While the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys aren’t officially rivals, tension can easily develop in the NFL. Officials insisted that Decker didn’t report as eligible, despite video evidence suggesting otherwise.

This led to a five-yard penalty for the Lions, who attempted the 2-point conversion twice more due to another penalty from Dallas but failed, resulting in a Cowboys victory. Such an ending fuels a desire for revenge.

Now, as Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season approaches, the Lions have their chance. Dan Campbell’s team has mostly kept their composure leading up to the game in Arlington, Texas, but Cowboys star Micah Parsons is embracing the rivalry.

“This is a rivalry,” Parsons declared on his podcast “The Edge with Micah Parsons.” “The Cowboys are in for a challenge. The Lions are a strong team, having reached the NFC Championship last year and achieving many successes this season. Dan Campbell is definitely seeking payback, and you can sense his frustration.

Their strong run game with Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, plus Amon-Ra St. Brown’s explosiveness and Jared Goff’s resurgence from his time in L.A., makes them formidable. Aidan Hutchinson is playing at a Defensive Player of the Year level.”

While Parsons emphasized the Lions’ strengths, at least one of his teammates has a different perspective. Former Michigan cornerback Jourdan Lewis isn’t shying away from conflict. Last season and this week, he’s made that clear.

“He was talking crazy,” St. Brown said on “The Pivot Podcast” in July. “Stuff I’ve never heard before.”

Lewis responded sharply to St. Brown’s comments. “I remember him trying to call me out on a podcast,” Lewis told reporters. “We’ll be facing off, and we’ll see what’s real.”

Parsons and Lewis have taken different stances on this emerging “rivalry,” but it’s clear that the animosity between these teams is palpable.