The Green Bay Packers, with a regular season record of 9-8, are poised for a significant challenge as they prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys in Super Wild Card Weekend. The Boys clinched the NFC East title with a 12-5 record, and will be given at least two playoff games at home if they win Sunday. This crucial match, featuring the 7th-seed Packers against the 2nd-seed Cowboys, is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. CT start at AT&T Stadium.
It's an intriguing rematch for the Packers, who last triumphed in a road playoff game at the same venue back in the post-2017 season. In that memorable encounter, the Packers, who were seeded 4th, overcame the top-seeded Cowboys. With head coach Matt LaFleur at the helm, the Packers are now eyeing another momentous victory in Texas. Will they be able to recreate the magic of their previous win and advance in the playoffs?
Dallas Cowboys - Dominance at Home:
The Cowboys have been nothing short of spectacular in their home stadium this season, averaging a remarkable 37 points per game. This offensive juggernaut has been led by quarterback Dak Prescott, whose proficiency in stretching defenses with his deep throws and pinpoint accuracy has been a key factor in their high scoring. The Cowboys' offense, known for its dynamic nature and versatility, has outmaneuvered defenses consistently, making them a formidable force at home.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been a standout performer, breaking franchise records this season for both catches and receiving yards. His ability to get open, combined with his after-catch abilities, has turned him into one of the most feared receivers in the league. The Packers' secondary faces a daunting challenge in containing Lamb, who can change the complexion of the game with his explosive plays.
Dallas Stars:
Dak Prescott has had an impressive season, ranking third in the NFL with 4,516 passing yards over 17 games. His average of 265.6 yards per game, combined with a stellar 69.5% completion rate and 36 touchdowns, showcases his elite passing skills. Additionally, he's added 242 rushing yards and two touchdowns, underscoring his dual-threat capability.
CeeDee Lamb has been a top receiver, leading the NFL with 135 receptions from 181 targets. His 1,749 receiving yards, the second-highest in the league, and 12 touchdowns highlight his impact over 17 games, averaging 7.9 catches and 102.9 yards per game.
Tony Pollard has excelled in the rushing department, accumulating 1,005 yards and six touchdowns over 17 games, averaging 59.1 yards per game. In the passing game, he's grabbed 55 receptions from 67 targets for 311 yards showcasing his versatility as well.
Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks has been a reliable target behind Lamb, averaging 3.4 receptions and 41.1 yards per game. With 657 total receiving yards and 54 catches from 81 targets, his eight touchdown receptions rank him eighth in the NFL.
Dallas Defense:
Micah Parsons has been a standout on defense in 2023, racking up 64 tackles, an impressive 18.0 (TFL), and 14 sacks showcasing his prowess in disrupting the opposition's plays.
Daron Bland has made significant contributions with 69 tackles, 3.0 TFL, and a remarkable nine interceptions, ranking him fifth in tackles on the Cowboys' roster.
Damone Clark has been the top tackler for the Cowboys, amassing 107 tackles and 4.0 TFL, highlighting his consistent presence and impact on the field.
Donovan Wilson has also been a key defensive player, recording 88 tackles, 2.0 TFL, and securing two interceptions which contributed significantly to the team's defensive efforts.
Green Bay Packers - Resilience and Determination:
The Packers, on the other hand, have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. They've secured their playoff spot by winning their last three games by showing grit and tenacity. Quarterback Jordan Love has been pivotal in this resurgence, especially over the last eight games where he's thrown 18 touchdown passes against just one interception. Love's recent form indicates his rising confidence and growing chemistry with his receiving corps.
The Packers have recorded a 6-2 record during this stretch, underscoring Love's ability to steer the team to victories under pressure. His performance in these crucial games has been a testament to his development as a leader and a signal-caller.
Running back Aaron Jones has been another critical piece of the Packers' puzzle. His versatility as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield has provided Green Bay with a balanced offensive attack. His performance in last year's matchup against the Cowboys, where he averaged over 5 yards per carry and scored a touchdown, is a clear indicator of his impact on the game.
Packers Breakout Season
Offense:
Jordan Love has delivered a solid performance this season, boasting an average of 7.2 passing yards per attempt, ranking him 13th in the NFL. His prowess is further highlighted by his impressive average of 244.6 yards per game. Love's precision is evident with a 64.2% completion rate, accumulating a noteworthy total of 4,159 yards, which places him seventh in the league. His arm has also been responsible for 32 touchdowns, an impressive feat that ranks second in the NFL, alongside 11 interceptions over 17 games.
In addition to his passing skills, Love has proven to be a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for four touchdowns and covering 247 yards on the ground, making him the third-highest rusher on the Packers.
Rookie WR Jayden Reed has emerged as a reliable target in 2023. Reed secured 64 receptions from 94 targets for 793 yards and eight receiving touchdowns over 16 games. These impressive stats place him eighth in the NFL for receiving touchdowns. Averaging 4.0 receptions per game, Reed has become a key component of the Packers' aerial attack.
Another WR Romeo Doubs has also been a notable contributor this season. In 17 games, Doubs has made 59 catches, averaging 3.5 receptions on 5.6 targets per game, resulting in 674 yards and eight receiving touchdowns.
Aaron Jones continues to be a versatile and vital asset in the backfield. He has chalked up two rushing touchdowns and amassed 656 yards on the ground, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and 59.6 yards per game. Additionally, Jones has displayed his receiving skills with 30 catches for 233 yards and a touchdown from 43 targets, averaging 2.7 receptions and 21.2 yards per game as a receiver.
Defense:
Quay Walker has been a defensive anchor in 2023, notching an interception, 118 tackles, 7 tackles for loss (TFL), 2.5 sacks, and defending three passes. His multifaceted play has been crucial for the team.
Rashan Gary has shown his mettle with 44 tackles and an impressive 7 TFL. His standout contribution of 9 sacks leads the team, alongside two defended passes, marking him as a key pass rusher.
Preston Smith has recorded a commendable 8 sacks, ranking second on the Packers, along with 4 TFL and 48 tackles, proving to be a significant force on the defensive line.
Kenny Clark has made a substantial impact over 17 games, with 44 tackles, 9 TFL, and 7.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays and pressure the backfield effectively.
Historical Context and Rivalry:
Historically, the Packers have had the upper hand in this rivalry, winning nine out of their last ten meetings, including two in the playoffs. This record speaks to the Packers' ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes games against the Cowboys. However, the Cowboys, with their current high-performing players and home-field advantage, are looking to rewrite this narrative and break the streak.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter that promises high-stakes action. Both teams boast high-powered offenses capable of scoring prolifically, while their defenses are gearing up to make decisive plays. With strategic coaching, star players in peak form, and a rich history of rivalry, this game is poised to be one of the highlights of the NFL postseason, leaving fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipating the outcome.
Prediction: Packers 33 Cowboys 31