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THE Detroit Lions defeated the Dallas Cowboys 44-30 on Thursday Night Football, cementing themselves as the leading challenger for the final seed in the NFC playoffs.
Dallas entered the game on a three-game winning streak to move back into the playoff hunt. But the loss drops the Cowboys to 6-6 and the 10th seed, two and a half games behind the San Francisco 49ers for the final NFC playoff spot.
Detroit improved to 8-5, putting the Lions firmly back in contention just one game back of San Francisco.
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Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) tackles Dallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (34) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Thursday’s match was also the subject of criticism of referees on social networks.
Two calls in particular were widely scrutinized: when Prescott was apparently tackled in his own end zone in the first quarter, but the referees did not call a safety, and in the fourth quarter when offensive pass interference was called on Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson on a crucial third down in the red zone — even though many argued that Lions defensive end Alex Anzalone committed the infraction.
DAK PRESCOTT AND CEEDEE LAMB LEAD FORMER COWBOYS CHIEF IN THRILLER OF MERCI
Detroit Lions fans hold up signs during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field. (Lon Horwedel/Imagn Images)
Detroit’s running backs led the way in the red zone, as Jahmyr Gibbs scored three touchdowns and David Montgomery added another. Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw for 309 yards.
Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 376 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. His first interception ended Dallas’ first possession of the second half and allowed the Lions to score a touchdown to extend the lead to 27-9. His second interception ended the Cowboys’ final drive as they tried to rally late.
Prescott has now thrown eight interceptions this season. He was considered an MVP contender earlier in the year, but no player has ever won the award without reaching the playoffs.
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December 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, United States; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) defends against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field. (Lon Horwedel/Imagn Images)
Dallas now only has about an 8% chance of making the playoffs.
If the Cowboys fail, it will mark their 30th straight season without a Super Bowl title.
