Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL wild card game
The wild card round will feature a clash of classic teams when the Dallas Cowboys host the Green Bay Packers.
The Cowboys captured the NFC East for the second time in three years, going undefeated at home and 4-5 on the road. Their season was boosted by a stalwart defense — DaRon Bland led the league with nine interceptions and Micah Parsons had 14 sacks. Along with a record campaign from wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott finished the regular season leading the league with 36 touchdowns and recorded the third 4,000-yard season of his career.
Jordan Love led the Packers back to the playoffs as a wild card team after Green Bay missed out on the postseason last year for the third time since 2009. The young quarterback had the job of filling in for four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers and was seventh in the league with 4,159 passing yards, finishing the last eight games with 18 touchdowns and one interception.
The Packers-Cowboys history has several highlights including Dez Bryant's controversial non-catch in the 2014 divisional round and Rodgers' game-winning drive in a 2017 regular season game.
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Cowboys vs. Packers odds, moneyline, over/under
The Cowboys are favorites to defeat the Packers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Cowboys (-7)
Moneyline: Cowboys (-350); Packers (+275)
Over/under: 50.5
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NFL Wild Card odds, predictions and picks
AFC: Texans vs. Browns | Chiefs vs. Dolphins | Bills vs. Steelers
NFC: Cowboys vs. Packers | Lions vs. Rams | Buccaneers vs. Eagles
Lorenzo Reyes: Cowboys 27, Packers 18
Dallas was a perfect 8-0 at home this season and went 6-2 against the spread in those games. The Cowboys are playing clean football and Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are tearing up opposing defenses. Making matters worse, Green Bay’s defense under Joe Barry has failed to make a difference in forcing turnovers. Against the Cowboys, that could be the reason why it gets lopsided.
Tyler Dragon: Cowboys 26, Packers 21
Mike McCarthy is set to face the franchise that fired him. Expect the Cowboys to rally behind their head coach and get a big win for him. The Cowboys are simply a better team than the Packers. But the Cowboys always seem to find ways to beat themselves in the postseason. Nevertheless, the Cowboys’ postseason gaffes won’t impact them much against a young Packers squad in their first playoffs post the Aaron Rodgers era.
Safid Deen: Cowboys 30, Packers 20
The Cowboys start the postseason at home where they’ve been undefeated all season, against the Packers, who are one of the youngest teams in the NFL. Green Bay is in the dance earlier than expected, while Dallas might have a playoff run in them that could surprise some folks. I’m taking the Cowboys in this one.
Victoria Hernandez: Cowboys 35, Packers 20
The Cowboys stood on business by capturing a road victory in the regular season finale. CeeDee Lamb is one of the best, if not the best, receivers in the game and the Packers defense doesn’t have an answer for him. Dak Prescott wouldn’t put an NFC East champions hat on after Dallas clinched the division and that means he’s ready to roll toward the Lombardi Trophy, starting with the trophy's namesake team.
Jordan Mendoza: Cowboys 34, Packers 30
Seeing the Packers on the playoff schedule might bring up lots of trauma for Cowboys fans. Luckily, they are at home, where they’ve been nearly impossible to beat this season. Don’t be surprised to see the Packers keep up with Dallas before the Cowboys pull away in the second half.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys: Playoff game predictions, picks and odds
