Cowboys vs. Lions Saturday NFL game highlights: Dallas holds off Detroit in controversial finish

As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the 2023 NFL playoffs, they can only hope they get a chance to play at home again. 

Dallas held on to beat the Detroit Lions, 20-19, in a thrilling finish Saturday night to finish a perfect 8-0 at home this season, keeping its hopes of hosting a playoff game alive. 

Dallas has now won 16 straight home games, its most since winning 18 straight home games from 1979-81.

It was far from the usual at AT&T Stadium for the Cowboys, who had averaged 39.9 points per game at home entering Saturday. But while the offense stumbled at times the defense stepped up to neutralize a Lions team that came in with the fifth-best scoring offense in the NFL. The Cowboys defense picked off Jared Goff twice, and was able to stop Detroit from converting a two-point conversion in the final seconds of the game. 

Even though the Cowboys offense didn’t break the scoreboard, it was still a massive day for CeeDee Lamb. The wideout had a career-high 227 receiving yards and a touchdown on 13 catches. He also broke the franchise single-season receiving yards record, formerly held by another famous No. 88: Michael Irvin. 

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The win keeps Dallas’ chances of the No. 1 seed in the NFC alive, while the NFC North champion Lions remain at the No. 3 spot — but their chances of securing the No. 1 seed are all but over. — Jordan Mendoza

Cowboys vs. Lions winners and losers

Winners

Cowboys

Probably can't call this a "get-right game," especially with that finish. But after dropping its last two contests on the road, Dallas at least assures it won't end the season in full-blown meltdown mode. The top wild-card seed and a matchup against the NFC South champion still looks like the most likely outcome, but the Cowboys ensured the Philadelphia Eagles can't wrap up the NFC East crown this week. 

CeeDee Lamb

He single-handedly carried the passing attack, and therefore the offense as a whole, with his career-best 227 receiving yards. Lamb surely regrets that fumble through the end zone early in the second quarter, but it's a footnote on a historic night for the No. 1 target. 

Dak Prescott

With the ground game stalled out, Prescott stepped up and shouldered the load, completing 26 of 38 passes for 345 yards. The quarterback wasn't perfect, but he again delivered in the fourth quarter and repeatedly handled Detroit's blitzes. 

Aidan Hutchinson

Very nice showing for last season's runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year, as Hutchinson finished with three sacks after tallying just one in his last five games. His spin move to beat Terence Steele on the final one in the fourth quarter was filthy. 

Losers

Taylor Decker

At first, his catch for what would have been a go-ahead two-point conversion in the final minute looked like it would be a signature moment for the Lions' longest-tenured player. Instead, he was called for not reporting as an eligible receiver, even though video replays showed him approaching an official before the play. Whatever happened, it's a decidedly unfortunate outcome for a player who could have gotten his moment in the sun but instead finds himself at the center of yet another officiating controversy.

NFL officiating

How are we here again? In what should have been a showcase of two of the league's marquee teams and NFC contenders, a frantic finish produces ... parsing about whether the officials correctly called which lineman was eligible. 

Jared Goff

Yes, he helped engineer the nine-play, 75-yard drive that set up an opportunity for the Lions to win the game. But Goff also had two costly interceptions that were squarely on him. 

Tony Pollard

It's not all on the fifth-year running back, but the running game couldn't get anything going all night, as Pollard posted just 49 yards on 16 carries. With a costly drop, he provided negative value in the passing game.

Lions secondary

Saturday's performance from the back end didn't spark a lot of faith in how Detroit's defense can handle NFC passing attacks. To stay afloat, the Lions are going to need to depend on the pass rush getting home or generating turnovers. — Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Cowboys vs. Lions highlights

Watch: Jimmy Johnson Ring of Honor ceremony

Final score: Cowboys 20, Lions 19 — Cowboys hang on after Lions go for two .... three times

Dan Campbell doesn’t play for ties.

