It wasn’t just a win for the Detroit Lions. It was a statement.
The Detroit Lions (8-5, 3rd in NFC North) beat the Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1, 2nd in NFC East) 44-30 on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Ford Field in Detroit. With the win, the Lions keep their playoff hopes alive in a crowded NFC postseason picture.
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored three rushing touchdowns, tying Lions legend Barry Sanders for the NFL record for most touchdowns scored before the age of 24. Gibbs had 120 total yards, 77 receiving and 43 rushing.
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The game also marked the return of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who caught six passes for 92 yards.
Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad recorded three sacks on the night, setting his single-season career high (8) on a superb night for the Detroit pass rush.
Here’s how it all went down:
D.J. Reed intercepts pass, Lions win
FINAL: Lions 44, Cowboys 30.
Deep in Lions territory, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott completed a pass to receiver Ryan Flournoy. Lions cornerback D.J. Reed simply took the ball away from Flournoy, however, giving the Lions the ball.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff took two knees to end the game. Detroit wins.
Jahmyr Gibbs scores 3rd TD
4Q, 2:19: Lions 44, Cowboys 30.
Wide receiver Tom Kennedy gave the Lions the ball at their own 49-yard line to start the drive after another sterling kick return, this time for 40 yards. Two plays later, Lions quarterback Jared Goff found receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 37-yard completion, which was upheld following an unsuccessful challenge by the Cowboys.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored his third rushing touchdown of the day on the next play, this time on a 13-yard carry down the right side. That should seal the game as the Lions take a 14-point lead.
That score tied Barry Sanders for the NFL record for most touchdowns (47) before the age of 24, by the way.
Brian Branch carted off
After exiting the game slowly late in the fourth quarter, Lions safety Brian Branch was carted off the field with a right ankle injury. He has been ruled as questionable.
Brandon Aubrey hits 29-yard FG
4Q, 3:42: Lions 37, Cowboys 30.
The Lions defense began the latest Cowboys drive with a sack from edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad, his second of the game. The secondary immediately gave up a 20-yard completion from quarterback Dak Prescott to receiver Ryan Flournoy, however, giving the Cowboys a first down near midfield.
With a 3rd-and-10 on Detroit’s 28-yard line, Prescott gained all 10 yards needed on a pass up the middle to Flournoy. A 7-yard completion from Prescott to George Pickens put the Cowboys on the 11-yard line, while a heavy Detroit pass rush forced a 3rd-and-2 one play later.
Prescott’s pass to tight end Jake Ferguson fell incomplete, leading to a 29-yard field goal from Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey one play later. Dallas is down by seven points with less than four minutes left in the game.
Brian Branch appears hurt
On a third-down stop in the red zone, Lions safety Brian Branch appeared hurt, receiving treatment in the end zone. He got up on his own power a few minutes later but limped off the field slowly, with his right leg appearing hurt.
We await updates on his injury status.
Sione Vaki appears hurt
Following the Detroit kickoff, Lions running back and special teams player Sione Vaki appeared hurt. He eventually jogged off the field on his own power, and we await updates on his injury status.
Jahmyr Gibbs scores second rushing TD
4Q, 7:17: Lions 37, Cowboys 27
Another big kickoff return from Lions receiver Tom Kennedy gave Detroit the ball at their own 41-yard line. Three plays later, Lions quarterback Jared Goff found receiver Jameson Williams for a 33-yard completion, with more yards added after a roughing the passer called on Dallas bringing Detroit to the 13-yard line.
Two plays later, Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored on a 10-yard touchdown run up the middle for his second score of the game. The Lions have a 10-point lead following the point-after try.
Cowboys score TD and 2-point conversion
4Q, 9:52: Lions 30, Cowboys 27.
Back-to-back runs of at least 10 yards for the Cowboys, an 12-yard scramble from quarterback Dak Prescott followed by an 11-yard run from running back Javonte Williams, put Dallas on the Detroit 47-yard line. Two plays later, Prescott found Ryan Flournoy for a 42-yard touchdown pass down the right sideline and then completed the two-point conversion attempt with a pass to Jake Ferguson.
