Green Bay Packers (3-1) at Dallas Cowboys (3-1)

On paper this looks like an exciting matchup between a pair of NFC contenders, but neither team is coming in at 100%. While the Packers will be without #1 wide receiver Davante Adams with injury, the Cowboys will be without left tackle Tyron Smith and could be without right tackle La’El Collins as well. Collins not playing would be a big blow because he’s been one of the best right tackles in the league so far this season, but if the Cowboys are only without Smith I like their injury situation a lot more than the Packers. 

Smith is a great left tackle, but the Cowboys have an experienced and capable backup behind him in Cameron Fleming and a great offensive line beside him, while the Packers completely lack proven wide receivers behind Adams. Much was made this off-season about how Aaron Rodgers doesn’t trust any of his young receivers behind Adams, who has received 29.4% of Rodgers’ non-throwaway targets over the past 2 seasons. 

Rodgers, who has overall not quite been his dominant self so far this season, could struggle on the road against a good Dallas defense, while Dak Prescott should still be sufficiently protected if Collins can suit up. Even with Collins questionable with a back injury, after only getting in one limited practice this week, I have this line calculated at Dallas -6, so assuming Collins can go I will be betting on the Cowboys tomorrow morning.

Sunday Update: Collins is expected to play, so Prescott should be sufficiently protected. He’ll also get wide receiver Michael Gallup back from a 2 game absence and the Packers will be without starting cornerback Kevin King. The Cowboys should be favored by more than a field goal and are worth a bet.

Dallas Cowboys 24 Green Bay Packers 17

Pick against the spread: Dallas -3

Confidence: Medium