Cowboys’ Odds Get a Boost: Lions Suffer Major Setback Ahead of Crucial Primetime Matchup

The Dallas Cowboys, now sitting at 6–5–1, are preparing for one of their most important games of the season as they look to extend their win streak to four straight victories. Their upcoming opponent, the 7–5 Detroit Lions, may hold a better record, but the latest developments have tilted the momentum toward Dallas — and the NFL world is not thrilled.

While Detroit entered the season as one of the NFC’s most complete and explosive teams, the Lions are now showing cracks in the foundation. Their offense, once feared leaguewide, has lost its rhythm, and their defense continues to struggle with consistency. But the real issue — the one that has fueled Detroit’s recent decline — lies in the trenches.

Lions’ Offensive Line Issues Reach Crisis Point

For years, the Lions’ offensive line was the engine that powered their late-season surges and controlled games for quarterback Jared Goff and the run game. But this year, everything looks different.

In desperation, the Lions attempted to bring back former second-team All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, who had quietly stepped away due to injuries. His return was supposed to stabilize the unit and give Detroit the much-needed edge heading into the toughest stretch of their season.

Instead, the comeback lasted barely a moment.

Ragnow Fails Physical — Lions Lose Their Biggest Reinforcement

On Saturday, the Lions announced that Frank Ragnow failed his physical and is not eligible to return to the 53-man roster.

Their official statement confirmed the worst:

“The medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him from participating for the remainder of the regular season.”

Just like that, any optimism surrounding his return evaporated.

For Detroit, the news is devastating. Ragnow was one of the few players capable of elevating a struggling offensive line. Without him, the unit remains vulnerable and unstable — and with playoff hopes on the line, the timing couldn’t be worse.

For the Cowboys, however, the development is undeniably beneficial.

Why This Is a Major Advantage for the Cowboys

Dallas isn’t just catching a break — they’re catching one in the exact area where their team is improving the fastest.

Since acquiring Quinnen Williams, the Cowboys’ defensive line has transformed. Matt Eberflus’ unit has become more aggressive, disruptive, and physical. The interior pressure has been particularly impressive, helping:

• Collapse pockets

• Force faster decisions from quarterbacks

• Limit rushing lanes

• Take control of the momentum in critical moments

Although the defense isn’t perfect yet, it’s improving at the right time — and it’s improving in the exact phase of the game where the Lions are falling apart.

Detroit’s offensive line is battered, inconsistent, and unable to create the stable, clean pockets Goff needs to execute efficiently. Without Ragnow, the Lions are forced to adjust once again, facing a rising Dallas front that thrives on chaos.

Detroit’s Offensive Decline Is No Longer a Mystery

The Lions’ early-season success was fueled by balance: a powerful run game, smart play-action usage, and reliable protection that kept Goff comfortable. But with the trenches collapsing, Detroit’s entire identity has shifted.

• Jared Goff has looked shaky under pressure.

• The run game has lost explosiveness.

• Offensive rhythm evaporates whenever protection breaks down.

Detroit is entering this primetime matchup in “must-win” mode, but the latest setback is a harsh hit to their game plan.

Cowboys Looking to Take Advantage as Playoff Push Intensifies

Dallas desperately needs momentum to stay alive in the playoff race, and this matchup provides a clear opportunity. Their defensive line is finding its stride, the team is trending upward, and now the Lions are down a crucial piece of their offensive core.

No one in the NFL wants to see a player’s comeback ruined before it begins, especially a centerpiece like Ragnow. But in football, timing is everything — and this timing favors the Cowboys.

As Thursday night approaches, Dallas suddenly looks like the team with the clearer path forward.