Dallas heads to Lambeau Field looking for a response after the disappointing 24-16 loss to Tampa Bay. Green Bay comes in at 3-2 after dominating Chicago 31-7, making this another difficult Sunday night road test. The Cowboys need their offense to rediscover its rhythm, but the biggest question remains whether the defense can finally slow down an explosive passing attack.
When Green Bay has the ball
Expect Green Bay to attack Dallas through the air. Jordan Love is coming off a 367-yard performance against Chicago and has thrown 10 touchdowns through five games. Christian Watson has become his biggest big-play threat, averaging more than 18 yards per catch with six touchdowns, while Matthew Golden gives Love another receiver capable of stretching the field. That is a worrying matchup for a Cowboys defense that has already allowed 37 explosive plays and still has zero interceptions this season.
Green Bay’s running game is less threatening without Josh Jacobs, who remains out, so this should be a game where Dallas can concentrate more resources on Love. The opportunity is there for the pass rush as well. Love has already been sacked 10 times, but Dallas has produced only five sacks all season.
Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark returning to Lambeau against their former team adds another storyline, but Dallas simply needs more pressure regardless of who creates it.
For Green Bay, the route to victory is straightforward where they need to protect Love long enough to attack Dallas’ vulnerable secondary and keep creating explosive plays.
When Dallas has the ball
Dallas needs to get back to the offense they had before the Tampa Bay game. Dak Prescott has thrown for 1,381 yards with nine touchdowns through five games, and having CeeDee Lamb as a full participant after his thigh injury is significant. Lamb and George Pickens have combined for 857 receiving yards, and Green Bay could be vulnerable at cornerback because of injuries
Protection is still where the game could turn. Green Bay has 14 sacks, seventh-most in the NFL, and leads the league with seven interceptions. Tampa Bay showed what happens when Dallas becomes uncomfortable, Prescott threw two interceptions and the Cowboys turned the ball over three times.
Brian Schottenheimer needs balance on offense. Green Bay is allowing 128 rushing yards per game, while Dallas ranks near the bottom of the league in rushing offense. That makes this a good opportunity to get Javonte Williams involved early rather than leaving Prescott in obvious passing situations all night.
Now onto the predictions from your BTB writers…
Tom Ryle (2-3)
I have no idea what to expect from the Cowboys. I hope they come out fired up and Mike Pettine has some kind of answers to offer. But I just don’t have a good feeling. So I hope this is a reverse jinx. Packers 31 Cowboys 27
Brandon Loree (3-2)
What worries me most of all in this game is the passing attack headline by Christian Parker and Matthew Golden. Last year’s first-round pick for the Packers has led the league in 20+ yard passing targets.
Jordan Love is gonna try to test the Cowboys secondary that’s on the verge of falling apart now with Mike Pettine in the building.
Just like the Cowboys’ three losses this season, I think this game came down to the final minutes, and unfortunately, Dallas left with more questions than answers, losing 28-24.
Dyllan Rivers (3-2)
The key this week for Dallas will be to establish the run. They have to keep the Packers offense off the field. Until I see it though, I’m not convinced this team has the ability to commit to their ground game consistently enough to keep the opposing offense sidelined. On the other side, Dallas hasn’t displayed the defensive prowess to limit a red hot Jordan Love and his deep threat receivers. Dallas falls 34-24 in Lambeau.
Matt Holleran (3-2)
I have no rhyme or reason to the pick, but I think we see a motivated Cowboys team in Green Bay on Sunday. Dallas plays with their hair on fire and puts together their best all-around performance of the year. The game comes down to the defense, and finally, they come up big in a key moment. Joey Porter Jr. picks off Jordan Love, sealing a huge win for Dallas. Give me the Cowboys, 30-26.
Mike Poland (2-3)
The Packers are dangerously thin on defense due to injuries. Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, and the newly appointed Mike Pettine all have in depth knowledge on this Packers team which gives Dallas the edge.
The Cowboys defense have struggled against the run, but they’re up against an offense that ranks last in rush yards per game, meaning the Cowboys defense can concentrate more on locking down Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. Dallas wins this week 31-27.