With no timeouts and facing a touchdown deficit, the Lions were able to get in the end zone with 23 seconds left. Campbell went for the lead, but it was unsuccessful.

The touchdown happened after Jared Goff found Amon-Ra St. Brown for an 11-yard touchdown pass, but then came an absolutely wild sequence of events as the Lions went for the two-point conversion.

The first two-point conversion was a successful big man catch by offensive tackle Taylor Decker, but officials ruled he was an ineligible receiver because he never reported, a call that made Campbell livid. The Lions still went for it after the penalty, and didn’t get it, but Cowboys star Micah Parsons jumped offside.

On the third attempt, Goff went left to try and find James Mitchell on the outside, but a bad throw resulted in an incomplete pass.

The Lions went for the onside kick, but CeeDee Lamb recovered to seal a Cowboys win.

Cowboys 20, Lions 13: Cowboys add to lead but leave door open for Lions

Let the Mike McCarthy game management questions begin again.

With the Cowboys facing a second-and-14 from the Detroit 33-yard line, Dak Prescott uncorked a deep pass that went out of bounds. Prescott found Jake Ferguson on third down to force Detroit to burn its final timeout.

Brandon Aubrey booted a 43-yard field goal to extend the lead to 20-13, but the Cowboys left the Lions plenty of time for a possible comeback.

Donovan Wilson makes spectacular diving interception of Jared Goff

Did Cowboys cornerback Donovan Wilson just seal this game? The Lions had a chance to take the lead, but now they might not even get the ball back.

On the second play of Detroit’s drive late in the fourth quarter, Wilson jumped in front of a pass intended for Sam LaPorta and picked it off. It was the second interception Jared Goff threw Saturday, and gives Dallas the ball deep inside Detroit territory just before the two-minute warning.

Aidan Hutchinson steps up again

The Lions' defensive cornerstone delivered once again in the team's time of need. 

With the Cowboys driving downfield in the final minutes of the fourth quarter and threatening to extend their 17-13 lead or run out the clock, Hutchinson beat right tackle Terence Steele for his third sack of the night on Dak Prescott.

Hutchinson had just one sack in his five previous games before tying his career high on Saturday.

Cowboys 17, Lions 13: Dallas retakes lead on Dak Prescott-Brandin Cooks TD

Dallas was able to put together its best drive of the day as a touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to Brandin Cooks gave the Cowboys a 17-13 lead with seven minutes remaining.

The Cowboys' only prior red zone trip of the day resulted in a fumble into the end zone from CeeDee Lamb, but they were able to go down the field with ease this time in a nine play, 75-yard drive. 

Prescott went 5-for-5 with 54 yards on the drive, and he has had another solid performance (23-for-32 for 304 yards and two touchdowns with an interception). Saturday marks his fifth 300-plus yard game of the season.

CeeDee Lamb hits career high

CeeDee Lamb already had the longest gain of his career on Saturday night. Now, he also has a personal-best performance.

The fourth-year receiver set a career high with 194 yards and 11 catches — with plenty of time still left in the fourth quarter.

Lamb's previous high came against the Eagles last month, with 191 yards on 11 catches in a losing effort.

Why Dak Prescott yells 'Yeah! Here we go' before snap

You don't even have to be an attentive Dallas Cowboys fan to have heard it.

"YEAH! HERE WE GOOOO."

This is the start of the cadence quarterback Dak Prescott uses before he initiates offensive plays for the Cowboys. And, with the precision and clarity of sideline microphones and with the booming nature of the way Prescott yells the cadence, you also don't need to have the volume on your TV cranked up to hear it. — Lorenzo Reyes

Lions 13, Cowboys 10: Lions take the points, lead

After Jameson Williams reeled off a 63-yard catch, Dan Campbell decided not to gamble this time around.

While the Lions have been at the forefront of going for it on fourth down during Campbell's tenure and gotten first downs on two of three tries earlier in the night, the Lions coach thought better of trying for a first down on fourth-and-3 from the Cowboys' 7-yard line.

