NFL News: Cowboys head into NFC Wild Card clash with Packers at full strength

Trailer: Packers vs. Cowboys | NFC Wild Card

The Dallas Cowboys are set for their NFC Wild Card clash against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday with a relatively clean bill of health. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush is the lone player on the team’s final injury report.

As the No. 2 seed with a 12-5 record, the Cowboys will host the Packers at AT&T Stadium in Dallas with plans to advance through the first and second rounds. Dallas enters the postseason on a two-game win streak. Meanwhile, the Packers, seeded No. 7, earned their spot with three consecutive victories.

Packers ridden with injuries

In contrast to the Cowboys’ full health, the Packers have several players who are ridden with worrying injuries. Cornerback Jaire Alexander, among many, is a game-time decision after rolling his ankle during Wednesday’s practice.

With Alexander missing Thursday and Friday practices, backup Corey Ballentine will likely start if Alexander is sidelined. The team will assess the cornerback’s ankle condition until Sunday before determining whether he can compete at the required level despite pain and limitations.

Also injured and awaiting a game-time decision, wide receiver Christian Watson is currently dealing with a hamstring issue. Even in a limited capacity, Watson’s potential return, of which head coach Matt LaFleur is optimistic, could bolster the team on Dallas turf.

Running back A.J. Dillon is doubtful with a neck injury, having missed practice the previous week. He is the first Packers player labeled as doubtful since 2019. If he is not cleared to play on Sunday, back Aaron Jones will have to carry the load with fellow running backs Patrick Taylor Jr. and Emanuel Wilson.

On a good note, several players, including De’Vondre Campbell, Romeo Doubs and Elgton Jenkins, have been removed from the injury report. Along with 13 others, they hold no playing status designation for Sunday’s game against the Cowboys.

Cowboys displaying high-caliber offense

The Cowboys, led by head coach Mike McCarthy, have witnessed offensive prowess. The team ranks fifth in total offense (371.6), third in passing offense (258.6), and first in points per game (29.9).

Quarterback Dak Prescott is having a career year. He sits third in passing yards (4,516), second in QBR (72.6) and first in passing touchdowns (36). Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has also been a key player. He broke the Cowboys’ single-season receiving yards record with 1,613 yards.

On the flip side, the Packers, with the youngest roster in the league at 25.7 years old, showcase promising growth throughout the season. In his first full-time starting year, quarterback Jordan Love was impressive with 4,159 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and a 62 QBR.

SportsLine NFL expert R.J. White, renowned for his adept picks involving the Packers, has shared his insights on the upcoming Dallas vs Green Bay matchup.

Dallas is favored by 7 points in the spread, with an over/under set at 50.5 points. In terms of the money line, Dallas holds a -343 line, while Green Bay is listed at +271. The Packers have an against-the-spread (ATS) record of 9-8 for the season, while the Cowboys boast a 10-7 ATS record.