31, 40-17, 35-31):  https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/gut-feeling-cowboys-lions-staff-predictions

Freep (1 picks the Lions to win 28-27.  5 pick the Cowboys to win by scores of 30-21, 47-19, 35-28, 31-28, 31-27):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/12/04/detroit-lions-picks-predictions-vs-cowboys-for-nfl-week-14/87574902007/

SN Iyer (Game of midweek: Cowboys at Lions (-3, 53.5 o/u) - Thursday 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video.  The Dallas Cowboys' offense is on fire with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb staying hot as a new dynamic duo. Dak Prescott will get to go to work on a reeling Lions defense on the road without the elements. The Lions are set to be down a key weapon, Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), with whom to attack Dallas' improved defense. Prescott and Jared Goff still get into a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair with Brandon Aubrey nailing the game-winner.  Pick: Cowboys win 34-31.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-against-spread-week-14/f6cf3101360ea048f5611533

Walter football (Week 14 NFL Pick: Cowboys 31, Lions 28):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpicks2025_14early.php

CBS Prisco (Dallas Cowboys (+3) at Detroit Lions - This is a playoff game. Both teams need it in the worst way. Dallas has come alive the past two weeks, while the Lions have been leaking oil. The Cowboys offense should be able to move the football here, while the improved Dallas defense will be able to limit the Lions late to win it. It's close, but the Cowboys take it.  Pick: Cowboys 34, Lions 33):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-14-nfl-picks-bets-gambling-packers-bears-cowboys/

CBS Sullivan (Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions:  The Cowboys are sneakily one of the hottest teams in the NFL at the moment. They've won three straight, which has been powered by their resurgence on the defensive side of the ball. Ever since defensive tackle Quinnen Williams made his debut, Dallas is undefeated (3-0) and is allowing just 21.7 points per game. That's over a touchdown difference from the 30.8 points per game they were giving up in the nine games prior.  Now, they square off against a Detroit team that is reeling, losing three of its last five. Defensively, it has struggled in recent weeks, allowing 29 points per game over the past two games. That doesn't bode well for them against a Cowboys offense that is firing on all cylinders, averaging 29.3 points per game (second in the NFL).  While I expect Dallas to be able to put up points in bunches, I'm not sure Detroit will have the firepower to match them. That's particularly true because the Cowboys have recorded 55 pressures over the last three games, and if they can rattle Jared Goff early, they could run away with a win and inch even closer to entering the playoff picture.  Projected score: Cowboys 30, Lions 24):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-14-picks-texans-bury-chiefs-underdog-upsets/

Cowboys vs. Lions Final Score Prediction for NFL Week 14 (Can Dallas Upset Detroit?) (Final Score Prediction: Cowboys 30, Lions 27):  https://www.si.com/betting/cowboys-vs-lions-final-score-prediction-for-nfl-week-14-can-dallas-upset-detroit

Predicting the winner for every NFL game in Week 14 (Dallas Cowboys @ Detroit Lions (-3) - The first game of the week also features the highest expected total of the week, showcasing two teams that have moved in very different directions over the last three weeks but ended up in nearly the same spot. The Lions have been alternating wins and losses for the past eight weeks and have lost two of their last three games, while the Cowboys seem to have turned things around with three straight wins after adding some pieces to their struggling defense. Both teams are currently on the outside looking in at the NFC playoff picture, and both desperately need this win. The Lions have a slight edge since they’ve been a much better team at home than on the road. Although Dallas has faced struggles away from Jerry World, they will need to slow down a Lions defense that might be without Amon Ra St. Brown. Without St. Brown, Detroit will struggle to keep pace with Dak, CeeDee, and Pickens.  Cowboys 30 – Lions 26):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-predicting-the-winner-for-every-game-in-week-14/

Cowboys-Lions breakdown: Why it's a must-win for both teams, plus predictions (Both pick the Cowboys to win by scores of 24-20, 27-24):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6859336/2025/12/04/cowboys-lions-preview-predictions-thursday/

Lions vs Cowboys: Last-minute thoughts and final score prediction (Final score prediction - I wouldn't put it past the Lions to erupt with a dominant win. I expect the offense, banged-up as it currently is, to find a lot of success. But the Cowboys have been the better team since the trade deadline, and their passing offense is a very real problem for the Lions defense. Bad matchup at a bad time for Detroit.  Cowboys 34, Lions 30):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/12/04/lions-vs-cowboys-final-score-prediction-game-preview-matchup/87581898007/

PFT’s Week 14 2025 NFL picks: Florio vs. Simms (Cowboys at Lions (-3) - The Cowboys are surging. The Lions are struggling. The Lions may be tight. The Cowboys should be loose.  Florio’s pick: Cowboys 27, Lions 24.  Simms’s pick: Cowboys 37, Lions 28.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-14-2025-nfl-picks-florio-vs-simms

Cowboys vs. Lions: Where to watch, preview, prediction (Pick: Cowboys 35, Lions 31):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cowboys-vs-lions-where-to-watch-pick-odds-prediction-tnf-week-14/

Non-Score Predictions:


SI (3 pick the Lions to win.  3 pick the Cowboys to win):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2025-nfl-week-14-staff-expert-picks


ESPN (9 pick the Cowboys to win.  2 pick the Lions to win):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/picks

CBS (2 pick the Cowboys to win):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/picks/experts/

59 Pick the Cowboys to win.  34 Picks the Lions to win.  Average Predicted Score (1760-1681/61):  Cowboys 29 Lions 28
Posted by LionsFan at 9:06 PM 0 comments

Lions Links for Wednesday 12-3-25

Articles:

Lions vs. Cowboys injury report: Dec. 3:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-cowboys-injury-report-dec-3-stbrown-joseph-decker








Detroit Lions Rule Out Four Against Cowboys, WR Questionable:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/detroit-lions-rule-out-four-against-cowboys

What Outcome of Cowboys Game Means For Lions Playoff Chances:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/what-outcome-cowboys-game-means-2025-lions-playoff-odds

Detroit Lions 2024 Re-Draft Finds Players That Help Win Super Bowl:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/lions-2024-re-draft-finds-players-that-help-win-super-bowl

Will Lions Save 2025 Season, End Miserable Week With Cowboys Victory?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/will-lions-save-season-end-miserable-week-beating-cowboys






Dan Campbell addresses injuries, urgency, game plan ahead of Detroit Lions–Cowboys TNF matchup:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2025/12/03/dan-campbell-addresses-injuries-urgency-game-plan-ahead-of-detroit-lionscowboys-tnf-matchup/


Catching up with Ahmed Hassanein, who's been making noise in practice: "I'm on standby":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-ahmed-hassanein-is-making-noise-in-practice

Isaac TeSlaa has "a little more swagger" this week. Lions will need him in biggest game of season:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/isaac-teslaa-has-swagger-detroit-lions-need-vs-cowboys

The NFL's best at everything: Picking the top players at 109 different skills (Fastest rusher: Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions - Gibbs leads the league with six carries of 30 or more yards. And more importantly, he reached a league-high 22.23 mph on his 78-yard score in Week 7 versus the Bucs, per NFL Next Gen Stats.  Most sudden rusher/best change-of-direction: Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions - Gibbs has the stop-and-start speed to shake defenders at the point of attack. His 5.8 yards per carry leads the league.  Best ball security as ball carrier: Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions - Gibbs has 425 carries over his past two seasons, and he hasn't put the ball on the ground once.  Most elusive pass catcher: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions - Brown is really productive on in-breakers and screens due to his ability to slither past defenders after the catch. His body control and vision are among the best in the league. St. Brown's 358 yards after the catch rank fifth among wideouts.  Best perimeter blocking receiver: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions - St. Brown is able to stay in front of cornerbacks when blocking on the perimeter, plus he is willing to crack inside on safeties. He leads all wide receivers with 61 run block wins.  Most explosive OL: Penei Sewell, Lions - A fluid and powerful lineman with explosive striking ability, Sewell launches into down blocks. And he uses his short-area ability to fit up on second-level defenders.Most explosive OL: Penei Sewell, Lions
A fluid and powerful lineman with explosive striking ability, Sewell launches into down blocks. And he uses his short-area ability to fit up on second-level defenders.  Best fumble forcer: Aidan Hutchinson, Lions - His four forced fumbles are tied for the most in the league, and he has eight over his past three seasons. Hutchinson, who also has 43 pressures, is always looking to get the ball out when he hits the quarterback.  Best tackler: Jack Campbell, Lions - Quick to diagnose the run, Campbell uses his long 6-foot-5 frame to wrap up and drive the legs on contact. He is averaging 9.2 tackles per game.  Best punter: Jack Fox, Lions - Fox averages 45.7 net yards per punt, and he has dropped the second-most punts inside the 20-yard line (23). He's also tied for the league lead, with Atlanta's Bradley Pinion, on punts inside the 10-yard line (11).):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47166741/best-nfl-players-109-different-skills-top-traits-stats-2025

