Cowboys...28 Lions...27

DETROIT -- Jason Witten got a chance to make up for his big mistake. The Dallas tight end caught a 16-yard, go-ahead touchdown pass with 18 seconds left, lifting the Cowboys to a 28-27 victory over the Detroit Lions.

Dallas (12-1) clinched the NFC East and moved closer to earning home-field advantage in the conference playoffs.

Witten had career highs with 15 receptions and 138 yards, and was able to enjoy his accomplishments because he redeemed himself after fumbling inside the one midway through the fourth quarter.

Detroit (6-7) led, 27-14, after three quarters but ended up with its fifth consecutive loss and won’t be able to live up to quarterback Jon Kitna’s expectations of a 10-win season.

Tony Romo was 35 for 44 for 302 yards and two touchdowns, helping Dallas to the first 12-1 start in franchise history.

Kevin Jones ran for 92 yards and two touchdowns and T.J. Duckett had a 32-yard scoring run for Detroit.

Quoteworthy: “You don’t say it’s over, but that was the season.” -- Jason Hanson, Lions kicker