Trailing 20-7 late in the third quarter, quarterback Tony Romo guided his Cowboys to three straight scoring drives, the last an eight-yard scoring pass to Terrance Williams giving his team the lead.
Detroit responded by moving the ball past midfield, but a failed fourth down conversion with under one minute to play was the last gasp for the Lions.
The scoring started early when Mathew Stafford hit Golden Tate on a 51 yard scoring strike just 3:38 into the contest, giving the Lions an early 7-0 lead. Detroit extended their advantage to 14-0 on a Reggie Bush 18 yard run just before the end of the first quarter.
Romo struck quickly, hitting Williams on a long 76 yard scoring strike, cutting the lead to 14-7, but the Lions responded with a field goal just before half to make the score 17-7.
Despite being out-gained 397-315 yards, forced turnovers and penalties by Detroit cost the Lions a shot at the upset.
Romo finished the contest 19-31 for 293 yards and two touchdowns. Running back DeMarco Murray added 75 yards and a score on the ground, but the biggest plays came from the defense as the forced Stafford to make some hurried throws in the fourth quarter and leaving the Lions signal caller without his first ever win in the NFL Playoffs.
Stafford completed 28-42 for 323 yards and a touchdown, but a lack of a running game let the Dallas defense pin its ears back in the second half.
The Cowboys will now head to Green Bay next weekend to take on the Packers. The other NFC Divisional contest will feature the Carolina Panthers, who beat Arizona 27-16, against last years Super Bowl winners Seahawks in Seattle.
