NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Cowboys at Packers: Preview, Predictions, and More

By Stephen Forsha

Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Dallas Cowboys vs Green Bay Packers

The Dallas Cowboys enter Lambeau Field with a four-game winning streak led by two rookies, a very productive offensive line, and a defense who is playing above expectations. The Green Bay Packers are coming off a bye week and also have just one loss on the season.

Next: 6 NFL Teams Who Need a Win in Week 6

Green Bay has defeated the Cowboys in their past four meetings at Lambeau (and the past five meetings overall). The Cowboys enter this game with a 4-1 mark and are coming off a game where they dominated the Cincinnati Bengals.

Dallas is being led by rookie Dak Prescott at quarterback, who has yet to throw an interception in five straight games to start his career, and Ezekiel Elliott at running back, who leads the NFL going into Week 6 with 546 yards on 109 carries.

Green Bay enters this game by being the best at stopping the run this season. They are allowing just under 43 yards per game rushing on 86 attempts.

This game will be interesting and will be a good point to see just how improved this Cowboys team has become before they have their bye week next week.

Cowboys Keys To Victory

1. Run the football: As stated above, Ezekiel Elliott leads the NFL in rushing and the Packers have stopped the run the best this season. Something will have to give as this game is their toughest challenge so far in 2016.

2. Defense pressure: The pass rush seen last weekend by the Cowboys will have to return and then some this weekend, since they are facing one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Aaron Rodgers.

Packers Keys To Victory

1. Improve overall offense: Their offense is 12th in points, 25th in total yards and 27th in passing yards (all per game). Aaron Rodgers is completing 56.1 percent of passes with nine touchdowns and three interceptions. Rodgers is better than he’s played in 2016, but his consistency is lacking compared to most years. Green Bay had a slow start on the stat sheet but are still very talented offensively.

2. Defense slows down Cowboys momentum: The Cowboys have a lot of momentum going into the game, but the Green Bay Packers must slow down the best qualities of the Cowboys. That, of course, is their rushing game and controlling the tempo of games. If Green Bay can force some three-and-outs and pressure Prescott, then they will be able to gain the win.

Odds

Point Spread: Packers -4.5
Moneyline: Cowboys +178 , Packers -215
Over/Under: 47

Must Read: NFL Week 6: Which Teams Are On Bye?

Prediction

This is a very tough task for the Cowboys offense and defense and it will be the most hard-fought game of the season to date. Though the Cowboys’ defensive backfield has been playing well as of late, the defense will have their hands full with Rodgers. Another note to keep track of Sunday is the health of Packers running back Eddie Lacy, who might not be healthy enough to play.

For the offense of the Cowboys, the question is can the line block well enough against the top run-stopping defense to lead Elliott to his fourth straight game of over 130 yards rushing per game? If Green Bay stops Elliott, they will win this NFC game.

Pick: Dallas Cowboys: 20, Green Bay Packers: 21

Home/Dallas Cowboys