The Detroit Lions enter Week 14 facing one of their toughest tests of the season: a primetime showdown with the Dallas Cowboys. With playoff pressure rising and the team fighting for stability amid injuries and criticism, Detroit must win a few specific battles if they want to walk out of Thursday night with a statement victory.
Here are the three matchups that will define the game:
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1. Aidan Hutchinson vs. Dallas’ Offensive Tackles
If Detroit wants to disrupt Dak Prescott, it starts with Hutchinson. Dallas’ offensive line has been banged up, and this is the opening Hutch needs to tilt the game. Pressure equals turnovers — and the Lions desperately need both.
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2. Lions Secondary vs. CeeDee Lamb & Brandin Cooks
This is the most terrifying matchup of the night. Lamb is playing like a top-3 WR, and Cooks can break a game open at any moment. Detroit’s secondary must communicate, tackle cleanly, and avoid the deep-ball collapse that has haunted them all season.
If the Lions lose this battle?
It could get ugly.
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3. Detroit’s Offensive Line vs. Micah Parsons
Everything Detroit wants to do — run, protect Goff, control tempo — hinges on slowing down Parsons. He’s a one-man game-wrecker. Double-teams, chips, misdirection… whatever it takes. If he’s allowed to live in the backfield, the Lions’ offense will sputter.
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The formula is simple: win these three matchups, and Detroit has a real shot to shock Dallas. Lose them, and it becomes a long night.
Week 14 isn’t just a game — it’s a measuring stick.
And for the Lions, it might be the moment that determines the direction of their season.
3 Must-Win Matchups That Will Decide Lions–Cowboys in Week 14
