The Lions and Cowboys are set to face off once again, featuring two first-place teams from the previous season. Many fans will recall the dramatic ending of last December’s game in Arlington, where the Lions had a chance to take the lead late in the game with a two-point conversion.

However, this was nullified due to an illegal procedure penalty.

The Lions attempted a tricky substitution that confused the referees, leading to the wrong player being announced as eligible, which negated their go-ahead score.

Consequently, the Cowboys secured a narrow victory, 20-19.

The Lions remember this game vividly, especially head coach Dan Campbell, a former Dallas tight end.

Now, the Lions enter the game with a strong 3-1 record and a well-rounded team that nearly made the Super Bowl last year.

In contrast, the Cowboys, who have struggled at home, have managed to bounce back with two consecutive wins, bringing their record to 3-2 despite facing numerous injuries.

Let’s see how the staff writers predict Sunday’s game in Arlington.

Patrik Walker: This matchup carries significant weight, particularly for the Lions, who feel wronged by the officiating in their last visit to Arlington.

The restructured Detroit team sees this as a grudge match, with past series history also in mind.

Jared Goff leads an impressive offense that the Cowboys’ undermanned defense must contend with.

The potential return of DaRon Bland could help slow down the Lions, but completely stopping them will be challenging.

I expect Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense to finally find their rhythm in this must-win home game against a suspect Lions secondary.

In what should be a shootout, the Lions may face another heartbreaking loss. My prediction: Cowboys 30, Lions 27.

Nick Eatman: I’m not optimistic about this matchup for the Cowboys.

There are many signs pointing to trouble with the Lions coming to town.

The Cowboys are still missing key defensive players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, and now Eric Kendricks is out too.

The Lions will likely focus on running the ball, a tactic that has worked against many teams.

Jared Goff, regardless of opinions about his elite status, is the best quarterback the Cowboys have faced this year.

The Lions are fresh and nearly injury-free, and Dan Campbell will have his team fired up for revenge after last year’s loss.

I see the Cowboys scoring points, and I expect CeeDee Lamb to have an outstanding game, but in the end, the Lions will prove too strong.

I’m picking the Lions to win, 31-27.

Mickey Spagnola: My initial gut feeling on Friday was Cowboys 30, Lions 28, but the situation has become more complicated due to ongoing injuries.

The Cowboys are now missing veteran middle linebacker Eric Kendricks, their top tackler by a significant margin.

Additionally, backup middle linebacker Nick Vigil is also out, meaning Damone Clark will start alongside two inexperienced rookies.

The Cowboys are also facing uncertainty with two of their top cornerbacks questionable for the game.

DaRon Bland is set to come off IR but missed practice, and rookie Caelen Carson has been ruled out.

This, combined with the absence of their top four defensive ends, raises concerns about how much the team can continue to overcome these challenges. There usually comes a breaking point.

Kyle Youmans: Once again, the Cowboys face a challenging home matchup. So far this season, protecting home turf has proven difficult for Dallas.

Thankfully, they have taken care of business on the road to keep their season alive.

This week offers a chance to build on their two recent victories and capitalize on their recent performances.

However, they are up against a talented and deep Detroit Lions team.

I don’t expect Dallas to play like they did in their previous two home games, and I believe they will face a similar fate.

The Lions, fresh off a bye and eager for revenge after last year’s meeting, will be too tough of a challenge.

I predict the Lions will win in a high-scoring and competitive game, 38-31.

Tommy Yarrish: The Cowboys have won their last six meetings against the Lions dating back to 2015, but I believe this current version of Detroit is the strongest they’ve faced in that span.

Ben Johnson’s offense excels at utilizing a talented group of skill players, including one of the NFL’s best rushing duos, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

The Cowboys’ run defense has shown improvement in recent weeks, but the Lions will be the true test of their progress.

Dak Prescott has a perfect record against the Lions, and CeeDee Lamb had a standout game against them last season, which is encouraging for Dallas.

The Lions currently rank 27th in the league in passing yards allowed, and Dallas has been averaging over 270 passing yards per game.

If the Cowboys’ offensive line can protect Prescott and contain Aidan Hutchinson, the league’s sack leader, it could be a close contest.

However, I feel the Lions have an edge due to their strong running game.

While the Cowboys held Gibbs and Montgomery to just over 100 rushing yards last year, the uncertainty surrounding key defensive players makes me doubt they can replicate that performance.

I’m not trying to upset the fanbase with my first prediction, but I believe the Lions will win this matchup, 27-24.