It’s suddenly a three-point game with 10 minutes left in the game.
Jake Bates hits 42-yard FG, Lions go up by 11
4Q, 11:50: Lions 30, Cowboys 19.
On 1st-and-15 at midfield, quarterback Jared Goff found running back David Montgomery for a 13-yard reception into Dallas territory. Montgomery followed that with an 8-yard run, bringing the Lions to the Dallas 29-yard line.
A holding penalty on offensive guard Tate Ratledge pulled the Lions back another 10 yards to the 39-yard line, however, bringing Detroit to a 1st-and-20. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs slipped while taking the handoff on the next play, losing two yards.
Goff then made consecutive completions to receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, but the offense fell 9 yards short of the line to gain. Jake Bates then hit a 46-yard field goal to end the 10-play, 40-yard drive that took six minutes off the clock.
Detroit is up by 11 once again.
Lions up and driving in Dallas territory as third quarter ends
End 3Q: Lions 27, Cowboys 19.
On 1st-and-15 from their own 40-yard line, the Lions completed a pass from quarterback Jared Goff to receiver Jameson Williams for 13 yards and followed it with a 2-yard run from running back David Montgomery.
The Lions will have a 1st-and-10 on the Dallas 45-yard line when the fourth quarter begins.
Brandon Aubrey nails 63-yard field goal
3Q, 2:48: Lions 27, Cowboys 19.
On the second play of the drive, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made an 18-yard completion to receiver Ryan Flournoy, putting Dallas at the Detroit 36-yard line. A holding penalty on Dallas tackle Nate Thomas then moved the Cowboys back to the Detroit 45-yard line for a 2nd-and-19.
A third-down reception by Flournoy was negated on an offensive pass interference call, setting up a 3rd-and-19 for Dallas. Prescott’s pass was batted down by cornerback D.J. Reed, setting up the 63-yard field goal attempt for Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey, which he nailed.
Dallas is down by one score.
Cowboys block Lions field goal attempt
On 3rd-and-8 from the 24-yard line, Lions quarterback Jared Goff found running back Jahmyr Gibbs for a 10-yard gain, with Gibbs juking Cowboys safety Malik Hooker into oblivion before getting enough yardage for the first down.
Two plays later, Goff found receiver Jameson Williams for a 16-yard gain down to the Cowboys’ 39-yard line. The Cowboys defense held the Lions the just five total yards on the next three plays, however, setting up a 52-yard field goal attempt for kicker Jake Bates, which the Cowboys blocked.
CeeDee Lamb out with a concussion
The Cowboys just lost a big-time player.
Receiver CeeDee Lamb has been ruled out with a concussion after knocking his head on the turf after a pass attempt in the end zone on the previous drive.
Cowboys respond with a touchdown drive
3Q, 10:41: Lions 27, Cowboys 16.
A 32-yard completion from Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to receiver CeeDee Lamb (plus a couple of penalties on the Lions’ defense) brought Dallas to the red zone.
The Detroit defense held Dallas to a fourth-down attempt, which the Cowboys converted on a completion from Prescott to George Pickens, setting up a 1st-and-goal on the 2-yard line. Two plays later, the Cowboys scored a touchdown on a Javonte Williams handoff, bringing them to within 11 points following the successful point-after attempt.
Lions score on Isaac TeSlaa TD
3Q, 14:14: Lions 27, Cowboys 9.
The Lions didn’t waste much time once getting the ball in the red zone to start their first drive of the half.
Detroit quarterback Jared Goff found receiver Isaac TeSlaa for a 12-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone, making up for a pass attempt at the end of the first half that landed incomplete way out of the end zone despite TeSlaa getting wide open.
The Lions have a three-score lead after TeSlaa’s third touchdown of the season.
