Cowboys Open as Huge Favorites Over Packers Ahead of Wild Card Game
The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2023 regular season on a high note Sunday, defeating the Washington Commanders to capture the NFC's No. 2 seed. Now Dallas will have the luxury of facing the weakest (by seeding) Wild Card team to begin the playoffs, which happens to be the No. 7 Green Bay Packers.
These franchises have their own unique shared history, including in the coaching department with Mike McCarthy spending time helming both sides.
Jerry Jones would surely love nothing more than to see McCarthy beat his old squad in the playoffs, and oddsmakers strongly believe that will happen.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on facing Green Bay in the Wild Card round: “The drama of it I’m sure you guys will love. I will not participate in it. … It’s playoff time. It doesn’t matter who we play, to be honest with you.” pic.twitter.com/OFGaTTosWr
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 8, 2024
FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Cowboys as massive 7-point favorites ahead of facing the Packers. Dallas is also -350 on the moneyline, compared to +280 for Green Bay.
These odds should surprise no one. The 'Boys have been one of the league's strongest teams in 2023, even if they've suffered a few hiccups along the way.
Dak Prescott has played at an MVP-like level throughout the 2023 campaign, helping take this passing attack to new heights. Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's enjoyed a career year as a result, with him and Tyreek Hill being the clear top-two WRs across the NFL this season.
That's not even to mention this intimidating Cowboys defense that features a number of playmakers at all three levels. Pass-rusher Micah Parsons just put together another Defensive Player of the Year-worthy effort in 2023, while cornerbacks DaRon Bland (league-leading 8 interceptions) and Stephon Gilmore (13 passes defended this season) have solidified this secondary with Trevon Diggs is out.
The Packers do have a productive offensive core in the making, but they'll be leaning upon youngsters like Jordan Love, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks to keep up with Prescott, Lamb, Brandin Cooks and company.
Experience is clearly on Dallas' side, and so is defensive skill. Joe Barry has struggled mightily leading Green Bay's defense once again, presenting an obvious weakness for Prescott to exploit.