Why Hitting 20 Points Is Crucial For A Cowboys Victory

This week’s matchup is shaping up to be a thrilling rematch between the Dallas Cowboys (3-2) and the Detroit Lions (3-1). Fresh off their bye, the Lions are looking for revenge after last season’s narrow 20-19 loss to the Cowboys.

That game saw a controversial penalty on a two-point conversion that ultimately cost the Lions the win. The Cowboys used that victory to help secure their division and lock up the second seed in the NFC playoffs, adding an extra layer of tension to this week’s face-off.

As the Cowboys and Lions get ready to meet again, here are the 10 most important “big facts” to keep in mind ahead of Sunday’s 3:25 PM CT kickoff on FOX.

#1. Top Five In Primetime?

Dak Prescott is part of an exclusive group of just five quarterbacks with a win percentage above .700 in primetime games with a minimum of 25 starts.

His 27-11 record (.710) ranks him alongside greats like Steve Young (.767), Joe Montana (.733), and Peyton Manning (.723). Patrick Mahomes, with a recent win over the Saints, pushed his percentage to .702, joining this elite list of five.

#2. Introducing Mr. 170: Mike McCarthy Joins Elite Coaching Ranks

In his hometown of Pittsburgh, Mike McCarthy achieved a significant career milestone, recording his 170th head coaching victory. This win places him in a tie for 15th all-time with Pete Carroll and Mike Shanahan.

It also marks only his second win against his hometown Steelers, the first being a memorable victory in Super Bowl XLV at AT&T Stadium.

#3. Dak to the Future: Making NFL History

Dak Prescott made history in a unique way during the Cowboys’ thrilling comeback win over the Steelers. He threw two clutch touchdowns—one late Sunday night and the other early Monday morning—becoming the first player in NFL history to throw a touchdown on two different days in the same game.

This rare feat was made possible by a 90-minute weather delay before kickoff, adding another memorable chapter to Prescott’s career.

#4. Cardiac Cowboys: Dominating the Fourth Quarter

The Dallas Cowboys have earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s best fourth-quarter teams over the past two seasons. On Sunday, they outscored the Steelers by seven in the final frame, boosting their fourth-quarter point differential to +19 this season.

That currently ranks third in the league, following their dominance in 2023, where they led the NFL with an impressive +77 point differential in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys continue to show their resilience when the game is on the line.

#5. Dak Over 350…Again: Climbing the Elite Ranks

Since entering the NFL in 2016, Dak Prescott has consistently delivered big performances. With his 350+ passing yards and at least two touchdowns against the Steelers last weekend, Prescott has now achieved this feat in 16 games.

Only Patrick Mahomes (21) and Tom Brady (18) have done it more often during that same span, placing Dak among the elite quarterbacks in the league.

#6. Game of Yards: Cowboys Dominate the Steelers

The Dallas Cowboys outgained the Pittsburgh Steelers by 219 yards on Sunday, a remarkable performance that underscores their offensive firepower.

This is only the 13th time in the last decade that Dallas has outgained an opponent by at least 200 yards, tying them with the Ravens and Bills for the most such games in that span. The last time the Cowboys achieved this feat was in Week 18 of last season against Washington.

#7. 20-20 Vision: Cowboys Find Winning Formula with 20 Points

In an unusual trend, the Cowboys have scored exactly 20 points in four of their last eight regular-season games, including their last two victories. Interestingly, their two wins this season with 20 points match the total number of games they won while scoring 20 or fewer points all of last season.

One of those key wins came in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions, making 20 points a seemingly lucky threshold for Dallas in recent matchups.

#8. 20-Plus Against the Lions: A Scoring Streak to Watch

The Cowboys have a remarkable scoring streak against the Detroit Lions, putting up at least 20 points in 13 straight meetings. During this span, Dallas holds a 10-3 record and has won six consecutive matchups since 2013.

If they hit 20 points again this Sunday, they’ll set the longest active streak in the NFL, surpassing the Packers’ 13-game streak of scoring 20 or more against the Rams. The Cowboys look to keep the momentum rolling against a familiar opponent.

#9. Channeling CeeDee: A Look Back at Week 17

CeeDee Lamb delivered a career-best performance in Week 17 last year against the Detroit Lions, racking up 227 receiving yards, including a 92-yard touchdown. This was the second-highest total the Lions have allowed since the merger, and it stands as the fourth-most in Cowboys history.

For context, Lamb has accumulated exactly 227 receiving yards over his last three games combined and remains in the top ten for receiving yards this season. As the Cowboys prepare to face Detroit again, Lamb will look to recapture that same magic.

#10. Fourth Time the Charm?

With a win this week, Dan Campbell would become the sixth head coach to defeat the Cowboys after once playing for the team. Only Mike Ditka, Dan Reeves, Monte Clark, Dick Nolan, and Jack Del Rio have done so previously.

Former Cowboys that have returned to coach against the franchise are a combined 14-19-1, including Campbell’s 0-3 mark during his time with the Lions and Dolphins.

Tags: Dallas Cowboys