Calvin Johnson Detroit Lions
Reuters

The Dallas Cowboys will reportedly take on the Detroit Lions eighth ranked offense without defensive captain DeMarcus Ware for the second straight game.

The defensive end and four-time All-Pro hurt a quad muscle two weeks ago against Washington, and he’s unlikely to play on Sunday afternoon at Ford Field, according to Pro Football Talk.

Ware is third with 4.0 sacks for a Cowboys club that’s also eighth in the NFL with 20.0 team sacks. In last week’s 17-3 victory over Philadelphia, Dallas fared quite well without Ware, but the Lions Matthew Stafford poses a far greater threat.

Stafford’s third in the league with 2,129 passing yards, and second with 15 touchdowns, and a victory on Sunday would ensure a .500 or better record heading into the bye for just the third time since 2007.

The Detroit offensive line, which has only let up nine sacks, will miss tackle Corey Hillard. Tackles Riley Reiff and Jason Fox are also questionable.

Tony Romo could also miss some of his valuable targets, as first-place Dallas looks to extend their winning streak to three. Running back DeMarco Murray may play, but remains questionable with a knee injury. Receiver Miles Austin is also questionable with another hamstring strain.

But this game should come down to two of the NFL’s top receivers, in the Lions Calvin Johnson and Cowboy Dez Bryant. Johnson posted his third 100-yard receiving game of the year last week against a tough Cincinnati secondary, and is tied with Bryant for second in the league with six touchdowns.

Bryant is eighth in the NFL with 42 receptions, and is on pace to surpass his career-best 1,382 yards from a year ago.

Las Vegas Betting Odds: Detroit favored by 3 points

Over-Under: 51 points

Where To Watch Online: NFL Sunday Ticket Max

Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM Eastern Time

TV Channel: FOX

Prediction: Detroit 34, Dallas 27

NFL