The Cowboys vs. Packers wild card matchup is about an established dominant force versus a rising squad with so much hunger to prove themselves.
Both teams ended the season strong. The Cowboys won seven of their last nine games to solidify their hold of the National Football Conference East division, while the Packers won their last three to complete their playoff push and become the youngest playoff team (25 years, 214 days old) since the Buffalo Bills in 1974.
An exciting storyline in this matchup is Mike McCarthy, who will have some reunion with the Packers, which he coached from 2006 to 2018 and with whom he won his lone Super Bowl.
The match will kick off on Sunday at 4:30 PM ET at the AT&T Stadium. Fans at home can catch the game through Fox.
Cowboys vs. Packers Wild Card: Odds, Spread, Betting Lines
The Cowboys are predicted to win this match by a large margin. It is not only because the Packers lack experience but also because of other reasons, such as home advantage and talent.
Spread: Dallas Cowboys (-7), Green Bay Packers (+7)
Moneyline: Dallas Cowboys (-350); Green Bay Packers (+275)
Over/under: 50.5
McCarthy's squad is 5-2 against the spread in 2023 when they are favorites by at least 7.5. On the other hand, Green Bay is 9-8-0. They are underdogs by 7.5 or more for just once this season and covered it.
Cowboys vs. Packers Wild Card Preview
There's so much storyline to dissect in this matchup of two of the most historic franchises in the NFL. McCarthy's time with the Packers was legendary. There's even a street outside of the Lambeau Field named after him.
However, that connection is the last thing on McCarthy's mind.
"The drama of it, I'm sure you guys will love, but I will not participate in it this year," he said. "It's playoff time. It doesn't matter who we play, to be honest with you."
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The Cowboys need to play an almost perfect game to fend off the Packers, who can pull off surprises like a young team trying new play designs.
They rank within the top five to ten in major metrics this season, such as scoring offense, third-down efficiency, and explosive plays.
Cowboys need to be ready for the Packers' ground game, something they are not great at defending.
Aaron Jones could pose a problem as he is the leader of this run game, posting 358 rushing yards over the final three weeks, the best in the league in that span.
Cowboys defensive leader Micah Parsons is ready for him, but he called on the upfront to be ready, and they "got to be dominant up front, get a lot of bends back, get a lot of movement."
As for the Packers, the odds are against them, and they will need a perfect game from Love to pull off an upset. They need to maximize out-of-the-pocket passes and big passing plays.
They need to do that while elevating their defense to contain Dak Prescott, who is having a career season for the Cowboys.
Cowboys vs. Packers Wild Card Pick
It is hard to go against the tide. The Cowboys should win this and cover the spread.
Final score: Dallas Cowboys 37-18 Green Bay Packers
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