The 3rd Man In

Packers vs. Cowboys: Preview and Prediction

Dallas Cowboys Packers

When: 3:25 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lambeau Field – Green Bay, Wis.
Television: Fox
Series: Packers lead, 17-16
Line: Packers by 4
Weather: 60s, mostly clear

Through five weeks of the 2016-17 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers (3-1) have had only one major test, which came Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings on the road, with the Packers losing 17-14.

Now in Week 6, the Packers face their next significant challenge in the Dallas Cowboys (4-1). This is a matchup of the Packers run defense, which ranks No. 1 in the NFL, versus the Cowboys running attack that features rookie Ezekiel Elliott, who has an NFL-high 546 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

The Cowboys have two rookies in prominent positions offensively, but that hasn’t slowed them down, as they rank eighth in points scored (129) and second in average time of possession (33 minutes, 49 seconds). Dallas’ defense also ranks eighth in points allowed (91).

On the other side, Green Bay’s offense has continued to struggle and isn’t the potent offense it once was earlier in the Mike McCarthy era. With Eddie Lacy banged up and other contributors out, the Packers offense might have another tough day.

Field-position and the turnover battle will be key in this close Sunday afternoon game. If the Packers can stop Elliot and keep him under 100 yards they will win. However, I don’t see that happening.

Prediction: Cowboys 24, Packers 17

What is your prediction for this Week 6 matchup between the Packers and Cowboys? Leave your thoughts below. 

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