America’s Game of the Week is a rematch of the best match up of last year’s playoffs. The Green Bay Packers (3-1) return to AT&T Stadium to take on the Dallas Cowboys (2-2).
The game will be featured on your local FOX affiliate at 4:25 p.m. I’ll be live blogging it here on Get More Sports, so come hang out with me and watch the game.
The Game: Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys (-3)
O/U: 52.5
The History
The Cowboys and Packers have met 35 times since 1960 and eight of those games have been in the playoffs. Last year, in the NFC Divisional Round, the Packers beat Dallas 34-31 in the final seconds.
By virtue of that victory, the Packers lead the all time series 18-17. Green Bay has won six of the last seven games between the two teams, including five straight from November, 2009 to December, 2015.
The Cowboys’ era of domination in this series began in 1978 and a 42-14 win. From that date until November, 1996 Dallas won 12 out of 14 games.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (3-1)
The Packers come into this game with 10 days rest, 11 if you count their 35-14 shellacking of the Chicago Bears. Aaron Rodgers didn’t burn up the yardage last week, but he threw four touchdowns and was 18 of 26 for 179 yards. It was plenty against a hapless Bears squad.
Green Bay took a beating on their depth chart against the Bears. Devante Adams is officially listed as questionable after a concussion. Both starting offensive tackles, Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari are hit with the Q too, as is defensive tackle Mike Daniels, linebacker Ahmed Brooks and cornerbacks Davon House and Quintin Rollins.
Ty Montgomery is doubtful, dealing with his own rib issue, but Jamaal Williams is slated to not only play, but probably make his first NFL start.
It’s hard to build a narrative from the Chicago game in preparation for this one. The Packers handily beat an opponent they should have. If there is a concern, it’s a negative as Green Bay managed to sack Mike Glennon just one time. They did pick him off twice and likely ended his time as a starter in Chicago.
DALLAS COWBOYS (2-2)
The Cowboys are coming off a tough loss at home to the Los Angeles Rams, 35-30. Dallas had a tough time stopping anything the Rams do and will be glad not to have to see Todd Gurley again until January at the earliest. Green Bay hasn’t been able to run the ball consistently, but the danger Aaron Rodgers represents is constant.
It looks like Dallas will once again be without Sean Lee at linebacker. Worse, Tyron Smith didn’t practice this week. Both are listed as questionable, as is defensive tackle Stephen Pea. There’s a chance none of them will play.
In spite of the loss, quarterback Dak Prescott had a solid game. He completed 20 of 36 passing for 252 yards, three touchdowns and a pick. Ezekiel Elliott too delivered the goods with 21 carries for 85 yards and a score. Elliott added four catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. Dez Bryant caught five passes for 98 yards. Those are the kinds of stats you usually see in a win and 30 points should do the job most weeks. It didn’t against the Rams and won’t against the Packers.
What should worry Dallas is their lack of consistent pressure on Jared Goff last Sunday. The Packers offensive line is banged up, but Rodgers has a way of working magic with his feet. The Cowboys managed just one sack, but did get nine stops in the backfield against Los Angeles.
The Pick
In two games against the Cowboys, Green Bay has yet to find a way to stop Dak Prescott. Like the Rams, the only chance the Packers have is to outscore Dallas’ offense. I don’t see the Cowboys dropping two games in a row, especially at home. I think this one is another shootout, but Dallas comes out on top. Cowboys 38, Packers 34
This week
Straight up: 1-0
Against the spread: 1-0
Last week
Straight up: 9-7
Against the spread: 10-6
Season
Straight up: 37-26
Against the spread: 32-31
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