Cowboys vs. Lions Betting Odds, Picks and Predictions for Thursday Night Football
We have a great matchup to kick off Week 14 with the Lions hosting the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. Both teams have electric offenses, so we could see plenty of points put on the board. Let's focus on the wagering options and highlight three bets to consider.
Mike Barner's season record: 41-34 (-1.30 units)
Cowboys vs. Lions Betting Odds
Lions: Spread -3 (-112), -155 Moneyline (ESPN Bet)
Cowboys: Spread +3 (-108), +145 Moneyline (DraftKings)
Game Total: 54.5 points (DraftKings)
Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) is listed as questionable for the Lions after not practicing this week. They will definitely be without tight ends Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck). The Cowboys should have all of their key offensive skill players available, but offensive tackle Tyler Guyton (ankle) has been ruled out.
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Cowboys vs. Lions Betting Picks & Props
George Pickens 80+ receiving yards (-122 FanDuel) for 1 Unit
When CeeDee Lamb missed a three-game span because of injury earlier in the season, Pickens posted 19 receptions for 359 yards and four touchdowns. Even with Lamb back in the fold, Pickens has remained a focal point of the Cowboys' offense. Over the last six games, he has caught 41 of 57 targets for 617 yards and two touchdowns. In four of those games, he finished with at least 80 receiving yards. In the two that he didn't, he just missed the threshold with 78 and 79 receiving yards.
Not only does Pickens receive a lot of targets, but they are longer ones He has an average depth of target of 11.6 yards and has accounted for 36.6% of the Cowboys' air yards this season. The Lions have allowed 41 completions of at least 20 yards, which is tied for the fifth-most in the league. That leaves Pickens with significant upside in this matchup.
Isaac TeSlaa over 36.5 receiving yards (-114 FanDuel) for 1 Unit
Since the Lions played on Thanksgiving, St. Brown has had a full week to recover from his ankle injury. However, him not practicing all week is not a promising sign for his availability Thursday. Even if he is active, he could be limited.
St. Brown isn't the only injury of note at wide receiver for the Lions. Kalif Raymond (ankle) will miss his second straight game. Last week, TeSlaa caught both of his targets for 35 yards and one touchdown. He hasn't received a ton of opportunities during his rookie campaign, but he has an average depth of target of 15.0 yards. TeSlaa could blow past this line in this potentially high-scoring matchup.
Malik Davis over 10.5 rush yards (-106 DraftKings) for 1 Unit
Javonte Williams is the undisputed lead running back for the Cowboys. He has already set a new career high in rushing yards with 955. With 198 carries, he is in line to surpass 200 rushing attempts in a season for the third time in his career. After averaging just 3.7 yards per carry with the Broncos last year, he has averaged 4.8 yards per carry this season.
Even with Williams leading the way, Davis turned three carries into 47 yards and one touchdown versus the Chiefs last week. That marked his third straight game with at least three carries and 20 rushing yards. Although he only has 13 rushing attempts this season, he is averaging 7.5 yards per carry. With the expectation that he will receive three or four carries again, this over is appealing.
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Cowboys vs. Lions Prediction
The Cowboys have concerning home and road splits. They are 4-1-1 at home, but just 2-4 away from Dallas. If St. Brown was completely healthy, the play here might be the Lions. However, if St. Brown sits, the Lions might not have enough weapons in the passing game to keep up with Cowboys' offense. Since St. Brown is trending towards being out, don't be surprised if the Cowboys pull off the road win.
Cowboys 27, Lions 24
