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The Lions enter Week 17 as newly-crowned NFC North champions, but coach Dan Campbell insisted last weekend that the division title was just the beginning. If Detroit wants to achieve its larger goals in 2023, a win over the Cowboys would be a giant step in the right direction.
The top seed in the NFC is still on the table for the Lions, but a loss plus a win by either the 49ers or Eagles would knock Detroit out of that mix.
Even if the Lions don’t secure a first-round bye, a win in Dallas would be a key confidence-builder ahead of what they hope will be a deep playoff run. Jared Goff and the offense are playing at a high level once again, and the defense has a chance to get itself back on track with the right kind of performance against a reeling Cowboys team.
The Cowboys severely damaged their once-promising NFC East hopes by dropping back-to-back games against the Bills and Dolphins, but Dallas can enter Week 18 still in contention with a win on Saturday regardless of what the Eagles do on Sunday. A three-game losing streak entering Week 18 would not leave Mike McCarthy’s group with the right taste in its mouth as Dallas tries to prepare for its own playoff run.
MORE: Watch Lions vs. Cowboys with Fubo (free trial)
Between Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Goff and the Lions’ surging running game, it’s fair to say points will be scored on Saturday night. The defense that rises up figures to be the one that walks away with a crucial win.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Saturday night’s game between the Lions and Cowboys. Follow along with all of the key moments below.
Lions vs. Cowboys score
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| Lions | – | – | – | – | – |
| Cowboys | – | – | – | – | – |
Lions vs. Cowboys live updates, highlights from Week 17 game
(All times Eastern)
6:55 p.m. — No surprises on the Cowboys’ inactives list.
The @dallascowboys inactives against Detroit:
#15 Trey Lance (emergency third QB)
#19 Noah Igbinoghene (CB)
#23 Rico Dowdle (RB)
#37 Eric Scott (CB)
#76 Asim Richards (T)
#79 Matt Waletzko (T)
#95 Johnathan Hankins (DT)— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) December 30, 2023
6:50 p.m. — CB Cameron Sutton is a go for the Lions. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is nearing a return but was not activated ahead of tonight.
#DETvsDAL inactives presented by Henry Ford Health pic.twitter.com/250OPQUW5v
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 30, 2023
6:20 p.m. — It’s also a special night for Jimmy Johnson, who will finally be honored by Jerry Jones and the Cowboys.
Jimmy Johnson on the Arkansas oil man and the college coach who took over the Cowboys in 1989:
“A lot of people dream. We never dreamed. We believed we’d get it done.” pic.twitter.com/9Y1YXD1C5C
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 30, 2023
6:15 p.m. — The Cowboys are a perfect 7-0 at home this season. Considering Dallas has simply been a different team at AT&T Stadium, a Lions win would be a sign that Dan Campbell’s team can win in a tough environment in the playoffs.
What channel is Lions vs. Cowboys on today?
- Game: Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 30
- TV channel: ESPN, ABC
- Live stream: ESPN+, Fubo (U.S.) | DAZN (Canada)
With no “Monday Night Football” broadcast on New Year’s Day, ESPN’s crew of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call Saturday night’s game between the Lions and Cowboys from AT&T Stadium.
The game will also air on ABC. Lisa Salters will serve as a sideline reporter providing updates to Buck and Aikman.
Fans can also stream the game via ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial. Viewers in Canada can stream every NFL game via DAZN.
MORE: Lions react to first division title in 30 years
Lions vs. Cowboys start time
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 30
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. CT)
Saturday’s battle between the Lions and Cowboys will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET, which also serves as the regular start time for “Monday Night Football.” The game will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex.