Lions vs Cowboys Prediction, Odds, Spread & Best Bets | NFL Week 17: Saturday Night’s Alright for Football
Written by: Devon Platana
Last Update: Fri Dec 29, 2023, 10:09 am ET
Read Time: 6 minutes
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This Lions vs Cowboys prediction is brought to you by Bovada. Bovada is a market leader in sports betting, offering various options from the NFL to the NHL and everything in between.
While most of the NFL Week 17 schedule takes place on Sunday, there is one matchup on Saturday, too, as the Detroit Lions (11-4) go one-on-one with the Dallas Cowboys (10-5) at AT&T Stadium.
After a few hiccups, the Lions are back on track with back-to-back victories over the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will try to avoid a third straight loss after falling 22-20 to the Miami Dolphins in Week 16.
There's a decent chance that one of these teams will make it to Super Bowl LVIII in February. Bovada gives Dallas +500 odds to win the NFC Championship (3rd) while Detroit owns the fourth-best odds (+800) to represent the conference in Las Vegas.
With that in mind, let's dive into my Lions vs Cowboys predictions and best bets.
Lions vs Cowboys NFL Week 17 Preview
Lions vs Cowboys Matchup Information
- Matchup: Detroit Lions (11-4, 6-2 Away) vs. Dallas Cowboys (10-5, 7-0 Home)
- Venue & Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023
- Game Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Lions vs. Cowboys Week 17 TV Channel: ABC, ESPN, ESPN+
Lions vs Cowboys Odds & Spread
Lions vs Cowboys odds are courtesy of Bovada as of Friday, Dec. 29 at 9:19 a.m. ET. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.
Lions vs Cowboys Spread
- Detroit Lions +5.5 (-110)
- Dallas Cowboys -5.5 (-110)
Lions vs Cowboys Over/Under
- Over 52 Points (-115)
- Under 52 Points (-105)
Lions vs Cowboys Moneyline
- Detroit Lions (+215)
- Dallas Cowboys (-260)
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Lions vs Cowboys Betting Trends
- Detroit is 0-5 straight up in its last five games vs. Dallas.
- Dallas is 15-0 straight up in its last 15 home games.
- Detroit is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games played in December.
- Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last six games vs. the NFC North.
- The total hit the Over in four of Detroit's last five road games.
- The total hit the Over in eight of Dallas' last 10 games vs. Detroit.
Lions vs Cowboys Prediction & Best Bet: NFL Week 17
Even though the Lions own the better record in this matchup, it's the Cowboys who are 5.5-favorites at AT&T Stadium. Having said that, it's understandable if some bettors are hesitant to side with America's Team after Dallas lost back-to-back games for the first time this season.
But while the Lions are one of the toughest teams to beat, the Cowboys have a secret weapon on their side: AT&T Stadium. Dallas is a perfect 7-0 SU (6-1 ATS) at home compared to their 3-5 SU record (3-5 ATS) on the road. In fact, Mike McCarthy's team has won 15 straight home games dating back to the 2022 campaign, having not lost at AT&T Stadium since Sept. 11, 2022.
The Cowboys also lead the NFL (or are close to the top) for a good chunk of home stats. That includes points scored (1st), points allowed (3rd), average scoring margin (1st), total yards (3rd), and takeaways (T-1st) per game.
The Lions have performed well on the road (6-2 SU and ATS) and even average the fourth-most points away from home, but it's going to take a lot for them to be the first visiting team to win at AT&T Stadium in over a year.
Unfortunately for Detroit, a matchup with Dallas tends to spell disaster. While this is one of the best Lions teams in years, it's worth noting that they haven't won at AT&T Stadium in over 12 years, losing four straight road games to the Cowboys by an average of 11.3 points.
Additionally, the Lions have lost five straight matchups against the Cowboys, regardless of where those games were played, last winning just over a decade ago.
The Cowboys haven't been playing well lately, but their performances at AT&T Stadium this season make it hard to doubt them. The Lions will put up a fight, but I fully expect Dallas to bounce back at home this weekend before gaining some momentum ahead of the playoffs.
As for the best bet, I'm taking the Over on the 52-point total. In addition to two of the top five offenses being involved in this matchup, the Over is 5-2 at AT&T Stadium in 2023 as well as 5-3 in the Lions' eight previous road games. The Over is also 8-2 in the last 10 Detroit-Dallas matchups, which averaged 55.3 total points, surpassing 52 seven times.
The Lions and Cowboys tend to produce fireworks when they meet and Saturday's matchup won't be any different.
Lions vs Cowboys Prediction: DAL wins
Best Lions vs Cowboys Bet: o52 Total Points (-115)
Get 50% up to $750 on this pick over on Bovada
Best Lions vs Cowboys Player Prop — NFL Week 17
When it comes to a solid Lions vs. Cowboys player prop, look no further than the Over on Dak Prescott's 284.5-yard total.
Prescott plays some of his best football at home, averaging 303.6 passing yards at AT&T Stadium compared to 220.9 on the road. The Cowboys QB has also finished with the Over on this prop in five of his last eight home games — including four in the last five.
After the Lions gave up 411 passing yards to Nick Mullens last week, Prescott has no excuse not to come through on this prop again.
Best Lions vs Cowboys Player Prop: Dak Prescott o284.5 Passing Yards (-125)
Get 50% up to $750 on this pick over on Bovada
Lions vs Cowboys Week 17 FAQ
When is Lions vs Cowboys?
- The Lions and Cowboys will collide on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023.
Where is Lions vs Cowboys?
- The Lions and Cowboys will play each other at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
What time does Lions vs Cowboys start?
- Kickoff for the upcoming DET vs. DAL matchup is slated for 8:15 p.m. ET.
How can I watch Lions vs Cowboys?
- Lions and Cowboys fans can tune in to ABC, ESPN, or ESPN+ for Saturday night's matchup.
How to Bet on Lions vs Cowboys
- Most reputable sportsbooks offer Lions vs. Cowboys betting markets and future NFL slates.
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Devon is a Master of Journalism graduate who joined the sports betting world in 2020. His favorite leagues to cover are the NHL, NBA and NFL, and has a soft spot for fantasy football specifically. Outside of sports, he enjoys the finer things in life like pasta, live music and getting even more tattoos.
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