Jared Goff and the offense initially remained on the field, but the unit took a delay of game penalty before Michael Badgley booted a 30-yard field goal.

End of third quarter: Cowboys 10, Lions 10

It’s deadlocked heading into the final quarter, with the Lions in possession as the fourth quarter starts.

The Lions took up a majority of the time in the quarter with a 13-play, 74-yard touchdown drive that took nearly seven-and-a-half minutes. Dallas was able to match the score with Brandon Aubrey's 51-yard field goal on the ensuing drive.

Dallas has been one of the best teams at home this season, but is on pace for its lowest-scoring game at AT&T Stadium in 2023. The Cowboys have scored at least 30 points in every other home game this season.

Cowboys 10, Lions 10: Brandon Aubrey still perfect

The Cowboys tied the game up again as kicker Brandon Aubrey connected on a 51-yard field goal. Aubrey is now 34-for-34 on field goals in his first season in the NFL.

The key to the Cowboys’ scoring drive was a 14-yard connection from Dak Prescott to WR CeeDee Lamb on third-and-11. The drive fizzled after that, but the completion was just enough to put Aubrey in position.

Cowboys' Tyler Smith exits with injury

The Cowboys might be dealing with a significant injury on the offensive line.

Guard Tyler Smith went down late in the third quarter, seeming to hold the back of his left leg and heel. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, per the broadcast.

The 2022 first-round pick played in every game for the Cowboys last season, and had played every snap since Week 3 this year after he missed the first two weeks.

Lions 10, Cowboys 7: Detroit regains lead with first touchdown

Dan Campbell continues to go for it on fourth down, and this time it paid off.

After forcing a punt on the opening drive of the second half, Detroit was able to get its first touchdown of the game and retake the lead, 10-7.

After a promising start to the drive, Detroit faced a fourth-and-2 at the Dallas 41, and the offense stayed on the field. The Lions converted, with Jared Goff finding Sam LaPorta for a 4-yard gain.

Detroit was able to get in the red zone, and that’s where David Montgomery took over. He had a 22-yard run early in the drive, and he was able to power through the defensive line and into the end zone for the score.

Montgomery had 44 rushing yards on the 13-play, 74-yard drive that took nearly half of the quarter.

Cowboys 7, Lions 3: Halftime observations

Three key observations at halftime:

1. Offenses can't find finishing touch: Both teams combined for nearly 400 yards and 16 first downs in the first half, but CeeDee Lamb's 92-yard touchdown marked the only trip to the end zone. Each team had a red-zone trip go sideways: Dallas on a fumble through the end zone by Lamb, and Detroit with a stalled drive in a goal-to-go scenario. And three total turnovers have hampered the units' efforts.
2. Run games haven't found their legs: The Cowboys have struggled to get anything going on the ground, with Tony Pollard (seven carries, 16 yards) providing little spark for an attack that has relied on Dak Prescott (13-of-17 for 211 yards) to move the ball. But Detroit's running game also has been held in check outside of a few big gains, with David Montgomery netting just 20 yards on six carries. 
3. Ben Johnson's puzzling showing: The Lions offensive coordinator will no doubt be one of the hottest head-coaching candidates on the market next month. But Johnson opened himself up to criticism in a few different spots in the first half, with the offense managing to convert just two of eight third downs. He'll need to find ways to put the unit in better spots against Dan Quinn's opportunistic defense, as Jared Goff has completed just seven of 15 attempts for 81 yards. — Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Jimmy Johnson inducted into Cowboys' Ring of Honor

The nostalgia was on full blast at halftime of the Cowboys-Lions game, as former head coach Jimmy Johnson was finally inducted into Dallas' Ring of Honor.

The two-time Super Bowl-winning coach, surrounded by former players Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith, spoke about bringing the franchise back to glory, and thanked Cowboys fans, and even those that despise Cowboys fans.