NFL pass-rusher rankings ahead of Week 14 (4. Aidan Hutchinson.  Season Highlights - Most Pressures: Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions.  Hutchinson’s 71 total pressures lead the NFL, but the gap has closed significantly over the past few weeks, with three players (Will Anderson Jr., Micah Parsons and Josh Hines-Allen) sitting within five pressures. The Packers did a great job of slowing down Hutchinson this season, as he generated just five pressures across 53 pass-rushing snaps over their two matchups.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pass-rusher-rankings-week-14-2025

Cowboys vs. Lions: Three must-know storylines for Thursday's Week 14 prime-time game:  https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-cowboys-thanksgiving-most-watched-regular-season-game-nfl-history

Chiefs-Cowboys on Thanksgiving most-watched regular-season game in NFL history with 57.23M viewers (FOX Sports announced that 47.7 million viewers tuned in to watch the Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions, which was FOX's most-watched regular-season game ever. Viewership peaked with 57.957 million viewers from 4-4:15 p.m. ET.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-cowboys-thanksgiving-most-watched-regular-season-game-nfl-history

Upset Alert: Why these favorites could fall in Week 14 (Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions (-3) - This is a monumental matchup for both clubs as Detroit (7-5) comes into Week 14 as the No. 8 seed, while the Cowboys (6-5-1) are right behind them as the No. 9 seed. While the Lions may be just a tick above them in the standings, Dallas is playing much better at the moment. Jerry Jones' team is currently riding a three-game winning streak, and it's been the defense that has helped spark this turnaround. Ever since Quinnen Williams made his debut, they've won three straight and have allowed 21.7 points per game (allowed 30.8 points per game in the first nine games). The Cowboys are also second in the NFL in pressures and run defense over this winning streak.  We've seen Jared Goff get jumpy when defenses have been able to get to him early in games, which Dallas now seems capable of doing. Goff could also be playing without his security blanket, Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has an ankle injury. If this improved run defense can also keep Detroit's dynamic duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery somewhat in check, Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense have the firepower to create an early cushion.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/upset-alert-nfl-week-14-why-these-favorites-could-fall-including-chiefs/

Ranking NFC wild card contenders, including surging Packers, Cowboys (5. Detroit Lions (7-5) - Odds to win NFC North: +1000.  Odds to make playoffs: +134.  CBS' SportsLine model's playoff percentage: 370.8%.  The Lions were able to survive their uneven play with an overtime win against the New York Giants in Week 12, but that didn't work against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, a game they lost 31-24. They have now alternated wins and losses across their last eight games.  The Lions' schedule is one of the 10 toughest remaining in the league, as their opponents have a combined .575 winning percentage, giving Detroit the league's seventh toughest remaining slate. Games against the red-hot Cowboys (on a three game winning streak), Rams, Steelers and the one-seed Bears should be very educational as to how Detroit's 2025 season will turn out. This week's "Thursday Night Football" showdown with Dallas is an unofficial playoff elimination game of sorts. With a loss, Detroit's chances to make the playoffs drop to 19% according to CBS' SportsLine model.  Projected final record: 10-7):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2025-nfl-playoff-picture-ranking-nfc-wild-card-contenders-from-surging-packers-to-red-hot-cowboys/

Ranking seven NFL Week 14 games with huge playoff implications (2. Cowboys at Lions - This could be a de-facto elimination game, and the Lions desperately need to come out on top. Detroit has been excellent in these situations -- the Lions have won 14 straight games following a loss, tied for the fourth-longest streak in NFL history -- but could be without Amon-Ra St. Brown, who is nursing an ankle injury. His potential absence could be devastating.  The Cowboys will have to really buckle down on defense against Detroit's explosive rushing attack regardless. On the other end, Dak Prescott is playing at a high level, with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens forming one of the NFL's best and most dangerous receiver duos. The maligned Detroit secondary has a huge challenge ahead.  Dallas still has many teams to leap in the NFC playoff standings, including Detroit. It almost certainly has to start Thursday night.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-seven-week-nfl-week-14-games-with-huge-playoff-implications/

