It's a new year, and 2015 will get us started on a hot note with the NFL Playoffs as the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions face off in the NFC Wild Card game on Sunday, Jan. 4 at 4:40 p.m. EST on FOX.

The Cowboys clinched a playoff spot by winning the NFC East over the Philadelphia Eagles, claiming the No. 3 seed in the NFC. The Detroit Lions couldn't win the NFC North, but they did win enough games to get one of the two wild card spots. The Arizona Cardinals got the other wild card spot.

Both the Cowboys and Lions are great teams, but here's five reasons why the Cowboys will come out on top:

1. Cowboys Triplets

You could legitimately make a case that the Cowboys have a top five quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray are reminding Cowboys fans of "the triplets" in the '90s with Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. Both Romo and Murray are MVP favorites this season, and Bryant is without a doubt one of the best receivers in the game today. The Lions have a strong defensive line with Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, but their pass defense gives up big plays. If the Lions decide to double team Bryant, Terrance Williams, Jason Witten and Cole Beasley will catch passes underneath for first downs all game long.

2. Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford is a good quarterback, but the reality is that he struggles a lot against quality teams. He struggles even more against quality teams on the road. In his career, Stafford is 0-17 against teams with a winning record on the road. Not having a single win against winning teams on the road is unbelievable at this stage of Stafford's career. The Cowboys will have home field advantage, and that should spell trouble for the Lions.

3. Offensive Line

The Cowboys have the best offensive line in the NFL. Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh won his appeal and will be allowed to play, but don't count on that making a huge difference. Murray is running through wide open holes, and Romo has all day to throw the ball. It's no surprise the Cowboys lead the NFL in rushing yards this season. If the Cowboys can dominate the running game and stay on the field, it would help their defense big time, as it has all season long.

4. Lions Inability to Win Big Games

The Lions did finish 11-5 this season, but they always seem to crumble under the pressure. This Lions franchise hasn't won a single playoff game since 1991, when Barry Sanders was carrying the ball. This year Detroit had losses to notable teams such as the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals. Thus, they are 1-3 against playoff teams. The Lions' best road win this season came against the Minnesota Vikings, who finished 7-9.

5. Improved Cowboys Defense

This Cowboys defensive unit won't be mistaken for the 1985 Chicago Bears, but the reality is the Cowboys defense is average. And average is a heck of a lot better than terrible, which is what the Cowboys' defense was last year. The Cowboys' rush defense ranks eighth overall, and their pass defense has allowed the sixth fewest touchdowns in the league. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has been the best defensive coach this season, considering the squad he took over. Also worth noting is that Dallas' defense has forced the second most turnovers in the NFL this season.

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