The blockbuster games keep on coming for the Green Bay Packers.
A week after dispatching the Chicago Bears, they host a familiar foe in the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. The Cowboys aim to bounce back after an embarrassing home defeat to the then-winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It's no secret that Green Bay has bossed this rivalry in recent years. The Packers haven't lost to the Cowboys since October 16, 2016, almost exactly a decade ago. They are 10-1-1 in games against Dallas since 2009, a run that includes three playoff victories.
None of that matters now. The Packers' defense faces a daunting task against an electric Cowboys offense in a contest both teams desperately need to win.
How to watch Packers vs. Cowboys in Week 6
- Date: Sunday, October 18
- Time: 7:20 p.m. CT
- TV Network: NBC
- Announcers: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark
Packers injury updates
- Jonathan Ford, Benjamin St-Juste, Skyy Moore ruled out
- Jordon Riley doubtful
- Five players are questionable, including Brandon Cisse
The Packers entered the season with incredible depth at defensive tackle, but they're suddenly thin at the position.
Javon Hargrave is out for the remainder of the season after suffering a torn Achilles last week. Jonathan Ford will miss this game, while Anthony Campbell is questionable. Warren Brinson is already on injured reserve and is expected to miss significant time.
Some help is on the way soon, as Jordon Riley, who is also recovering from a torn Achilles, is back at practice. He's doubtful this week, though.
There's also concern at cornerback. Keisean Nixon is good to go, but the Packers have ruled out Benjamin St-Juste, while rookie Brandon Cisse popped up on the injury report on Friday with a hip injury – he is questionable. That's a concern, especially with such an explosive wide receiver duo coming to Lambeau.
Cowboys injury updates
- Drew Shelton and Cobie Durant ruled out
- Joey Porter Jr. and DeMarvion Overshown questionable
Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is officially questionable on the Cowboys' injury report, although head coach Brian Schottenheimer said it's a "long shot" that he will be available for Sunday Night Football, via Jon Machota of The Athletic.
It seems far more likely that cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who has battled an illness and an ankle injury in recent weeks, will play a significant role on Sunday. That's a big boost for the Cowboys' secondary.
Storylines for Week 6
Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark return to Lambeau
The Packers will welcome two familiar faces back to Lambeau Field on Sunday Night Football: Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark.
Green Bay traded Gary to Dallas for a fourth-round pick this past offseason, while Clark was included in the blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons. Neither player has made a particularly strong start to the season, particularly Gary, who has just one sack in the opening five contests. There have already been questions about his effort.
Both will undoubtedly have a point to prove in this game, though.
Will the Packers' offense build on a dominant Week 5 performance?
Green Bay's offense came alive against Chicago last week. Matt LaFleur handed Jordan Love the reins, something we need to see more of, and Love punished the Bears' secondary with 367 yards and two touchdowns, including five passes of 30-plus yards.
It started up front. Love finally had some protection, and that must continue on Sunday against Dallas. Give Love time, and he will have no problem picking out Christian Watson and Matthew Golden, who are on a historic pace to begin this season.
Will Kevin Zeitler make his Packers debut?
Speaking of the offensive line, will we finally see Kevin Zeitler at right guard?
He was active last week but didn't play, though Matt LaFleur said the veteran could've featured if needed. The Packers have smartly given Zeitler time to ramp up at practice, having missed the entire offseason program and training camp.
Travis Glover has stepped in admirably at right guard, but Zeitler could give them a significant upgrade.
Will the Packers roll with the same starting five, or put Zeitler in at right guard?
Can the secondary hold up?
Green Bay's defense allowed 40 points to Dallas in an unforgettable tie last season, and that was with Micah Parsons. He won't be out there this week, and the Packers' secondary will face their toughest test of the season.
CeeDee Lamb enters Week 6 third in the NFL for receiving yards, with George Pickens 13th. They have combined for 862 yards and five touchdowns.
Dallas boasts one of the most explosive passing attacks in football, and it's a daunting challenge for a Green Bay secondary potentially without rookie Brandon Cisse.
Prediction
Packers 27, Cowboys 24
We could get a primetime shootout for the second season in a row between these historic franchises. Neither team has looked consistently convincing this season, but there's no doubting the potential for both offenses to go off in this game.
Jordan Love will fancy his chances against a Cowboys defense that has allowed a league-high passer rating of 120.5 to opposing quarterbacks, though Joey Porter Jr. will help change that.
Dallas' pass rush has also struggled to get home. Per ESPN, they rank 31st in pass-rush win rate and 30th in sacks.
The Packers' defensive numbers look better, but they've also faced three backup quarterbacks in the opening five games. Dak Prescott is a far tougher test. That's why it could be an offensive battle, but I have Green Bay edging it at home.
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