For the game, Pro Football Focus gave the Lions a 77.8 defensive grade, the highest since that win over Tampa Bay in Week 7. The team was led by veteran backup safety Avonte Maddox, who stepped up to play 80 snaps for the Lions and earned a 90.3 defensive grade — the second-highest of his eight-year career.

The Dallas defense regressed, as did the protection for quarterback Dak Prescott, in a game the Cowboys badly needed to win to maintain any realistic hopes of making the playoffs.

George Pickens has been coming under fire for his effort in the Cowboys’ loss to the Lions on Thursday. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones was asked if he noticed a lack of effort from Pickens during his weekly interview on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM) on Friday.

Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb sustained a concussion against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night and was ruled out for the rest of the game. Lamb leaped for a pass in the third quarter and he landed hard on the turf.

Week 14 gave the Cowboys a chance to prove they were playoff worthy, but they wilted in every big moment in the loss to the Lions.

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch tore his left Achilles tendon against the Dallas Cowboys, according to a person familiar with the situation.

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)

This was a well-rounded game for the Lions, with huge plays coming from the offense, defense, and special teams units. Jared Goff threw for over 300 yards, the Lions won the turnover battle with two interceptions and a fumble recovery,