DETROIT — The Detroit Lions are getting a brief break.

Detroit earned a desperately needed 44-30 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, going 2-1 in a three-game stretch of home games over 12 days.

“We handled our business,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. "Now, we get a little breather. We get a couple of days here to catch our breath and then we get ready for the Rams.”

The Lions (8-5) would not be in the playoffs if they started next week, but the two-time defending NFC North champions have a chance to play their way in.

It won't be easy, especially after Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch tore his left Achilles tendon against Dallas.

Detroit’s playoff probability is 54%, according to the NFL, with four games left in the regular season.

The banged-up Lions will have the weekend o

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