COWBOYS at LIONS
8:15 p.m., Lions by 3, 53 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: Both offenses (second and third in points) have edges over the opposing defenses and figure to push this score well over the total. However, the Cowboys’ abysmal metrics no longer apply. They’ve won three straight including as underdogs to both reigning conference champs, all due to the improvement of the defense through trades and some young players stepping up. Their interior line can be considered one of the league’s best and the Lions may have to lean even more on their running game with the status of Amon-Ra St. Brown’s ankle up in the air. The Cowboys were being gashed for 143 yards per game but after Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark arrived, they have stuffed runners at 69.7 yards per game and have limited longest runs from scrimmage to eight, eight and 14 yards over that span. The Lions might not get the chunk plays that have characterized their rushing attack. They are 0-4 straight up when held to under 100 yards. Conversely, nothing tells us that the Lions will be able to contain the dynamic Dallas aerial attack. In their last two losses the Detroit defense has given up over 600 passing yards and seven passing touchdowns with only one sack. The lack of any pass rush has made it easier for quarterbacks to attack the Lions’ man coverage.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Cowboys and the over.
