Despite each starting off the season with impressive 3-0 runs, both the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers come into their week four match up feeling like they need a win.
Each fanbase is disappointed following their respective week three performances, as both Dallas and Green Bay suffered defeats at the hands of other top tier NFC opponents.
The Cowboys will host the Packers in a place that Aaron Rodgers has traditionally owned them, but they are hoping that this time will be different.
The Line
Dallas -3.5. O/U 47 Points.
Dallas Cowboys
As mentioned, the Dallas Cowboys are in dire need of a bounce back performance this Sunday. The Cowboys offense laid an egg on the road last week, and now face another tough NFC opponent.
Many consider both the Cowboys and Packers to be among the NFC's best, so falling to 3-2 would be a tough blow to take. Especially after a 3-0 start.
The Cowboys also go into this game facing some serious injury questions. Cameron Fleming is replacing the injured Tyron Smith at left tackle, and La'el Collins, Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup will all be playing banged up.
Still the Cowboys have the talent to compete with anyone on any given Sunday, and this week they must find a way to get it done at home.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers are off to a strange start in 2019. They are 3-1, leading their division, and super talented across their roster. Yet, for some reason, something feels off.
The reason for this seems to be the slow start of the usually prolific Packers offense. Now under new direction, Aaron Rodgers and the passing game took a few weeks to get their feet under them. Last week against the Eagles, though, Rodgers looked very much like his old self despite the final result.
It's the defense which is the story of the Packers' 3-1 start this season, though. Impressive draft classes and aggressive moves in free agency have put the Packers defense in the position to be better than they've been in about a decade.
Trends
- The Packers are 4-2 both straight up and against the spread their last 6 games.
- The Packers are 6-2 against the spread their last 8 games against the Cowboys.
- Green Bay is 7-2 against the spread their last 9 following a loss against the spread.
- The Cowboys are 7-0 straight up their last 7 home games.
- The score total has gone over in 5 of the last 7 of the Cowboys' games.
Prediction
This is a really tough one to call. Both teams are facing a potential 3-2 start despite starting the season on fire at 3-0. They are also being chased closely by formidable division foes who are right at their heels.
But this week, I'll take the home team to win the game outright. The Cowboys offense bounces back in a big way, with Ezekiel Elliott going for over 100 yards and a score against the Packers lowly run defense, and Dak Prescott getting back on track through the air.
I'll take the Cowboys -3.5, though I think a field goal could decide this one.
