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Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys predictions: Can Dan Campbell's squad get revenge?
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- Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys predictions: Can Dan Campbell's squad get revenge?
After a long 9½ months of thinking about what could've been, the Detroit Lions return to AT&T Stadium with their eyes set on making good on a bad call.
The NFL schedule makers certainly had a smile on their face when they drew this one up, with the Lions looking for revenge against "America's Team" in the 4:25 p.m. slot on Fox.
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The two teams haven't shied away from the fact that there is some bad blood, with Lions star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown referencing trashing-talking cornerback Jourdan Lewis and Cowboys force-of-nature pass rusher Micah Parson declaring this game a rivalry.
Here's what our Free Press sports writers think will happen in the rematch in Arlington on Sunday:
Dave Birkett
The Lions lost in controversial fashion to the Cowboys last year, after officials incorrectly administered a tackle-eligible 2-point conversion after a late touchdown. And while no one in the Lions' locker room is hung up on that result, my sense is this team definitely feels like it owes the Cowboys one. The Lions should get their revenge Sunday against a Dallas team that's shorthanded on defense and not yet as cohesive as it was in winning the NFC East a season ago.
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The Cowboys are still a dangerous team, but they haven't run the ball particularly well this year and can't stop the run, and that should allow the Lions offense to get some traction early. CeeDee Lamb killed the Lions last year with 13 catches for 227 yards and a 97-yard touchdown. As long as the Lions keep him relatively in check Sunday, they should head into next week's NFC North showdown with the Minnesota Vikings with three straight wins. The pick:Lions 31, Cowboys 20.
Carlos Monarrez
There are two things I believe about this game. One: Dan Campbell has gone to bed every night since Reportgate in Dallas on Dec. 30 , screaming into his pillow something like, "GRRMKFRCMPK!!!" Two: The NFL decided to make it up to the Lions by scheduling this game after their bye. Oh, and one more thing: The Lions will win a revenge-style blowout and Ben Johnson will jump to the top of Jerry Jones' shortlist to replace Mike McCarthy. The pick:Lions 36, Cowboys 22
Jeff Seidel
If A.J. Hinch can just pull out a little magic, then… oh, wait. A Lions prediction? Against Dallas? You mean, against the Cowboys and the refs? The Lions have to beat both of them? Yes, indeed. The Lions should be able to move the ball on the ground (the Cowboys give up 135 yards rushing per game) and score on the ground (Dallas has given up eight rushing TDs, tied for most in the league). In this game, there will be nothing tricky about it — the Lions will ground, pound and no need to report as eligible. The pick:Lions 28, Cowboys 24.
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Shawn Windsor
Forget Dallas' record and shaky defense, forget the ever-present drama the franchise owner creates. Forget the lack of consistent running game and the fact that New Orleans — NEW ORLEANS! — punked the Cowboys on their home field in September. These are the Lions and the Cowboys, at AT&T Stadium, where unforeseen things tend to happen. The Lions had an extra week to get ready, the Cowboys won a thriller in Pittsburgh , and all signs suggest another memorable affair. This time, Jared Goff and his resurgent offense make the plays in the end. The pick:Lions 26, Cowboys 23.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions vs Cowboys predictions: Can Dan Campbell's squad get revenge?
