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Packers at Cowboys

When the Green Bay Packers travel to Dallas they'll bring along a potent offense. We saw it in the last few games and in overpowering a stout New York Giants' defense. It looks like QB Rodgers has regained old form. What can the Cowboys do to stop them?

The Cowboys have been our computer's pick to make it to the Big Game for many weeks now. They do it with an old formula: run the ball and play defense. In recent years the passing game gets all the attention, but many of the run-oriented teams go deep in the playoffs.

The Cowboys led the league in rushing attempts. See the chart below, Dallas Cowboys, Number of Rushing Attempts.

2016 through Week 17


Teams that can manage a running game well enough to earn first downs, take plays away from their opponent. And this helps their defense. In recent years, Seattle, Carolina, Denver have all relied on this tried and true formula. The computer likes it.

Based on season-long stats the computer makes the Cowboys 8-point favorites at home. That projection uses full-season data for the Packers as well but they are playing better now. Could be close.

Bill Sanders for BudGoodeSports.com
dr.bill@wrsanders.com

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