Lions vs. Cowboys Prediction
Can the Detroit Lions manage to string together back-to-back upset wins when they visit the Dallas Cowboys today at 1PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
259 Detroit Lions at 260 Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, September 30, 2018
1PM ET – AT&T Stadium
TV: FOX
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NFL Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Cowboys are favored at home in this game, as they are getting odds of -3 points against the Lions. The over/under total for the contest is currently listed at 44 points. The public betting for this game currently has 57 percent going on Detroit on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NFL Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Cowboys struggling on offense
The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a 24-13 loss at Seattle last week to fall to 1-2 on the season. Their lone win came at home over the Giants, 20-13. The Cowboys are 1-2 against the spread while hitting the under in all three games. They have covered the spread in just one of their last six when you include the preseason.
The Cowboys are putting up just 13.7 points and 298.7 yards per game on offense this season. Most of the struggles come with the passing game, as Ezekiel Elliott has rushed for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Dak Prescott has thrown for just 498 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions through three games. Defensively, the Cowboys are holding opponents to just 17.7 points and 309.0 yards per game. The unit lost their captain this week, as Sean Lee is dealing with a hamstring injury that will keep him out for this game. The unit comes into the game with 11 sacks, but has forced just two turnovers.
Lions turning things around?
After a rough start to the Matt Patricia-era, with losses to the Jets and 49ers, Detroit shocked the New England Patriots last Sunday night with a 26-10 victory. They are now 1-2 on the season, 2-1 against the spread and 2-1 with the over. They have covered the spread in two straight and three of their last five games.
Detroit is putting up 23.3 points and 401.7 yards per game this season on offense. Their run game has shown improvement over the year and the team ended a streak of 70+ games without a 100-yard rusher last week when Kerryon Johnson had 101 yards against New England. He has run for 161 yards on 29 carries for the year. Matthew Stafford has thrown for 895 yards and six touchdowns, but also has five interceptions. Defensively, the Lions are giving up 29.3 points per game, but allowing only 328.3 yards per contest. Their pass defense is among the best in the NFL, allowing 179 yards per game. They also have 10 sacks as a team despite having pass rusher Ezekiel Ansah on the shelf most of the season with a shoulder injury. He is out for today’s game as well.
NFL Betting Trends
Dallas
The Cowboys are just 12-25-1 ATS in their last 38 games on fieldturf and 2-7 ATS in their last nine Week-4 games.
Detroit
The Lions have covered the spread in four straight conference games and they are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight against a losing team.
Prediction:
This is a game where the Lions could have pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes and look awful after an impressive performance against the Patriots. The Jaguars did something similar last week. However, their defense has been doing really well against the pass. If they can find a way to limit the damage of Elliott, I think the Lions can succeed. Prescott continues to struggle to throw in the pocket. The Lions woke up on offense in the second half of Week 2 and are actually starting to run the ball. I think they will put up enough offense to beat this struggling Dallas team.
NFL Prediction: Detroit Lions +3
Related: Lions vs. Cowboys Total Prediction