After 9 and a half months of thinking about what could have been, the Detroit Lions return to AT&T Stadium with their eyes fixed on making a bad call.
The NFL planners certainly had a smile on their faces when they drafted this one, with the Lions seeking revenge on “America’s Team” in the 4:25 p.m. slot on Fox.
Both teams were quick to acknowledge there is composure, with Lions star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown referencing cornerback Jourdan Lewis and Cowboys force-of-nature passer Micah Parson saying this match as a draw. rivalry.
Here’s what our Free Press sports editors think will happen in the rematch in Arlington on Sunday:
Dave Birkett
The Lions controversially lost to the Cowboys last year, after officials improperly administered a tackle-eligible 2-point conversion following a late touchdown. And while no one in the Lions locker room is concerned about this outcome, I have a feeling this team definitely feels like they owe the Cowboys’. The Lions should get their revenge Sunday against a Dallas team that is short-handed on defense and not yet as cohesive as it was when it won the NFC East a season ago.
The Cowboys are still a dangerous team, but they haven’t run the ball particularly well this year and can’t stop the run, which should allow the Lions offense to gain some ground early. CeeDee Lamb killed the Lions last year with 13 catches for 227 yards and a 97-yard touchdown. As long as the Lions keep it relatively under control on Sunday, they should head into next week’s NFC North showdown with the Minnesota Vikings with three straight wins. The choice: Lions 31, Cowboys 20.
Carlos Monarrez
There are two things I believe about this game. First: Dan Campbell has gone to bed every night since Reportgate in Dallas on December 30, screaming into his pillow something like “GRRMKFRCMPK!!! » Two: the NFL decided to make up for the Lions by scheduling this game after their leave. Oh, and one more thing: the Lions will get a blowout victory and Ben Johnson will move to the top of Jerry Jones’ shortlist to replace Mike McCarthy. The choice: Lions 36, Cowboys 22
Jeff Seidel
If AJ Hinch can just work a little magic, then… oh, wait. A prediction from the Lions? Against Dallas? You mean, against the Cowboys And the referees? Should the Lions beat them both? Yes indeed. The Lions should be able to move the ball on the ground (the Cowboys are giving up 135 rushing yards per game) and score on the ground (Dallas has allowed eight rushing touchdowns, tied for first in the league). In this game, there will be nothing complicated – the Lions will be crushed, hammered and will not need to present themselves as eligible. The choice: Lions 28, Cowboys 24.
Shawn Windsor
Forget Dallas’ record and shaky defense, forget the ever-present drama created by the franchise owner. Forget the lack of a consistent running game and the fact that New Orleans – NEW ORLEANS! – hit the Cowboys on their home field in September. It’s the Lions and the Cowboys, at AT&T Stadium, where the unexpected tends to happen. The Lions had an extra week to prepare, the Cowboys won a thriller in Pittsburgh and all signs point to another memorable affair. This time, it’s Jared Goff and his resurgent offense that ultimately succeed. The choice: Lions 26, Cowboys 23.
This article was originally published on Detroit Free Press: Lions vs. Cowboys Predictions: Can Dan Campbell’s Team Get Revenge?