And it wouldn’t have been a proper ceremony for the Pro Football Hall of Famer without his famous tagline:

Lions come up empty after another fourth-down gamble

A big-time decision worked in Dan Campbell’s favor earlier in the drive, but not when points were on the line.

The Lions were able to get to the 2-yard line following a fake punt, but were unable to go forward and faced a fourth down from the 5. Campbell opted to go for it. The Dallas defensive line was able to get pressure on Goff quickly. 

Goff was able to move around, but he couldn’t connect with Sam LaPorta in the back of the end zone, giving Dallas the ball back with no points given up.

Lions get bold, pull off fake punt

Dan Campbell is not scared.

Facing a fourth down at his own 28-yard line, Campbell opted for a fake punt with Jalen Reeves-Maybin scrambling to the right and finding Khalil Dorsey wide open for a 31-yard strike. 

Cowboys squander scoring opportunity as CeeDee Lamb fumbles through end zone

CeeDee Lamb's first-quarter glory has given way to second-quarter embarrassment.

After Jourdan Lewis' interception of Jared Goff put the Cowboys in prime position to take a two-score lead, the Cowboys faced a first-and-goal. But with the running game largely stalled, Dallas opted to drop back. Dak Prescott found Lamb for what looked like a would-be touchdown, but the receiver fumbled, and the ball went through the end zone for a touchback.

NFL officials said earlier this month the league would review the rule. But for now, Dallas is feeling the sting of the mistake.

Jared Goff throws interception

Dak Prescott threw an interception in the first quarter, and Jared Goff has done the same to start the second quarter.

The Lions had just gotten into Cowboys territory in the opening minute of the second quarter, and the offense went for a screen pass for David Montgomery. But Jared Goff felt pressure from Osa Odighizuwa and tried to get the ball out quickly. Instead, cornerback Jourdan Lewis was waiting for the ball, and picked off Goff for his first interception of the season. Dallas will now get the ball near midfield in hopes of extending its lead.

End of first quarter: Cowboys 7, Lions 3 — CeeDee Lamb going off early

The MVP-caliber play from Dak Prescott has given Dallas a 7-3 lead after the first 15 minutes. 

Prescott has thrown for 137 yards already, with CeeDee Lamb producing 123 of those yards. This is the second straight week Lamb has ended the first quarter with over 100 receiving yards. 

Outside of the touchdown drive, Dallas’ offense hasn’t been able to do much, and will punt the ball away to Detroit to start the second quarter. The Lions picked up their first points of the game on the opening drive, with Michael Badgley knocking in a 41-yard field goal.

Cowboys 7, Lions 3: Dak Prescott makes magic with incredible TD to CeeDee Lamb

Dak Prescott just had an MVP moment.

Facing third-and-long just outside his own end zone, Prescott faced pressure from the Lions' blitzing defense, and it looked like he was about to be sacked in the end zone for a safety. 

But Prescott magically got out of the pressure, scrambled to his right and found CeeDee Lamb streaking down the middle of the field. The defender fell, and Lamb waltzed the rest of the way for a 92-yard touchdown.

It was the longest touchdown pass of Prescott’s career, and Lamb’s reception tied the single-season franchise catch mark.

Dallas' defense swarms Detroit

The Cowboys' defensive front announced its presence early on Saturday.

Detroit's attack once again showed an early spark as it moved past midfield on its second drive of the game. But on second-and-4, Micah Parsons burst into the backfield to tackle Jahmyr Gibbs for a 4-yard loss. 

Then, on third-and-8, the unit swarmed Jared Goff, who was dropped for a 7-yard sack by Dorance Armstrong.

Jack Fox then had a 36-yard punt to give the Cowboys the ball on their 11-yard line.

How the Lions' pass protection holds up is a subplot to watch, as Detroit is 1-3 when giving up three or more sacks in a game. While that number might be inflated by the blowout losses the Lions have suffered, Ben Johnson's attack is surely looking to stay on schedule against Dan Quinn's defense.

