Green Bay Packers versus Dallas Cowboys: LombardiAve predictions

The Green Bay Packers lay their 3-1 record on the line today at Lambeau Field against the surprising 4-1 Dallas Cowboys, who come to town with a rookie quarterback and running back heading the show.

The Packers’ offense has been sluggish, with many asking what the heck is wrong with Aaron Rodgers, while the surprising Packers rushing defense goes up against the top-rated rushing attack of Dallas.

These are interesting factors that will play into the final outcome of today’s game.

That said, we here at LombardiAve lay it on the line with our own predictions on how today’s game will play out.

Take a look below on how we feel today’s game will go and leave us your own prediction by posting in the comments section, going to our Facebook page or leaving a comment on our Twitter account.

We would love to hear from you.

So, let’s take a look at who we think will win …

Ray Rivard: We all know that defense wins championships and if the Packers defensive backfield can get its footing today and the team’s rush defense continues to show they are the real deal, the Packers will come away from this game with an easy win.

However, the offense is the real concern these days among Packers fans – and for good reason. Aaron Rodgers has been getting a lifetime to throw the ball as the offensive line has done a masterful job of protecting him. But even with all the time in the world, he still has difficulty finding open receivers. What’s up with that?

We’ll see if the Packers address that issue today.

If Rodgers can get rid of the ball and the receivers find some separation, the Packers come away with at least a 10-point win.

I say the offense does it.

Packers 26 Cowboys 13

Kenn Korb: Dallas comes in with one of the more exciting running games we’ve seen in a long time, but Green Bay has held opponents to a historically low rushing total through four games. In a classic unstoppable-force-vs-immovable-object battle, I think Green Bay will stand its ground well enough to force Dallas into situations where they have to throw.

Dak Prescott has looked great so far in his rookie s leads his own offense to the sort of efficient day they’ve been missing in 2016.year, but we have yet to see how he performs in less-than-ideal game situations. I think he will be brought down to Earth a bit (possibly throwing his first professional INT along the way), while Aaron Rodger
Green Bay 27, Dallas 16

Brad Miller: Dallas has looked pretty strong so far this season considering that QB Tony Romo has been sidelined, again, with an injury in a preseason game this year. WR Dez Bryant has been out a few games too with ankle issues. The Cowboys come into Lambeau with a 4-1 record fueled by 2 rookie offensive weapons in former Mississippi State standout QB Dak Prescott and RB phenom from Ohio State Ezekiel Elliott. Their talent and poise have propelled an offense that was looking sketchy at the end of the preseason this year.

On the Packer’s side their offense has been taking heat for not producing like most people expected with the return of WR Jordy Nelson and a “more fit” RB Eddie Lacy. Packers Coach Mike McCarthy had the topic brought up in a Packer press conference this week and let his frustration boil over. Maybe the Packer faithful are expecting too much.

Maybe we are all a little bit spoiled with having an explosive offense throughout the Favre & Rodgers Era. Maybe it is picking up steam and shaking off the rust. Whatever the reason, the offense will need to make its’ presence know this week if they want to send the Cowboys home with a loss this Sunday. A healthy Lacy will help the passing game by drawing those Dallas DB up to the line of scrimmage.

The Packers defense as a whole played very well last week against the Giants. They, too, will need to be ready for Prescott, Elliott, Witten and maybe Bryant.

I think that they will be up for the challenge. Look for Rodgers to find Cobb, Rodgers and Adams to make plays in the passing game while Nelson and Lacy gets the attention of the Dallas DBs. The Packers’ defense needs to continue to shut down the opposing teams run game and in this case Elliott.

Packers 27, Cowboys 17

Josh McPeak: Dallas comes into this matchup as the superior offensive unit. That sounds very weird to say starting a rookie at both quarterback and running back.

Aaron Rodgers and company have yet to compile four consistent quarters in one game.

Green Bay’s run defense will have its toughest test of the season. The Cowboys’ offensive line, coupled with Ezekiel Elliott, is a force to reckoned with.

The Packers have their hands full at Lambeau Field this week. They still find a way to pull it off.

Packers 24, Cowboys 20

Ralph Mancini: This is a classic matchup that pits the best running attack in the Dallas Cowboys versus the top defense against the run in the Green Bay Packers. If the home team can hold the opposition’s ground game to under 100 yards, America’s Team will go back to “Big D” with a big “W.”

Loading up the box versus star running back Ezekiel Elliott means also setting the edges against Dak Prescott who is very capable of making plays with his feet on read-options and bootlegs.

Look for the Packers’ offense to be aggressive early on, take the lead and force the Cowboys out of their comfort zone of being conservative and slowing down the tempo when they possess the ball.

No Dez Bryant would help, too -stay tuned for that announcement.

Packers 27, Cowboys 23