The Lions move along with at 8-5, not comfortable with their playoff situation but feeling better about their chances. The Cowboys now have to win out to have any realistic chance, and even that might not be enough.

A lot contributed to the loss — turnovers, kickoff coverage and Dallas' defense allowed scores on six of the Lions' final seven possessions.

According to Next Gen Stats, the Lions now have a 53% chance to make the playoffs. Had they lost, that number would’ve dropped to 19%. The Cowboys’ playoff chances look rather bleak at just 9%. If Dallas pulled out a win Thursday night, Next Gen Stats would’ve given it a 39% chance to make the playoffs.

Detroit Lions fans show their love and support for their team on national television during Thursday Night Football after the Week 14 matchup on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit. The Detroit Lions defeated the Dallas Cowboys 44-30. (Jake May | MLive.com)

A 44-30 loss at Detroit’s Ford Field is the Cowboys’ first loss since a home game to Arizona that feels like a lifetime ago. This one may have taken the life out of the Cowboys’ playoff hopes, but some of that remains up to the enigmatic Eagles.

Jahmyr Gibbs and the Detroit Lions have beaten the Dallas Cowboys to help their playoff chances. Gibbs ran three touchdowns in Thursday night's 44-30 win.

The Cowboys could end up losing another outstanding defensive star this offseason, according to a prominent ESPN analyst.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer would give an update on star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb after sustaining a concussion.