Lions pick off Dak Prescott

Two mistakes from Dak Prescott and the Detroit Lions have the ball back.

The Cowboys were driving on their opening possession, and Prescott had an open Brandin Cooks running down the middle of the field, but the quarterback overthrew him. On the next play, Prescott scrambled around the pocket and tried to get the ball to CeeDee Lamb on the sideline, but Lions cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu jumped out and got the interception, setting up Detroit at its own 43-yard line. 

It was Melifonwu’s second interception this season, as he had the game-sealing interception of Nick Mullens in last week’s division-clinching win against the Minnesota Vikings.

Lions 3, Cowboys 0: Detroit gets on board first

The Cowboys defense gave up three first downs on the initial drive of the game, but the unit held firm when it counted.

After the Lions marched to the Cowboys' 23-yard line thanks to several chunk gains — an 11-yard pass to Khalif Raymond, a 23-yard catch-and-run by Amon-Ra St. Brown and an 11-yard run by David Montgomery — Dallas' defense dropped running back Jahmyr Gibbs for no gain on a third-and-10 play. 

Michael Badgley booted a 41-yard field goal to give Detroit the first score of the game.

What time does Lions vs. Cowboys start?

Lions vs. Cowboys kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 30.

How can I watch Lions vs. Cowboys?

Lions at Cowboys will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN. The game is also available to stream for free on Fubo.

Lions vs. Cowboys predictions

Lorenzo Reyes: Cowboys 24, Lions 21

Dallas is a pristine 7-0 straight up at home and 6-1 against the spread. The Cowboys have lost and failed to cover two in a row, but those were on the road. The problem is that Detroit is also fighting for playoff seeding and is 6-2 against the spread in road games. I like the Cowboys to win, but six is a big number here.

Tyler Dragon: Cowboys 26, Lions 25

This NFC battle is one of the games of the week. The Cowboys are 7-0 at home and 3-5 on the road. Luckily for the Cowboys, this one is in the comfortable environment of AT&T Stadium. The Lions have scored 72 combined points in two weeks. This one might be a high-scoring affair, but the Cowboys have a better defense.

Safid Deen: Lions 31, Cowboys 27

The Cowboys lost their last two games and already resigned to the idea they might start the postseason on the road this year. The Lions are riding high after their first NFC North title and have a chance to play for the No. 1 seed if they can keep pace with the 49ers. Detroit has more to play for this week, and will upset Dallas at home, handing these Cowboys their first home loss of the season. 

Victoria Hernandez: Cowboys 28, Lions 26

The Cowboys have a lot of factors going for them. They had a real chance of winning on the road with a historic day from CeeDee Lamb last week and are now back home, where they are undefeated. The Lions have their division title wrapped up and will struggle to get things going against this fierce defense. But they keep it close.

Jordan Mendoza: Cowboys 34, Lions 23

Detroit is riding high after finally winning the NFC North, but this matchup screams let-me-down game after the celebrations. Dallas has been a machine at home, and it gets back on track with a clinical performance.

Lions vs. Cowboys odds

The Cowboys enter Saturday as 5.5-point favorites, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

Jimmy Johnson Cowboys Ring of Honor ceremony

Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson will finally enter the Cowboys' Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony Saturday night.

Johnson replaced the legendary Tom Landry in 1989 and led the Cowboys from rock bottom to the mountaintop. The Cowboys won back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 1992 and 1993 but a strained relationship between Johnson and team owner Jerry Jones led to Johnson's departure after Super Bowl 28.

Jones finally announced last month that Johnson, a 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, would join the Cowboys' Ring of Honor.