Derrick Barnes interception to start 2nd half
A pass from Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott on the first play from scrimmage of the half was broken up by cornerback Amik Robertson, bouncing off receiver George Pickens and landing in the hands of linebacker Derrick Barnes. Barnes returned the interception to the Dallas 14-yard line, giving the Lions their best starting field position of the day.
Lions up at the half
HALFTIME: Lions 20, Cowboys 9.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff had three consecutive completions to receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (4 yards), running back Jahmyr Gibbs (18 yards and again to St. Brown (9 yards) to bring the Lions to the Dallas 43-yard line.
Two plays later, Goff threw incomplete intended for St. Brown, but a pass interference call on Dallas brought the ball to the Dallas 29-yard line. Two plays after that, kicker Jake Bates (back from an injury scare) hit the 47-yard field goal to end the half.
Brandon Aubrey kicks third FG
2Q, 0:50: Lions 17, Cowboys 9.
A facemask penalty on the Dallas offense brought the Cowboys back to the Detroit 42 yard line with just over a minute left to play. Quarterback Dak Prescott got a 10-yard completion to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, giving the Cowboys a 3rd-and-15 near midfield.
Prescott found tight end Jake Ferguson for an 11-yard gain, but the completion fell short of the line-to-gain. Kicker Brandon Aubrey then made the 55-yard field goal, his second long field goal of the game and third overall, bringing the Cowboys to within a score.
The Lions offense has 50 seconds left in the half to try to score.
Jake Bates appears hurt
Lions kicker Jake Bates went to the locker room after suffering a hit from Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske on the kickoff. He’s back on the sideline but still might be getting evaluated for injury.
Cowboys driving with two minutes left in the half
On a 2nd-and-5 from their own 25, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott connected with receiver CeeDee Lamb on a 21-yard completion, bringing Dallas near midfield. Two plays later, an incomplete pass from Prescott to receiver George Pickens in the end zone looked like it was negated on a defensive pass interference call, but pass interference was called on both cornerback D.J. Reed and Pickens, offsetting the penalties.
Dallas has a 3rd-and-4 from the Detroit 48-yard line at the two-minute warning.
David Montgomery scores on 35-yard TD run
2Q, 4:27: Lions 17, Cowboys 6
Back-to-back penalties on the Lions offensive line gave Detroit a 1st-and-25 from their own 32. Two plays later, quarterback Jared Goff converted the first down on a 25-yard completion to receiver Jameson Williams, bringing the Lions to the Dallas 40-yard line.
Running back David Montgomery then broke a tackle inside and scampered to the end zone, scoring on a 35-yard rushing touchdown. The Lions take an 11-point lead following the extra point.
Lions recover Cowboys fumble
The Cowboys got their first big play of the game with quarterback Dak Prescott finding receiver CeeDee Lamb for a 37-yard gain to the Lions’ 42-yard line. Heavy pressure from the Lions defense forced a 16-yard loss when Prescott threw a backwards pass, leading to a fumble recovery from Cowboys receiver Jake Ferguson.
Two plays later, the Lions defense forced another fumble, this time with Brian Branch recovering the ball on the Lions’ 47-yard line. Defensive back Amik Robertson was initially credited with the forced fumble (though it appears linebacker Jack Campbell punched it out), once again giving the Lions advantageous field position.
Lions punt after controversial no-call
On 2nd-and-15 following a false start penalty, Lions quarterback Jared Goff got a 13-yard completion to running back Jahmyr Gibbs down to the Dallas 37-yard line, setting up a 3rd-and-2. The Cowboys appeared to have benefitted from a non-call on 3rd down when members of their defensive line appeared to jump offsides, but no flag was thrown, and the Lions punted after the incomplete pass intended for receiver Jameson Williams.
Heavy boos are raining down on the referees.
Lions hold Cowboys to a field goal
2Q, 9:23: Lions 10, Cowboys 6.
