Packers vs Cowboys Week Five Preview

How Are Their Seasons Going?

The Dallas Cowboys are coming in 3-1 as well, after losing to the New Orleans Saints. The explosive offense that was shown in the first three weeks was not present vs the Saints. To make things worse, they lost All-Pro tackle Tyron Smith to an ankle injury. Luckily, they get receiver Michael Gallup back from injury, who was in the midst of a break out year before his injury. Dak Prescott was at his best when he had his full arsenal available. He threw for 674 yards and seven touchdowns in the two games he had Gallup and Amari Cooper. The Cowboys will be looking to get revenge on the Packers, as the Pack have won seven of the last eight matchups, post season included.

Key Matchups

Aaron Jones vs Jaylon Smith, Sean Lee, Leighton Vander Esch

After back to back years of averaging 5.5 yards per carry, there were high expectations for Jones coming into the season. Although he had 116 yards vs the Vikings, he only has 79 yards on 36 carries (2.2 YPC) the other three games. With Jamaal Williams out, he needs to have a big game to keep their offense moving. Dallas has three super talented linebackers, and they will be tasked with keeping him bottled up.

Aaron Rodgers vs The Cowboys Secondary

Aaron Rodgers is coming off his best game of the season, although it still wasn’t enough to win. Rodgers was lights out, moving the ball when the running game couldn’t. He will need to do the same this week, without having his number one option available. The Cowboys did give up 527 yards and three touchdowns to Case Keenum and Eli Manning, who have both since been benched.

Kenny Clark vs Ezekiel Elliott

Kenny Clark has been huge for the Packers when it comes to stopping the run. He routinely gets double teamed and that frees up other defenders to make plays. Last week vs the Eagles, he was bad and it showed by allowing 176 yards rushing. Zeke is one of the best running backs in the league so Clark will need to be playing great in order to stop him.

Jaire Alexander vs Amari Cooper

Jaire Alexander has been Pro Football Focus’s top rated corner this season. Amari Cooper is an extremely talented wide receiver, and one of the better route runners as well. Jaire will need to shadow him and take him out of the game, so the front seven can focus on stopping Zeke. If Dak cant get him the ball, then the Cowboys offense will struggle.

Prediction

Although this is a home game for Dallas, Aaron Rodgers has had a lot of success in this building. This time though, it’ll be much tougher without Davante Adams, who is a top five receiver in the league. With the NFC being up for grabs, this will be a key game for both teams. The Packers defense should be able to get back on track, having 10 days to prepare for this game. The Packers will win 27-26, in another closely matched game.

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