The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season fighting to stay alive in the NFC playoff race. Despite defensive struggles throughout the year, Dallas continues to rely on a high-powered offense led by Dak Prescott and veteran wideout George Pickens.

Riding a three-game winning streak, the Cowboys face one of their toughest tests of the season on Thursday Night Football against Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions—another NFC contender battling for postseason positioning.

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Kenny Clark Puts Lions QB Jared Goff on Notice

One of the biggest challenges for Dallas will be slowing down Jared Goff, who is once again performing at a high level for Detroit. Veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark, acquired in the blockbuster Micah Parsons trade, will play a major role in trying to derail the Lions’ offensive rhythm.

Clark explained the key to disrupting Goff during his Week 14 media availability:

“Any time you have a pocket quarterback, you get pressure up the middle—that’s the toughest pressure for those quarterbacks,” Clark said. “If you get pressure on the edge, they can step up. Getting in their face and disrupting their throws and timing, that’s huge.”

Clark has been a steady presence on the Cowboys’ defensive line, posting 3.0 sacks and 13 solo tackles through his first 12 games with Dallas. A dominant performance on Thursday could be a difference-maker as the Cowboys try to secure a crucial road win.

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Cowboys Dealt Major Injury Blows Before Lions Matchup

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys will be without star cornerback Trevon Diggs and rookie offensive tackle Tyler Guyton for the primetime showdown. Diggs’ absence is particularly painful—Dallas expected to have him back this week, and even team owner Jerry Jones publicly anticipated his return.

Instead, Diggs will miss his seventh straight game, further weakening a defense that has struggled for consistency all season.

There is good news on the offensive side: George Pickens is cleared to play despite multiple nagging injuries. Pickens is in the midst of a breakout year, ranking near the top of the league with:

73 receptions (T-7th NFL)

1,142 receiving yards (2nd NFL)

8 touchdowns (T-3rd NFL)

With Pickens healthy and the offense clicking, the Cowboys have enough firepower to challenge the Lions—even if the defense remains shorthanded.

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Cowboys vs. Lions: Can Dallas Pull Off the Upset?

While losing Diggs again is a major setback, the Cowboys’ offense gives them a legitimate shot to extend their win streak and stay in the playoff race. If Kenny Clark and the defensive front can disrupt Jared Goff early, Dallas may be able to steal a critical road victory in Detroit.