On 3rd-and-6 from their own 47, the Cowboys converted the first down with a 16-yard completion from quarterback Dak Prescott to receiver CeeDee Lamb, bringing Dallas to the Detroit 36-yard line. Three plays later, the Cowboys converted another third down on a 4-yard gain on a pitch to running back Javonte Williams. Prescott then converted a 3rd-and-1 three plays later on a quarterback sneak to the Lions’ 15-yard line.
Two incompletions from Prescott, both influenced by a heavy Detroit pass rush, then brought the Cowboys to a 3rd-and-10 at the 15. Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad then burst through into the backfield for the sack, forcing a nine-yard loss and another Cowboys field goal (which kicker Brandon Aubrey nailed from 42 yards out).
That was Muhammad’s seventh sack of the season, which sets a single-season career-high for the veteran.
Thomas Harper out
Following evaluation for a concussion, Lions safety Thomas Harper has been ruled out of the game.
Cowboys driving as quarter ends
End 1Q: Lions 10, Cowboys 3.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott found receiver Ryan Flournoy for a third-down completion to give the Cowboys the ball on their own 43-yard line. Dallas will begin with a 2nd-and-7 on its own 46-yard line to start the second quarter.
Miles Frazier in the game
Making his professional debut on the last drive was offensive lineman Miles Frazier, the Lions’ 5th-round selection out of LSU in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s replacing Trystan Colon at guard.
Lions score first TD of the game
1Q, 2:14: Lions 10, Cowboys 3.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff got a first down on a 7-yard completion to tight end Anthony Firkser, giving the Lions a 1st-and-10 on the Dallas 31-yard line.
Two plays later, Goff found receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 27-yard gain, bringing the Lions to a 1st-and-goal at the 8-yard line. An end-around to receiver Jameson Williams picked up seven of those yards on the next play, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs punched in the 1-yard touchdown run on the next play.
The Lions once again take the lead.
Jack Campbell sack forces three-and-out
With a 3rd-and-5 on their own 10-yard line, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott dropped back to pass and was met quickly by the Lions pass rush.
Linebacker Jack Campbell was awarded with the sack in the end zone and was initially awarded with a safety. Upon review, however, the safety was reversed, taking two points off the scoreboard for the Lions.
Following the punt return, the Lions will start at the Dallas 43-yard line.
Lions go three-and-out
Lions receiver Tom Kennedy gave the Lions advantageous field position with a 40-yard kick return, putting the Lions at their own 47-yard line. The Cowboys’ pass rush got to Lions quarterback Jared Goff twice, however, forcing two incomplete passes leading to a punt.
The Cowboys will take over starting at their own 4-yard line.
Brandon Aubrey converts 57-yard field goal
1Q, 8:07: Lions 3, Cowboys 3.
It didn’t take long for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to start carving up Detroit’s secondary.
Prescott had completions of 11 and 18 yards to receiver George Pickens on Dallas’ opening drive, quickly bringing the Cowboys into Lions territory. The Lions defense held strong at the 39-yard line, however, with a pass break up by Avonte Maddox forcing the fourth down.
Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey then converted the 57-yard field goal to tie the game.
Thomas Harper appears hurt
Following a completion from Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to George Pickens, Lions safety Thomas Harper appeared hurt, taking a foot from Pickens to the head. After being attended to by trainers, he got up on his own power and walked off the field.
He is being evaluated under the concussion protocol. We await updates on his injury status.
Jake Bates hits 38-yard field goal
1Q, 10:46: Lions 3, Cowboys 0.
Starting at his own 36-yard line, Lions quarterback Jared Goff got receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown quickly involved with a 7-yard completion. On a 3rd-and-3, Goff found running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the flat for a 19-yard gain, putting the Lions on the Cowboys’ 38-yard line.
Goff found Gibbs again up the middle for a 26-yard completion, one where Gibbs bounced off of and spun around multiple tacklers. Three plays later, however, a James Houston sack brought the Lions back to the Dallas 20-yard line, bringing out the field-goal unit.