Best under-the-radar moves by playoff contenders (8. Lions (7-5) - DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (one year, $1.4 million).  Out of the league entirely in 2023, Muhammad caught on with the Lions in 2024 amid Detroit's wave of defensive injuries, impressed, and parlayed his performance into another one-year deal. This year, he has six sacks, matching his career high, despite only playing 42% of Detroit's defensive snaps.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/one-under-the-radar-free-agent-addition-that-has-helped-every-nfl-playoff-hopeful/

How Cowboys vs. Lions Impacts NFL Playoff Picture, NFC North Standings:  https://www.si.com/nfl/how-cowboys-lions-impacts-nfl-playoff-picture-nfc-north-standings

QB Rankings:

QB Power Rankings: Drake Maye soars; Aaron Rodgers sinks (6. Jared Goff Detroit Lions QB - Frank Ragnow's attempt to un-retire should tell you everything you need to know about Detroit's shakier O-line. It partly explains why Goff, who's sharp but married to structure, is struggling to finish. (-3)):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-14-nfl-qb-power-rankings-patriots-drake-maye/

NFL QB rankings Week 14: Drake Maye gets the stratosphere to himself (Tier III: Right where we expected Daniel Jones, Mac Jones and Marcus Mariota to be - 9. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions: 0.128):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/12/03/nfl-qb-rankings-week-14-drake-maye-mvp-jordan-love-matthew-stafford-shedeur-sanders/87567449007/

Cowboys Media:




Dallas Cowboys rule out ballhawk CB, starting left tackle in Week 14 vs. Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/onsi/news/dallas-cowboys-rule-out-ballhawk-cb-starting-left-tackle-in-week-14-vs-lions

Cowboys-Lions Thursday Night Football showdown must-win for playoff hopes:  https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/onsi/news/cowboys-lions-thursday-night-football-showdown-must-win-for-playoff-hopes

Podcast:

Twentyman in the Huddle: Lions-Cowboys Week 14 preview:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-in-the-huddle-lions-cowboys-week-14-preview


Video:

Whiteboard Wednesday: Most important person in Cowboys-Lions matchup? | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/whiteboard-wednesday-most-important-person-in-cowboys-lions-matchup-gmfb

'TNF' analytics expert Sam Schwartzstein joins 'The Insiders' to preview Cowboys-Lions:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/tnf-analytics-expert-sam-schwartzstein-joins-the-insiders-to-preview-cowboys-lions

Lions vs Cowboys in huge Thursday night clash; MSU welcomes Fitzgerald:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1750169
Posted by LionsFan at 7:18 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Lions Links for Tuesday 12-2-25

Articles:


NOTEBOOK: 'He's fearless:' Lions could continue to lean on Williams:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-he-s-fearless-lions-could-continue-to-lean-on-williams

Week 14 opponent: What the Cowboys are saying:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/week-14-opponent-what-the-cowboys-are-saying-schottenheimer-williams-diggs




Lions Mailbag: Is Kerby Joseph's Career in Jeopardy, Did SOL Return?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/mailbag-is-kerby-joseph-career-in-jeopardy-did-sol-return

Does Amon-Ra St. Brown Still Have Chance to Play Against Cowboys?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/amon-ra-st-brown-update-before-cowboys-game


Lions Still Believe Aidan Hutchinson Is Best Defensive End in NFL:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/lions-still-believe-aidan-hutchinson-best-defensive-end-in-nfl

St. Brown likely a game-night decision against Cowboys in "our biggest game of the year":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-amon-ra-st-brown-trying-to-play-vs-cowboys

Lions soldiering on without Ragnow: 'Just pull yourself up and f***ing do your job':  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-soldiering-on-without-frank-ragnow

There's no way around the "no s**t" truth to Lions' struggling pass rush:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/the-no-s-t-truth-to-detroit-lions-struggling-pass-rush

Amon-Ra St. Brown calls Detroit Lions–Cowboys a ‘big one’ but says his status remains ‘up in the air’:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2025/12/02/amon-ra-st-brown-calls-detroit-lionscowboys-a-big-one-but-says-his-status-remains-up-in-the-air/

Detroit Lions star Kerby Joseph sparks concern online; Dan Campbell says DB is progressing from injury:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2025/12/02/detroit-lions-star-kerby-joseph-sparks-concern-online-dan-campbell-says-db-is-progressing-from-injury/

Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams says team is aiming to get back on track vs. Cowboys on TNF:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2025/12/02/detroit-lions-wr-jameson-williams-says-team-is-aiming-to-get-back-on-track-vs-cowboys-on-tnf/



Solak's Week 13 panic meter: Time to be worried about the Steelers? Lions? Eagles?!:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47154228/nfl-week-13-lessons-panic-meter-eagles-colts-ravens-steelers-lions

NFL Week 13: Rookie Team of the Week (Interior Offensive Line: Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions – 71.8.  Another standout rookie guard on Thanksgiving, Ratledge struggled in pass protection with a 46.0 figure — but was so good as a run blocker that it didn’t damage his overall grade too badly. Ratledge allowed just one pressure but was beaten four other times on 33 pass-blocking snaps. Yet in the run game, he was a people-mover, recording a whopping seven positively-graded blocks.  Defensive Interior: Tyleik Williams, Detroit Lions – 69.5.  The Lions’ top draft pick had a slow start to his career, but he’s quietly put together a long stretch of quality performances, posting a PFF grade of at least 65.0 in six of his last eight games. As a pass rusher, he recorded three pressures, with one of which resulting in Jordan Love hitting the turf. Williams also added a positive grade on 21.1% of his run-defense snaps.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-13-rookie-team-of-the-week

One under-the-radar free agent addition that has helped every NFL playoff hopeful (8. Lions (7-5)
DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (one year, $1.4 million) - Out of the league entirely in 2023, Muhammad caught on with the Lions in 2024 amid Detroit's wave of defensive injuries, impressed, and parlayed his performance into another one-year deal. This year, he has six sacks, matching his career high, despite only playing 42% of Detroit's defensive snaps.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/one-under-the-radar-free-agent-addition-that-has-helped-every-nfl-playoff-hopeful/

NFL: Report card grades in the NFC North for Week 13 (Detroit Lions - Offensive Grade: B-.  Detroit kept the game close but was unable to get over the hump. Jared Goff was efficient, completing 20 of 26 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, Detroit’s run game was held in check, totaling 119 yards on 30 carries. The Lions’ offense was good enough to earn a victory, but the defense’s struggles led to their demise.  Defensive Grade: C.  Thursday’s loss was not the Lions’ best defensive showing. Green Bay was efficient on the ground and had its way through the air. Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love completed 60% of his passes, but damage was done with four touchdown passes. Detroit’s secondary was beaten where it counted most, and the team was unable to accumulate a sack. Green Bay’s offensive line took Detroit’s pass rush out of the picture.  Overall Grade: C-.  Detroit let another victory get away. They’re stuck third overall in the NFC North, and the schedule does not get easier. The Lions must win their remaining games against the Cowboys, Rams, Steelers, Vikings, and Bears.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-report-card-grades-in-the-nfc-north-for-week-13/

Two takeaways from every NFL game Thursday & Sunday in Week 13 (Green Bay def Detroit 31-24 - Green Bay decisively defeated Detroit on Thanksgiving behind Jordan Love’s 234 yards passing and four touchdowns. Love found Dontayvion Wicks for 94 yards and two touchdowns and Christian Watson for 80 yards and a touchdown. More impressive was Green Bay’s defense, which pressured Jared Goff all game long and sacked him three times. If Love continues to play at this level, Green Bay is going to be a very difficult team to beat in the NFC.  Detroit is having severe problems with their offensive line as they just can’t seem to get the push that they used to because of injuries. Speaking of injuries, Amon-Ra St. Brown left the game with an injury and might not be back in Week 14, but the team is not sure of his status yet. In his absence, Jameson Williams had seven receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown. The biggest problem was that the Lions secondary got beaten all game long by the Packers’ receivers. This has been the Achilles heel for Detroit for the past few seasons under Dan Campbell.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-two-takeaways-from-every-game-thursday-and-sunday-in-week-13/







QB Rankings:

QB Stock Market Week 14: Matthew Stafford Is Even More Valuable Than We Realized (7. Jared Goff):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/qb-stock-market-week-14-matthew-stafford-even-more-valuable-than-we-realized

