Jahmyr Gibbs’ three TD runs power Lions over Cowboys

DETROIT — Because Detroit Lions entered Thursday's game at 7-5 running back Jamir Gibbs described the regular season finish line as “a must-win game.”

The first test was a serious struggle with the sharp growth Dallas Cowboys team, but the Lions got the job done with a 44-30 win. According to ESPN Analytics, Detroit's chances of making the playoffs increased from 43% before the game to 56% after the win.

“We have to treat this like playoff games,” Gibbs told ESPN beforehand. Gibbs responded with three touchdowns and 77 receiving yards. His five multi-TD games rank second most in a season in Lions history.

The Lions also received support from WR. Amon-Ra St. Brownwho suited up after being forced to make a game-time decision due to an ankle injury. St. Brown had six catches for 92 yards.

It was the fifth time this season the Lions scored at least 35 points, the most in the NFL.

Detroit Lions (8-5)

Turning point: In crunch time Lions WR Jameson Williams converted a third down with a 29-yard catch at 8:26 of the fourth after Dallas had a three-point lead. Williams' big catch set up Gibbs for a 10-yard touchdown on the same drive to give the Lions a 37-27 lead with 7:17 left.

A trend to watch: Lions All-Pro offensive selection Penei Sewell allowed a sack for the fourth straight game, which is the longest streak of his career, according to ESPN Research. In the first quarter, his former teammate James Houston walked Sewell and sacked the QB. Jared Goff in third place. Sewell hasn't given up a streak of sacks since his rookie season in 2021.

Emmitt Smith and Daryl Johnston share congratulations after Jameer Gibbs and David Montgomery broke their record for most TDs by a RB duo in the Super Bowl era.#ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/h5ylzn7AL4

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 5, 2025

Statistics you need to know: This is the 15th time that Gibbs and David Montgomery scored a touchdown in the same game, breaking the tie with the Cowboys' Emmitt Smith and Daryl Johnston for the most RB teammate pairings in the Super Bowl era. Smith and Johnston shared congratulatory messages on social media for the Detroit duo after they broke the record. Gibbs scored 47 career touchdowns, tying Hall of Famer Barry Sanders for the most touchdowns in a player's first three seasons in the NFL. He also has three games this season with three touchdowns, the most by a Lions player in a season since Cloyce Box in 1952. Eric Woodyard

Next game: V Los Angeles Rams (Dec. 14, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox)

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Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)

Dallas CowboysPlayoff chances diminished by loss to Detroit Lions. ESPN Analytics pegs the Cowboys' playoff chances at 8% with four games remaining after their first loss since the bye week.

At 6-6-1, the Cowboys lose to the Lions in the tiebreaker. Carolina Panthers And Chicago Bears. Dallas' best chance of making the postseason may be to win the NFC East, which would require Philadelphia (8-4) to make concessions.

Turnovers (one fumble, one interception), key penalties like the one that overturned a pass interference penalty at the Lions 4, and too many big plays made by the defense cost the Cowboys dearly. The Cowboys likely need to win their four remaining games to have a chance.

A trend to watch: On the night when Javonte Williams topped 1,000 yards this season, there was a fight on the run. Through three quarters, the Cowboys had one run for 10 yards. Although the Cowboys rushed for 125 and 137 yards in their wins over the Eagles and Chiefs, respectively, 109 of those yards came on four carries, including a 43-yard touchdown run by Malik Davis vs. Kansas City. The Cowboys' play hasn't been consistent and they need to find it again after playing four games.

Stat to know: Struggling to get to the quarterback in recent games, with four sacks in four previous games, the Lions were sacked Dak Prescott three times in the first half. Prescott had 2.65 seconds to shoot in the first half. During their three-game winning streak, he had at least 2.8 seconds per shot. Two of the three sacks came on blitzes. In his first 12 games, he was sacked just six times in blitz games.

Turning point: Even though the Cowboys didn't score a touchdown in the first half and were down 20-9, the Cowboys looked to use the opening drive of the second half to gain a foothold. Failure happened already in the first game. Prescott pass – on George Pickens – was prompted and intercepted Derrick Barnes. Two plays later Jared Goff hit Isaac Tesla for a 12-yard touchdown, increasing the lead to 18 points. It was a terrible 42 seconds for the Cowboys. — Todd Archer

Next game: against. Minnesota Vikings (December 14, 8:20 p.m., NBC)