The Dallas Cowboys are set to face the Detroit Lions in a highly anticipated Week 6 matchup at AT&T Stadium. While last year’s results rarely influence the present, the Lions seem to be carrying a bit of a grudge after their controversial 20-19 loss to Dallas last season. Head coach Dan Campbell, a former Cowboys tight end, hasn’t forgotten that narrow defeat.
With both teams in strong form, here are the 10 biggest storylines leading into this pivotal game—five for the Lions and five for the Cowboys.
Lions
- Strong Start at 3-1 The Lions are coming off a bye week with a solid 3-1 record. After making it to the NFC Championship Game last year for the first time since 1991, Detroit has shown no signs of a hangover, despite a second-half collapse in that game. They’ve had two weeks to prepare for the Cowboys and will be ready for a fight.
- Still Holding a Grudge from Last Year Lions head coach Dan Campbell hasn’t forgotten last season’s narrow 20-19 loss to the Cowboys. In that game, a potential game-winning two-point conversion was nullified by a penalty, leaving Detroit on the losing side. Campbell said he still feels a “controlled fury” from that defeat, adding extra motivation for this year’s matchup.
- Dominant Ground Game The Lions’ rushing attack ranks sixth in the NFL, averaging 151.3 yards per game. Detroit is the only team with two running backs in the top 20 in rushing yards—Jahmyr Gibbs (285) and David Montgomery (271). Dallas’ run defense has improved but still ranks 24th, allowing 135 yards per game. The Lions will likely look to exploit that.
- Jared Goff’s Hot Streak Jared Goff is coming off a perfect game in his last outing, going 16-of-16 for 292 yards and two touchdowns. He even caught a touchdown pass on a trick play, becoming the first player in NFL history to throw multiple touchdowns, maintain a perfect completion percentage, and catch a TD in the same game.
- Aidan Hutchinson Leading the Defense Even with a bye week, Hutchinson leads the NFL with 6.5 sacks. The 2022 No. 2 overall pick has been a dominant force for the Lions, recording 4.5 sacks in a standout performance against the Buccaneers earlier this season. He’ll be a key factor in pressuring Dak Prescott and disrupting Dallas’ offense.
Cowboys
- DaRon Bland’s Possible Return After missing the first five games due to a stress fracture, cornerback DaRon Bland may make his season debut, at least in limited snaps. His return would give a much-needed boost to the Cowboys’ defense, which has dealt with several key injuries but still managed to win two straight games.
- Rico Dowdle Emerging as RB1 The Cowboys may have found their starting running back in Rico Dowdle. He rushed for a career-high 87 yards and caught a touchdown pass in the win over the Steelers. With Ezekiel Elliott in a backup role and Deuce Vaughn inactive last week, Dowdle’s performance could secure his spot as the team’s go-to rusher.
- Offensive Line Adjustments Starting left tackle Tyler Guyton went down with a knee injury against Pittsburgh, forcing the Cowboys to shuffle their offensive line. Tyler Smith moved from guard to tackle, while T.J. Bass filled in at guard. The offense performed better with this alignment, and even if Guyton is available this week, the Cowboys might stick with this combination.
- Injuries at Defensive End Continue The Cowboys’ defensive end position has been hit hard by injuries. After losing Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence last week, rookie Marshawn Kneeland went down with a knee injury and is expected to miss up to six weeks. Despite the setbacks, the Cowboys managed to generate pressure with Carl Lawson, Chauncey Golston, and Tyrus Wheat stepping up.
- Jalen Tolbert Stepping Up at WR With Brandin Cooks on injured reserve, Jalen Tolbert delivered a breakout performance against the Steelers, catching the game-winning touchdown and setting career highs with seven catches for 87 yards. KaVontae Turpin also showed his speed and deep-threat ability, while CeeDee Lamb’s struggles in the second half continue to be a concern—he has just four catches for 25 yards in the second half of the last five games.
As the Cowboys look for their first home win of the season, and the Lions seek redemption from last year’s loss, this Week 6 battle promises to be intense. Both teams have a lot to prove as they push forward in the 2024 season.
