The Dallas Cowboys will be looking to bounce back in Week 7 at home vs. the Detroit Lions (1-4).
This promises to be an entertaining matchup. While the Lions have only won a single game this season, they’re one of the most interesting teams in the NFL.
Detroit averages 28 points per game, ranking as the third-best offense in the NFL. Defensively, the Lions allow a league-worst 34 points per game.
The Lions have had only two winning seasons in the last 10 years. But in that same period, Detroit holds a 7-2-1 record coming off a bye.
Here’s what the Cowboys must do to break that trend:
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Kickoff time: Sunday, October 23rd at 12:00 p.m.
- How to watch: CBS
- How to stream: cbs.com
- Spread: Cowboys -7
- Over/under total: 49
Return of the Dak
During a meeting with the media on Thursday, Dak Prescott confirmed he’ll be making his first appearance since fracturing his thumb in Week 1. Considering how poor the Lions defense is, this is a beneficial time for Prescott’s return.
Not only does Detroit allow the most points per game, they’ve also given up 261 passing yards per game. Part of the reason for that high total is due to the Lions inability to rush the passer.
As a team, Detroit only has seven sacks through five games. That averages out to 1.4 sacks per game, the second-worst mark in the NFL.
Prescott should have plenty of time in the pocket to find open receivers. Even against the league’s worst defense, Dak will need time to get back into form. The sooner that happens the better, and the more likely Dallas is to get the victory.
Get right game for Zeke and Pollard
The Lions have also been ineffective in stopping opposing RBs this season. Detroit allows a league-worst 167 rushing yards per game.
The Lions were particularly bad in Week 4, allowing 151 yards to Seattle Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny. That was followed up with a 161 yard game by New England Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson in Week 5.
Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard should have big performances on Sunday. If they do, it will help ease Prescott back into action rather than force him to make big plays to keep Dallas in the game.
Tame the Lions high-flying offense
As abysmal as the Lions have been defensively, its offense has made up for it. Detroit is averaging 260 yards per game in the air and 151 yards on the ground.
The reason the Lions have such a potent offense is thanks to its offensive line. QB Jared Goff has only been sacked seven times. Dallas’ defensive line has had no problem applying pressure to opposing passers this season, but Micah Parsons and Co. will need to be on their A-game Sunday.
Detroit also has one of the NFL’s best RB duos in D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. The pair have rushed for 563 yards and seven touchdowns this season, and that’s with Swift having missed the last two games due to injury.
Swift’s status is up in the air vs. the Cowboys. If he’s active, Dallas’ defense will need to be firing on all cylinders to slow down the Lions.
