Week 9 Preview: Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys

Jon Kitna and Roy Williams play host to their old team, while the Lions try to avoid another tough loss and overcome their injuries. 

Lions. 

1) Keep Hill standing: The Cowboys haven't been as good at getting sacks as they've been in recent years, but they're still dangerous and with the Lions injuries on their line, the Cowboys could take advantage. The Lions will have to move Shaun Hill around the pocket and hope he makes good decisions when he scrambles. 

2) Get Calvin Johnson the ball: He's a bit banged up but so is the Cowboys secondary, so the Lions should be able to take advantage. Mike Jenkins will most likely play for the Cowboys, but he's had an awful season and Terence Newman hasn't practiced this week. That leaves Orlando Scandrick (who's short) and Bryan McCann (who's inexperienced) as the second and third corners. Moving Johnson around should work. 

3) Don't let Jon Kitna and Roy Williams make an impact: Kitna and Williams will want to show the Lions that their days in Dallas are much better than their time in Detroit was. Kitna will be looking at Williams in the red zone and in third and short situations, The Lions can lose this game but these two can't have a big day. 

4) Keep the game close: The Lions have one of the worst defenses in the league, luckily for them the Cowboys defense isn't any better statistically. If the Cowboys score, the Lions have to answer back and keep this game close. If they have to get one dimensional they'll run into some serious problems.  

5) Keep the Crowd quiet: The Cowboys haven't won at home all season, and the fans know this is their best chance at seeing a victory. Therefore, the Lions have to take the crowd out right away and never let them back in. 

Cowboys.

1) Take advantage of the Lions injuries: The Lions have six players who haven't practiced this week including both their running backs and their kicker. The Cowboys need to be physical with this team and beat them up until they quit. 

2) Stay committed to the run: The Cowboys finally broke through last week with their running game and now isn't the time to abandon it. Felix Jones was a fantasy stud last week and he should be again this week with the Lions 26th ranked rushing defense. 

3) Get the ball to Dez Bryant: Jon Kitna's favorite target is Bryant and he'll be looking at him all game long. Bryant has been nothing short of spectacular in his rookie season and has a nose for the end zone. 

4) Keep up the momentum: The Cowboys finally got a win last week and with all the changes Jason Garrett has made, the team has responded well. Now they have to keep the momentum up and keep playing hard. One game is not going to change the season. 

5) Keep the crowd in the game: The Cowboys have not won at home all season and were lit up in their last game at home against the Giants. The Cowboys will want to keep the crowd in the game and if they get out to a lead early they could keep the 100,000+ in the game.