2025 NFL QB Rankings: Lamar Jackson Continues to Drop, Patrick Mahomes Rises into Top 10 (10. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - 2025 PFSN QBi Grade: 80.8 (B-).  Last Week’s Ranking: 14.  The Detroit Lions may have lost on Thanksgiving to the Packers, but Jared Goff doesn’t shoulder much of the blame, if any. He finished with a stellar 132.9 passer rating, throwing for 256 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions with a 76.9% completion percentage in the 31-24 loss.  Goff is tied for second in the NFL with 25 passing touchdowns, and he’s now tied for fifth in the league with a 0.18 EPA per dropback average. He did well enough in Week 13 to get back into the top ten, but his EPA per dropback average under pressure is only 28th of the 40 quarterbacks qualified for this list.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-qb-rankings-week-14-2025/

Power Rankings:


Cowboys Media:





3 keys to victory for Dallas Cowboys-Detroit Lions in Week 14:  https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/onsi/news/3-keys-to-victory-dallas-cowboys-detroit-lions-nfl-week-14


Podcast:



Video:




Montgomery on how the bridge to greatness is consistency:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/montgomery-on-how-the-bridge-to-greatness-is-consistency


Posted by LionsFan at 6:58 PM 0 comments

Week 14 Power Rankings

PFF (6. Detroit Lions (Down 1) - Chance of making playoffs: 44%.  Chance of winning Super Bowl: 3%.  A lack of week-to-week consistency has plagued the Lions all season. After the 31-24 loss to the Packers in Week 13, the Lions have now failed to win back-to-back games since Week 4 and 5. That’s not great. This Lions team is too talented on both sides of the ball for that to happen, but this is the hand they’ve been dealt.  The injury to receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (90.0 grade; 4th) in the loss to the Packers will sting, as will the news that former center Frank Ragnow will not be coming out of retirement to join the team after failing a physical. The Lions needed his presence on the offensive line. Their playoff odds now sit at 44%.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-14-power-rankings-bears-rise-ravens-slip

Walter football (8. Detroit Lions (7-5) – Previously: 6.  The Lions are not in good shape. They desperately need home-field advantage because Jared Goff simply can’t play in poor weather conditions, especially when going up against a team that can generate tons of pressure. Given the Lions’ 7-5 record, it’s highly unlikely that they’ll avoid playing outside come January. They may not even make it to January, given that their 7-5 record. Their pass defense has been atrocious, which begs the question, how are they going to stop the Cowboys?):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

PFN (9. Detroit Lions - Last Week’s Ranking: 6.  Playoff Odds: 63.80%.  The Detroit Lions had a crucial divisional matchup on Thanksgiving, and though their offensive performance was encouraging, they fell just short of the Packers and finished 7-5.  There’s still plenty of time between now and the end of the NFL season, and a close loss against a legitimate playoff team isn’t anything to be ashamed of. That said, the Lions will need to perform well for the rest of the year if they want to remain on track for the postseason with how talented the NFC is this year.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-2025/

SI (9. Detroit Lions (7–5) - Last week’s ranking: No. 6.  Last week’s result: lost to Packers, 31–24.  This week: vs. Cowboys.  Food for thought: The Lions have faced incredible attrition once again this year on the injury front. On top of that, as we discussed ad nauseum before the start of the season, they made two coordinator changes and seemed to whiff on one of them. The offensive line is a shell of itself. And…the team is still having a season that, like, 15 other teams would sell a soul for. Detroit isn’t what it was, but not every season contains neatly linear progress en route to that Super Bowl berth.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/week-14-power-rankings-afc-hopefuls-not-inspiring-confidence

Athletic (10. Detroit Lions (7-5) - Last week: 8.  Thursday: Lost to Packers 31-24.  Best-case scenario: Amon-Ra St. Brown doesn’t miss time.  The Lions offense played pretty well on Thanksgiving Day against a good Packers defense, but St. Brown is what takes that group to a different level. It doesn’t help his prospects that Detroit isn’t on an extended break, with a second straight Thursday game looming.):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6852509/2025/12/02/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-patriots-bears-chiefs-rams-eagles/

FTW (11. Detroit Lions - Last week: 6.  Jared Goff's offense refused to let Green Bay pull too far ahead on Thanksgiving, even without Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions defense, however, couldn't contain Jordan Love through the air. Now that shootout loss threatens to leave Detroit on the outside looking in at a dense NFC playoff race.):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/12/01/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-bears-actually-good-rams-patriots-eagles/87546097007/

