The Cowboys held off the Lions in a wild, 20-19 finish on Saturday Night Football from Arlington.
Donovan Wilson secured a key interception for Dallas with just over two minutes left in the game.
However, Detroit stormed down the field after the Cowboys kicked a field goal, and Amon Ra St. Brown caught an 11-yard touchdown pass to pull the NFC North leaders within one point.
Coach Dan Campbell chose to go for two points and Jared Goff connected with offensive lineman Taylor Decker to complete the comeback.
However, the play was called back for illegal touching and, after a series of penalties, James Mitchell dropped a Goff pass near the goal line which put the game on ice. Dallas improved to 11-and-5 and is second in the NFC East.
Detroit shares the same record and already captured the North crown.
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