Game story
In Week 18 of the 2014 NFL season on 2015-01-04, the Dallas Cowboys took care of business against the Detroit Lions, pulling away with a 24–20 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) paced the passing game, with +4.93 total EPA, and -1.6% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.53 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+22.7% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Dallas Cowboys changed the game: (6:00) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 82-J.Witten to DET 21 for 21 yards (42-I.Abdul-Quddus; 32-J.Ihedigbo). Pass complete on a curl route.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 14 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 0 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Romo · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +8.53 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 2 T. Williams · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +7.85 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.31 EPA/play
- 3 J. Witten · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +7.22 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
- 4 C. Johnson · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +7.11 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
- 5 M. Stafford · Detroit Lions · Passing · +4.93 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
- 6 D. Bryant · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.19 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.06 EPA/play
- 7 C. Beasley · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +2.76 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
- 8 J. Bell · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.41 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Romo — DAL · Passing
T. Romo posted the highest total EPA (+8.53) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Dallas Cowboys's efficiency. Across 40 counted snaps, they averaged +0.21 EPA per play.
The signature play (+7.00 EPA) came from Dallas Cowboys: (1:50) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 83-T.Williams for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a slant pattern.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Detroit Lions — G. Tate (M. Stafford pass)
- Detroit Lions — R. Bush
- Dallas Cowboys — T. Williams (T. Romo pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — D. Murray
- Dallas Cowboys — T. Williams (T. Romo pass)
Field goals
- Detroit Lions — M. Prater
- Detroit Lions — M. Prater
- Dallas Cowboys — D. Bailey
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 14–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the DAL 51 (Q1 56:34) — (11:34) 9-M.Stafford pass deep middle to 15-G.Tate for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a slant pattern.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q1 56:22); Detroit Lions found the end zone from the DAL 18 (Q1 47:06) — (2:06) 21-R.Bush left end for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q1 46:57) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin..
The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–3. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DET 76 (Q2 31:50) — (1:50) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 83-T.Williams for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a slant pattern.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q2 31:37) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the DAL 21 (Q2 30:07) — (:07) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin..
The third quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–3. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the DAL 19 (Q3 23:44) — (8:44) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q3 17:55) — (2:55) 29-D.Murray left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q3 17:54) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..
The fourth quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 10–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the DET 33 (Q4 12:21) — (12:21) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DET 8 (Q4 2:39); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 2:32) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 6:00) — (6:00) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 82-J.Witten to DET 21 for 21 yards (42-I.Abdul-Quddus; 32-J.Ihedigbo). Pass complete on a curl route.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 1:00) — (1:00) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford sacked at DET 49 for -9 yards (90-D.Lawrence). FUMBLES (90-D.Lawrence) [90-D.Lawrence], RECOVERED by DAL-90-D.Lawrence at DET 47. 90-D.Lawrence to DET 47 for no gain (71-
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 2:39) — (2:39) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 83-T.Williams for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-E.Ansah]. Pass was caught middle back of the end zone.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 56:34) — (11:34) 9-M.Stafford pass deep middle to 15-G.Tate for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a slant pattern.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 31:50) — (1:50) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 83-T.Williams for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a slant pattern.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 31:50) — (1:50) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 83-T.Williams for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a slant pattern.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 56:34) — (11:34) 9-M.Stafford pass deep middle to 15-G.Tate for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a slant pattern.
- Detroit Lions (Q3 30:00) — (15:00) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle intended for 15-G.Tate INTERCEPTED by 51-K.Wilber (92-J.Mincey) at DET 24. 51-K.Wilber to DET 19 for 5 yards (15-G.Tate). Pass deflected at the line of scrimmage
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 6:00) — (6:00) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 82-J.Witten to DET 21 for 21 yards (42-I.Abdul-Quddus; 32-J.Ihedigbo). Pass complete on a curl route.
Quarterback report card
M.Stafford led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M.Stafford (Detroit Lions) · 46 dropbacks · 60.9% completion · -1.6% CPOE · +0.11 EPA/play · +4.93 total EPA
- T.Romo (Dallas Cowboys) · 40 dropbacks · 47.5% completion · -5.4% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +8.53 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Detroit Lions | Dallas Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.026 | +0.065 |
| Offensive success rate | 38.8% | 39.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.107 | +0.213 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.025 | -0.051 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.065 | -0.026 |
| Defensive success rate | 60.8% | 61.2% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Detroit Lions +0.03, Dallas Cowboys +0.07) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Dallas Cowboys: 11 drives, +5.14 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Detroit Lions: 11 drives, +2.25 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Dallas Cowboys leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- T. Romo (DAL) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q1 56:34 · DAL 51 · Score 6-0
(11:34) 9-M.Stafford pass deep middle to 15-G.Tate for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a slant pattern. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q1 56:22 · DAL 2 · Score 7-0
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. PENALTY on DAL-32-O.Scandrick, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q1 47:06 · DAL 18 · Score 13-0
(2:06) 21-R.Bush left end for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q1 46:57 · DAL 2 · Score 14-0
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 31:50 · DET 76 · Score 14-6
(1:50) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 83-T.Williams for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a slant pattern. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 31:37 · DET 2 · Score 14-7
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 30:07 · DAL 21 · Score 17-7
(:07) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q3 23:44 · DAL 19 · Score 20-7
(8:44) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 17:55 · DET 1 · Score 20-13
(2:55) 29-D.Murray left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 17:54 · DET 2 · Score 20-14
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 12:21 · DET 33 · Score 20-17
(12:21) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 2:39 · DET 8 · Score 20-23
(2:39) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 83-T.Williams for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-E.Ansah]. Pass was caught middle back of the end zone. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 2:32 · DET 2 · Score 20-24
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys?
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Detroit Lions 24-20 in Week 18, 2014 on 2015-01-04.
What was the final score of Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys?
The final score was Detroit Lions 20, Dallas Cowboys 24 (DET 20-24 DAL) in Week 18, 2014 on 2015-01-04.
What was the score by quarter in Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys?
Q1: Detroit Lions 14, Dallas Cowboys 0; Q2: Detroit Lions 3, Dallas Cowboys 7; Q3: Detroit Lions 3, Dallas Cowboys 7; Q4: Detroit Lions 0, Dallas Cowboys 10; Final: Detroit Lions 20, Dallas Cowboys 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys?
Detroit Lions touchdown — G. Tate (M. Stafford pass) (Q1 56:34) Detroit Lions touchdown — R. Bush (Q1 47:06) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — T. Williams (T. Romo pass) (Q2 31:50) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — D. Murray (Q3 17:55) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — T. Williams (T. Romo pass) (Q4 2:39) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q2 30:07, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q3 23:44, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q4 12:21, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys?
M. Stafford (Detroit Lions), 60.9% completion, -1.6% CPOE, +0.11 EPA per dropback, +4.93 total passing EPA. T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys), 47.5% completion, -5.4% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +8.53 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys?
T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) led the game in total EPA with +8.53 on passing plays. across 40 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+7.00 EPA): (1:50) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 83-T.Williams for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a slant pattern.. The biggest win-probability swing was +22.7%.
Was Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Dallas Cowboys won 24-20 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Detroit Lions
Entered 11-5 Now 11-6 L
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 12-4 Now 13-4 W
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