ESPN (11. Detroit Lions (7-5) - Week 13 result: Lost to the Packers 31-24.  Week 13 ranking: 8.  X factor for final stretch: Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.  The Lions are still fighting for a playoff spot after entering the season with high expectations as Super Bowl contenders. Detroit's pass rush has struggled with just four sacks over the past four games; Hutchinson had 1.5 sacks in a rough November. The Lions need Hutchinson, and the defense, to find a groove. "Look, we have five games left of the regular season. We're at a point where there's some adversity for sure," he said during Sunday's practice. "We call ourselves a gritty team, it's all over this building. It's what people say about us, but I think it's easy to be gritty when you're winning games and it's all sunshine and rainbows." -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47168214/nfl-week-14-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-x-factors-final-stretch

Yahoo (11 (8): Detroit Lions (7-5) - The Lions haven’t won two straight games since Week 5. The only bad loss they’ve had was at home to Minnesota, but this is life with a first-place schedule and in a tough division. The loss of cornerback Terrion Arnold, who is going to injured reserve, and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown possibly missing some time, makes the road to the playoffs even tougher. It’s a good team but the inconsistency is the reason they’re no longer in the top 10. “We dug ourselves into a little bit of a hole,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said. “That’s the bottom line, we are in a little bit of a hole.”):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-are-the-lions-in-danger-of-missing-the-playoffs-040723013.html

NFL.com (11.  Detroit Lions:  A painful Thanksgiving loss to Green Bay included an early ankle injury for Amon-Ra St. Brown, and it was followed by the news that Frank Ragnow wouldn't be coming out of retirement after all, spoiling Detroiters' holiday season that much more. The hyperaggressive Lions once again suffered from fourth-down failures, and they just haven't been able to replicate last season's magic against a brutal schedule. Jared Goff gamely tried to rally the Lions without his top receiver but just couldn't get it done, resulting in their third one-score loss since the Week 8 bye. The postseason remains possible, and beating the Cowboys and Rams in the next two games would go a long way toward making that happen, but we must brace ourselves for the possibility Detroit ends up on the outside looking in come playoff time.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-2025-nfl-season

Fox sports (12. Detroit Lions - Previously ranked: 9.  The Lions are in "a little bit of a hole" now, as Dan Campbell said, and not just because he’s too much of a fourth-down gambler for his own good. The ankle injury to WR Amon-Ra St. Brown now looms really large.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2025-nfl-power-rankings-week-14-whos-really-best-team-football

USA Today (12. Detroit Lions (9): Even if they can once again avert their first two-game regular-season losing streak since 2022, there's no scenario that gets them back into the projected NFC playoff field this week − circumstances that illustrate how much this team is struggling with its coaching staff turnover.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2025/12/02/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-patriots-rams-seahawks/87562012007/


SN (13. Detroit Lions 7-5 (10):  The Lions have seen their defensive issues, especially against the pass, catching up to them big-time of late with too much being put on Jared Goff and the offense to win shootouts. Seeing the hot Cowboys and Rams back-to-back won't help.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-bears-bills-eagles-colts-chiefs/68e122d30c77606568e4307c

PFT (13. Lions (No. 8; 7-5): They miss Ben Johnson more than they’ll ever admit.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-14-2025-nfl-power-rankings

The Big Lead (13. Detroit Lions: The Lions are currently out of the playoffs and are in deep trouble in the NFC. They host the Cowboys on Thursday in what feels like a must-win for both teams.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-power-rankings-week-14/

CBS (15. Lions They would be out of the playoffs right now, which is hard to believe. They just haven't looked right all season long. They face a big one against the Cowboys this week.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-14-power-rankings-chiefs-collapse-unpredictable-season/

Average Power Ranking (176/16):  11
Posted by LionsFan at 12:46 PM 0 comments

Monday, December 1, 2025

Lions Links for Monday 12-1-25

Articles:


NOTEBOOK: Sheppard switching up scheme, personnel to improve pass rush:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-sheppard-switching-up-scheme-personnel-to-improve-pass-rush











Detroit Lions Make Very Unfortunate Decision on CB Terrion Arnold:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/detroit-lions-make-unfortunate-decision-on-terrion-arnold



Two Detroit Lions Lead Their Respective Positions in Pro Bowl Voting:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/two-detroit-lions-lead-their-respective-positions-2026-pro-bowl

Lions DC: Team Laying In Weeds, Waiting to 'Bite Somebody's Ass':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/kelvin-sheppard-lions-laying-in-weeds

'God Help Me': Lions Safety Deletes X Account, IG Photos:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/kerby-joseph-deletes-twitter-x-account