Lions kicker Jake Bates converted the 38-yard attempt, giving the Lions an early lead.
Dallas wins the toss, chooses to defer
The Lions will receive the ball to start the game.
Aidan Hutchinson catching passes
Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson did his usual pregame one-handed catch routine ahead of the Cowboys game. Though with receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown playing, we doubt Detroit will need Hutchinson’s services at wideout.
Lions’ season on the line?
The Lions won’t be mathematically eliminated if they lose tonight against the Cowboys, but their path to the playoffs will become much more difficult.
Detroit likely needs to reach 11 wins to make the playoffs, meaning they will need to win four out of their last five regular-season games to reach that goal. A loss tonight would make every game a must-win, leaving the Lions no room for error the rest of the way.
Cade Cunningham in the building
In an interview with Prime Video, Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham declared that the Cowboys are going to the Super Bowl.
Right now, the Lions are +1200 to make the Super Bowl per BetMGM, longer than the Pistons’ odds to make the NBA Finals (+500).
The Temptations performing at halftime
If you’re at Ford Field, you might want to stay in your seat at halftime.
Motown legends The Temptations are scheduled to perform at halftime of the Lions-Cowboys game, marking two weeks in a row with Detroit musical luminaries performing at Ford Field.
Jameson Williams in the house
Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is coming off a prolific game, setting career highs in both catches (seven) and receiving yards (144) in Detroit’s loss to Green Bay. And with receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown still possibly dealing with pain in his ankle, Williams might have to be the No. 1 target for quarterback Jared Goff once again.
Cowboys inactives
The Cowboys listed six players on their inactives list, most notably defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who has four sacks over nine games so far in 2025.
Lions inactives
The Lions have six players listed on the inactive list, including safety Kerby Joseph and offensive lineman Kayode Awosika.
As previously reported, Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is active and expected to play.
Amon-Ra St. Brown playing
Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown will be playing against the Cowboys.
Amon-Ra St. Brown warming up
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who is currently listed as questionable with an ankle injury, has been warming up on the field ahead of the game running routes, catching passes and trying to play up to game speed.
It’s unclear whether St. Brown will be playing, though he seems to be moving normally.
DJ Reader in the building
Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader could play a big role tonight in getting interior pressure on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
But he’s already played a big role in the community with his philanthropy, a big reason why he was the Lions’ club winner for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Dak Prescott trash talk
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is in peak form this season, leading all quarterbacks in QBR. He’s got the trash talk to match, too.
Ahead of his game against the Lions tonight, Prescott was asked what he remembers about the last time he played at Ford Field. “That we lit them up,” he responded. “About to do it again.”
Lions uniform combo
The Cowboys will be in their navy uniforms during Thursday’s game with white pants and their classic silver helmets.
Meanwhile, the Lions will be going with the all-white look as temperatures drop below freezing in Detroit.
Kayode Awosika ruled out
An already banged-up Lions interior offensive line will be without guard Kayode Awosika, as Detroit has downgraded him from questionable to out with a foot injury.
Awosika had started the previous four games as starter Christian Mahogany recovers from injury. Though not yet clear who would start in his place, Trystan Colon could be an option as starting center Graham Glasgow is expected to return from a one-game absence.
Lions vs Cowboys channel
The Lions-Cowboys matchup will air nationally on Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service and locally on both WJBK-TV (Fox 2) in Detroit and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
With the game broadcasted locally on Fox, Detroit-area fans will also be able to stream the game on Fubo and Amazon’s Prime Video.
Watch Lions vs Cowboys on Fubo
Lions vs Cowboys odds
The Lions are slight favorites against the Cowboys.
Odds are courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday afternoon.
Lions vs Cowboys announcers
Amazon’s Prime Video will bring its usual crew to Detroit.
Lions schedule 2025
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions score as Detroit beats Cowboys 44-30 on Thursday Night Football
Reporting by Christian Romo, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
