Texas’s Arlington — The Dallas Cowboys’ 20-19 victory over the Detroit Lions on Saturday helped them maintain their aspirations of winning the NFC East. This victory was made possible by a late penalty on a 2-point convert and an interception by Donovan Wilson.
The Dallas Cowboys maintained pressure on the Philadelphia Eagles, who play the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17 on Sunday, staying a half-game behind them in the standings on a night when wide receiver CeeDee Lamb surpassed the team’s single-season receptions and receiving yards records.
A win by the Lions would have given them pressure on the Eagles and 49ers for the top NFC seed; however, they now need assistance after falling behind both teams by a half-game for home-field advantage during the postseason.
Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
Coach Mike McCarthy called the three-game stretch at the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins before hosting the Lions, “playoff games without playoff consequences.”By beating the Lions, the Cowboys showed they have a chance to win playoff games with consequences. Maybe not enough to end the franchise’s Super Bowl drought, but they have time to figure that out.
The Cowboys remain alive in the NFC East race, forcing Philadelphia to keep winning. They ended a two-game losing streak that raised questions about their viability and finished 8-0 at AT&T Stadium this season.
Detroit Lions (11–5)
As the Lions faced Dallas head-to-head in a prime-time match, coach Dan Campbell’s tough and aggressive approach came to the forefront.
But Goff nearly engineered a game-winning drive in the final seconds before offensive lineman Taylor Decker’s 2-point conversion reception was ruled void due to an illegal touching penalty, and the Lions dropped their sixth straight game against the Cowboys.
Although the Lions will undoubtedly receive a top-three seed in the postseason, winning would have greatly increased their chances of earning home-field advantage all through the postseason.
In two words, sum up the game: A computer programme. With its scores, spectacular plays, and fourth-down gambles, this game has a lot of Madden-esque characteristics. Although the game didn’t have a lot of points, it was still really exciting.