Cowboys, Packers headline Sunday’s action

The Dallas Cowboys are 2-2. The Green Bay Packers are 3-1. The two will meet on Sunday afternoon in the late window at AT&T Stadium, with plenty of potential NFC playoff implications on the line.

Dallas went 13-3 last year with Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott leading the way, but things have not gone so smoothly in Big D so far this year. Prescott has been spotty while Elliott, despite playing behind the best offensive line in the game, is rushing for a paltry 3.6 yards per carry. The defense has the NFL’s top pass rusher in DeMarcus Lawrence (7.5 sacks), but the rest of the group has been lackluster.

If the Cowboys want to get off the mat, it won’t be easy against the Packers. Green Bay is without running back Ty Montgomery, but still. has ample weapons in Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Martellus Bennett and, of course, Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers remains the most gifted quarterback in the league, throwing for 1,146 yards and 10 touchdowns through the first quarter of the campaign.

Rodgers and the Packers are tied for first place in the NFC North alongside the Detroit Lions, who hold a one-game lead over the Minnesota Vikings. Detroit plays at home against the Carolina Panthers, meaning the Packers either win in Dallas or face the prospect of falling off the pace.

However, the game is much more important for the Cowboys. The NFC East is looking tough with the Philadelphia Eagles off to a 3-1 start, with their only defeat coming in Week 2 against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. Philadelphia hosts the Arizona Cardinals this weekend, and are favored by a full touchdown in some books.

If Dallas can’t get straightened out, it risks falling into a large hole. The Eagles aren’t likely to fall apart behind a good quarterback in Carson Went and a front seven that is loaded with pass-rushers including Derek Barnett, Fletcher Cox, Timmy Jernigan, Chris Long and Brandon Graham.

Dallas should be able to move the ball offensively, especially when throwing. Green Bay has a weak secondary save for safety Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix. The Packers present some issues up front with Mike Daniels, Clay Matthews Jr. and Nick Perry, but the Cowboys have a terrific group of linemen. Prescott will have time, he just has to be accurate, and he needs Elliott to keep him out of third and long.

Whoever wins on Sunday will take a big step toward nice positioning as we approach the meat of the schedule. The loser risks a stumble that could cost it down the line in a very tough conference.