Lions Updated Playoff Picture Shows Team Must Thrive in December:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/lions-updated-playoff-picture-must-thrive-in-december


Lions DE Says Stretch Run Offers Team Chance to Prove True Grit:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/lions-de-says-stretch-run-offers-team-chance-to-prove-true-grit







Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard demands more from the lackluster pass rush:  https://lionslowdown.com/2025/12/01/lions-dc-kelvin-sheppard-demands-more-from-the-lackluster-pass-rush/


Kerby Joseph's knee injury could be chronic: 'Don't necessarily think it's going away':  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-kerby-josephs-knee-injury-could-be-chronic

Detroit Lions HC Dan Campbell gives injury update on WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ahead of Cowboys TNF matchup:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2025/12/01/detroit-lions-hc-dan-campbell-gives-injury-update-on-wr-amon-ra-st-brown-ahead-of-cowboys-tnf-matchup/

NFL Week 13: Team of the Week & Player Awards (WR: Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-13-team-of-the-week-player-awards

2025 NFL playoffs: Reason for hope for seven bubble teams entering Week 14 (8.  Detroit Lions - REASON FOR HOPE: Pedigree.  Head coach Dan Campbell always has preached grit as the bedrock of the culture he’s built with the Lions. He wanted toughness when he was trying to teach this team how to shed losing habits, and he needs to lean on that principle now that the Lions are in real danger of missing the postseason. The Lions are a good team at 7-5, one that still has plenty of talent on offense and defense. The problem is that being good doesn’t get you very far in the ultra-competitive NFC North. Detroit went 15-2 last season and had to beat Minnesota in the season finale to claim the division title. This time around, Chicago and Green Bay are the teams that have pushed ahead in the standings and created a real dilemma for a Lions team that has won the last two division titles. Detroit probably needs to win four of its next five games to feel safe as a playoff participant. That means it must roll through a schedule that includes the Cowboys, Rams, Steelers, Vikings and Bears. That’s a daunting task on paper, but the Lions also have been through a lot under Campbell over the last few years. This team went from winning three games in the coach's first season to nine, then 12 and finally 15 in 2024. It still possesses one of the best offenses in the league, and most of the core players remember what it was like to lose in the 2023 NFC title game. That stuff matters when you’re talking about finding ways to win meaningful games in December and January. The Lions clearly have things to sort out -- the offense, for one, hasn’t been as smooth of an operation since Campbell took over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton a few weeks ago -- but they’re not dead yet. That’s what happens when you play a lot of big games over a short period of time. You worry less about the magnitude and more about what you have to do to survive.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2025-nfl-playoffs-reason-for-hope-for-seven-bubble-teams-entering-week-14

Why Amon-Ra St. Brown's injury is massive hit for Lions' playoff push:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/amon-ra-st-brown-injury-detroit-lions-dallas-cowboys-nfc-north/

Cover 32: Nails are starting to hit Chiefs' coffin, plus game balls, biggest gaffes from NFL Week 13 (Thanksgiving leftovers - Here are some of my quick-hitting takeaways from the Thanksgiving/Black Friday slate: The Lions -- who leave Week 13 as the No. 8 seed in the NFC -- have zero margin for error the rest of the way.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cover-32-nails-are-starting-to-hit-chiefs-coffin-plus-game-balls-biggest-gaffes-from-nfl-week-13/

Lions roles for Isaac TeSlaa, Tom Kennedy take shape with Amon-Ra St. Brown injury impacting WR depth chart:  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/detroit-lions/news/lions-roles-isaac-teslaa-tom-kennedy-amon-ra-st-brown-injury-wr-depth-chart/ea797c891b4ea16e0b55506e



Cowboys Media:



Unexpected Lions secondary injury clears way for George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb feast:  https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/onsi/news/unexpected-lions-secondary-injury-clears-way-george-pickens-ceedee-lamb-feast

Cowboys' secondary could get lifeline vs Lions with superstar injury news:  https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/onsi/news/dallas-cowboys-secondary-lifeline-detroit-lions-superstar-injury-news


Video:





Why the Lions are urgently seeking to beat the Cowboys:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/47168374

Lions prep for must win game against Cowboys:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1749032

Lions need to beat Cowboys, Pistons back to winning, Red Wings skid continues and more:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1749030



Posted by LionsFan at 7:30 PM 0 comments
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