The 3-1 Detroit Lions are visiting, laying claim to the top spot in the NFC.

Rewind to nine months ago, during Week 17 of the 2023 season: the Lions, boasting an 11-4 record, aimed to secure the number one seed in the NFC for the first time in franchise history.

In the game’s closing seconds, Detroit trailed 20-19 and was attempting a two-point conversion to clinch a victory.

Jared Goff completed a pass to the left tackle, which led to celebrations for the Lions.

However, the play was called back due to an ineligible receiver penalty.

Goff subsequently threw an incomplete pass, allowing the Cowboys to snatch a narrow win. Now, the Lions return to the site of that disappointment with revenge on their minds.

Dallas enters this matchup after a commendable showing against a formidable Pittsburgh defense that applied significant pressure, resulting in two sacks and two interceptions of Dak Prescott.

The challenge doesn’t ease this week, as the Lions feature the impressive Aidan Hutchinson rushing from the edge, supported by DJ Reader and Alim McNeill at defensive tackle.

In their last encounter, Hutchinson recorded three sacks and pressured the quarterback five additional times.

His performance hasn’t waned; he’s amassed seven sacks, six quarterback hits, and 27 hurries in just four games this season.

For Dallas to have any chance of scoring, their offensive line must effectively contain Hutchinson.

Dallas faces a crucial checklist to remain competitive in this game. Stopping the Lions’ run game will be pivotal.

Running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs have combined for 557 yards and seven touchdowns. If they find success against the Dallas defense, it could spell trouble for the Cowboys.

Conversely, running the ball against Detroit presents its own challenges, as the Lions rank fourth in the league in rush defense, allowing only 90 yards per game.

After a promising performance against the Steelers, hopes were high for the Cowboys’ running back group, but those expectations may be tempered this week.

Dak Prescott and the Dallas offensive line are in for a challenging game, but they can influence the outcome. When the offensive line manages to keep pressure at bay, Prescott’s completion percentage tends to rise.

However, he’s thrown four interceptions even in situations where he had a clean pocket and was not blitzed, raising concerns about his ability to read coverage effectively—especially when faced with added pressure from Detroit.

The Detroit Lions are arriving at Jerry World with a significant point to prove. While I believe the Cowboys can emerge victorious against the Lions, it will require several factors to align perfectly.

The running game must build on last week’s performance, starting with Rico Dowdle showcasing more aggressive, straight-ahead runs. Utilizing Ezekiel Elliott in short-yardage and red-zone situations could provide the edge needed to secure a win.

Additionally, it wouldn’t be surprising if CeeDee Lamb draws more defensive attention, meaning players like Jake Ferguson will need to step up and deliver a strong performance.

If the Dallas defense can apply pressure on Goff, limit the Lions’ rushing yards, and force them into fourth down situations, they might just achieve their first home victory of the season.

In summary, the Cowboys are at a critical juncture in their season, facing a Detroit team that is eager for retribution.

Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and it will come down to which side can execute their game plan more effectively.

The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is sure to be electric as Dallas looks to establish itself in the NFC while the Lions seek to rewrite their recent history.

This matchup promises to be a compelling battle, showcasing not just the talent on the field but also the strategic minds of both coaching staffs.

Each play will matter, and both teams will be keenly aware of what’s at stake as they strive for victory.