Cowboys vs. Lions Tonight: Start Time, Channel, How to Watch, Key Stats, and a Smart Prediction

A pivotal NFC showdown headlines Thursday Night Football as the Dallas Cowboys visit the Detroit Lions in Week 14. Both teams are in the thick of the playoff race, and a prime-time win would swing postseason odds meaningfully with only a handful of games left.

What time is Cowboys vs. Lions, and what channel is it on?

• Date: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

• Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT (1:15 a.m. GMT/UK)

• National broadcast: Prime Video (Thursday Night Football)

• Local TV: Simulcast available in the Detroit market (check local listings)

• Radio: Local team radio networks; national audio also available

How to watch Cowboys vs. Lions

• Stream nationally: Prime Video (TNF).

• Mobile options: NFL+ (in-market/on mobile).

• Bars/venues: Many sports bars carry TNF through authorized distribution partners.
  Tip: Pregame coverage typically starts at 7:00 p.m. ET with analysis and on-field reports.

Current form and what’s at stake

• Lions (7–5): Looking to steady the ship after a bumpy stretch, but still positioned to control their Wild Card destiny with a win.

• Cowboys (6–5–1): Enter on a modest upswing and can leapfrog competition in the Wild Card queue with a road victory.
  Expect urgency from both sidelines—tiebreakers and conference record loom large from here.

Headliners: Dak Prescott and Jared Goff by the numbers

Dak Prescott (Cowboys)

• 2025 to date: 3,261 pass yards, 25 TD, 8 INT, strong efficiency metrics.

• December track record: historically one of his best months, with a robust career passer rating in December games.
  Key theme: Dallas thrives when Dak operates from clean pockets and leverages quick-game rhythm to neutralize the rush.

Jared Goff (Lions)

• 2025 to date: 3,025 pass yards, 25 TD, 5 INT, top-10 yardage pace.
  Key theme: Play-action and intermediate crossers to the slot and TE spots are the heartbeat of Detroit’s passing script.

Injury watch: Star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown is available tonight after an ankle scare—huge for Detroit’s third-down design and red-zone spacing.

Matchups that will decide it

1. Early downs, Lions offense vs. Cowboys front
   Detroit’s run game (duo/inside zone) must keep Goff ahead of the chains. If Dallas forces 3rd-and-long, its simulated pressures and twist games can tilt the field.

2. Cowboys’ explosive plays vs. Lions’ disciplined shell
   Dallas will probe for vertical shots outside and deep over routes. Detroit typically plays with light boxes and coverage integrity; tackling after the catch is critical.

3. Red zone chess
   The Lions lean tight formations, motion, and quick pivots near the goal line. Dallas counters with length at the catch point and robber looks to bait throws.

4. Hidden yardage
   Field position—kick coverage, return game—looms large on short weeks. Keep an eye on KaVontae Turpin for a momentum-swinging return.

Quick guide: where to watch by region (today)

Local over-the-air simulcast is available within the Detroit market; check your on-screen guide.

Player stat snapshots to know tonight

• Dak Prescott stats (2025): ~3.3k pass yards, 25 TD / 8 INT; elite third-down efficiency when protected.

• Jared Goff stats (2025): ~3.0k pass yards, 25 TD / 5 INT; top-tier play-action production.

• Lions offense: Top-10 in early-down success when Amon-Ra is active; heavy usage of motion and bunch sets.

• Cowboys defense: Pressure rate spikes when ahead on the scoreboard; turnover chances increase with longer QB time-to-throw.

(Note: “George Pickens” and “Ross Dwelley” are not in this matchup; they play for different teams.)

Betting-style keys (for context, not advice)

• Explosives differential: First team to log 3+ plays of 20+ yards often wins this type of TNF slog.

• Turnovers: Short-week games swing on a single tipped-ball interception.

• Scripted drives: Watch the Lions’ first 15 plays—if they’re over 55% run/pass mix with successful play-action shots, Dallas could be on its heels early.

Cowboys vs. Lions prediction

Short weeks favor the cleaner operation and the steadier protection plan. Detroit at home, with St. Brown suiting up, narrows the margin—but Dallas’ pass rush and red-zone edge can travel. Expect a tight fourth quarter decided by a single extra possession and a special-teams flip.

Pick: Cowboys 24, Lions 23
MVP watch: Dak Prescott edges it with a late third-down dart to extend the winning drive.

Fast FAQ: tonight’s game

• What channel is the Cowboys game on? Prime Video (national TNF).

• How to watch Thursday Night Football? Stream on Prime Video; local simulcast in Detroit; mobile viewing via NFL+ for in-market games.

• What time does Thursday Night Football start? Pregame at 7:00 p.m. ET; kickoff 8:15 p.m. ET.

• Where can I watch the Cowboys game today? Prime Video on any supported device; check your local listings in Detroit for the over-the-air simulcast.