The NFL Playoffs have arrived, and Wild Card Weekend is jam-packed full of six games to watch unfold. One of the more intriguing matchups of the weekend sees the Green Bay Packers visit the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Jan. 14 with kick-off set for 4:30 p.m. ET.
The Cowboys earned the No. 2 seed in the NFC after finishing the regular season with a record of 12-5. Dallas has not reached the NFC title game since 1996, but is this the year they finally get over the hump? If they want to take the next step, they must first get past Green Bay at home. The Packers are playing their best football of the season right now, having won three games in a row. They are not to be taken lightly.
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NFC Wild Card Cowboys vs. Packers Betting Odds
Oddsmakers are favoring the Cowboys by more than a touchdown in this one. Dallas is 7.5-point favorites on most sports betting platforms. That is the second-largest point spread of Wild Card Weekend, as the Bills are favored by 10 points over the Steelers.
When it comes to the moneyline, Dallas has odds of -360, while Green Bay has odds of +285 to pull off the upset. The total, or over/under is listed at 50.5. Keep in mind that all betting odds vary from sportsbook to sportsbook and are subject to change up until kick-off.
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Cowboys vs. Packers Best Prop Bet
Jordan Love Over 35.5 pass attempts (-102 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
Jordan Love has earned the keys to the Green Bay offense. In his first year as Green Bay’s starting quarterback, the Utah State product threw for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns. He threw the ball a ton this season, as his 579 pass attempts were the fifth-most in the NFL. Thus, it would not be surprising to see Love air it out early and often in this one.
The Packers started really airing the ball out in Week 9. After Green Bay started the season with a 2-5 record, Love threw 36 or more pass attempts in five of seven games from Weeks 9-15. But in the last three weeks of the regular season, Love attempted just 28, 32, and 33 pass attempts. This could be the game in which he exceeds 35.5 pass attempts once again.
In Week 18 against the Bears, Love had his most efficient game of the season, completing 27 of his 32 pass attempts for a completion percentage of 84.4. It seems unlikely that he replicates those elite numbers against a stout Dallas defense. On the season, the Cowboys are holding opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage of 60.5, which is fifth-best in the NFL. It’s also worth noting that Love’s completion percentage drops from 67.0 at home to 61.4 on the road. All in all, a drop in efficiency could lead to an increase in passing volume for Love in this one.
In addition, as underdogs of more than a touchdown, Love could be leaned upon even more if the Packers fall behind and need to throw the ball to get back into the game.
Cowboys vs. Packers Prediction: Dallas -7 (-112 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook)
Dallas is happy to be playing at home. The Cowboys finished the regular season with a perfect 8-0 record at AT&T Stadium.
Dak has been historically better at home, and the Cowboy offense put up an average of 37.4 points per game at home this season. In fact, they scored 30 or more points in seven of eight home games. They were held to 20 points in their last home game against the Lions, so they will be eager to light up the scoreboard once again. It may be tough for Love and company to keep up.
The Cowboys are ready to take the next step and get over the hump of Wild Card exits in the playoffs. They possess an elite defense that will be playing at home against a first-year starting quarterback in his first career playoff game. Love has impressed this season, but this is his toughest test yet.