Cowboys inactives

Lions inactives

NFC playoff picture

y – 1. San Francisco 49ers (11-4), NFC West champions: Convincing loss Monday drops them into three-way tie with Philly and Detroit in terms of the NFC's best record. But Niners' 9-1 mark in conference – including wins over the Eagles and Cowboys – make them best bet to finish first, possibly even this weekend. Remaining schedule: at Commanders, vs. Rams

x – 2. Philadelphia Eagles (11-4), NFC East leaders: Back atop the division, they strengthened their grip on first place by eliminating the Giants on Monday, 24 hours after the Cowboys lost to Miami. The Eagles have guaranteed an opportunity to defend their conference crown but haven't necessarily looked up to the task as of late. But progress was seemingly achieved on Christmas, when Philly also moved ahead of Detroit thanks to its strength of victory tiebreaker. Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, at Giants

y – 3. Detroit Lions (11-4), NFC North champions: A Christmas Eve win secured the Lions' first-ever NFC North title and first division championship of any kind since 1993 (when Detroit was in the old NFC Central). Still a shot at home-field advantage here. Remaining schedule: at Cowboys, vs. Vikings

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), NFC South leaders: A fourth win in a row – plus New Orleans' Week 16 defeat – served the surging Bucs well, and they will put a bow on the division Sunday by beating New Orleans. Remaining schedule: vs. Saints, at Panthers

x – 5. Dallas Cowboys (10-5), wild card No. 1: They've lost two in a row, both on the road, and that's exactly where they seem likely to find themselves once the postseason begins with the Eagles now decidedly in command in the race for the NFC East crown. Remaining schedule: vs. Lions, at Commanders

NFC playoff clinching scenarios

The Lions have clinched the NFC North division title. The 49ers have clinched the NFC West division title.

The Cowboys and Eagles have clinched playoff berths.

➤ Rams clinch playoff berth with:

• Win, Seahawks loss
• Win, Packers-Vikings tie

➤ Eagles clinch NFC East division title with:

• Win, Cowboys loss or tie
• Tie, Cowboys loss

➤ 49ers clinch NFC's No. 1 playoff seed, first-round bye and home-field advantage with:

• Win, Lions loss, Eagles loss

➤ Seahawks clinch playoff berth with:

• Win, Packers-Vikings tie

➤ Buccaneers clinch playoff berth and NFC South division title with:

• Win
• Tie, Falcons loss

Lions are NFC North champs for first time

There will be several candidates for NFL Coach of the Year, but Dan Campbell should be a favorite.

Campbell was on the winless Lions team that was 0-16 in 2008 and they finished 3-13-1 in his first season as coach in 2020. Now, the Lions will host a home playoff game for the first time in 30 years.

“I’m proud of everybody. This has been a long time coming,” Campbell said after the Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings to clinch the division.

“Look, I’m proud of all the Lions fans out there that have been dying for this for years, man. That’s for you, too. I know it’s been a long time. You deserve that. And it’s not over. That’s just one.” — Safid Deen

Will Cowboys be starting playoffs on road again?

The Cowboys don’t have much faith in the Arizona Cardinals or New York Giants to beat the Eagles in any of Philadelphia’s remaining games. 

Coach Mike McCarthy said the Cowboys have to become “road warriors.” Star receiver CeeDee Lamb said the narrative Dallas can’t win on the road is “strange, but true.” And quarterback Dak Prescott says Dallas can go on a road “win streak” when the Cowboys face the Commanders in the season finale. 

The Cowboys were left resigned to the possibility they’ll start the playoffs on the road, after their 22-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins last week, coupled with the Eagles' win over the Giants on Monday. The Cowboys are now a game back of NFC East-leading Philadelphia, and the Eagles hold the tiebreaker.

Dallas is 3-5 in road games this season, despite owning the NFL’s only undefeated record at home.

Injury reports for Cowboys, Lions

Left tackle Tyron Smith missed the Cowboys' loss to the Miami Dolphins last week, but he could make his return to action this week. He is officially listed as questionable with a back injury, but he was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Dallas will be without running back Rico Dowdle (ankle) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (knee/ankle).

The Lions, meanwhile, have ruled out defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral), linebacker James Houston (ankle) and tight end Brock Wright (hip), while cornerback Cam Sutton (toe) is questionable.