NFL MOTW with Hamish Girvan

Game of the week – Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers – 9.25am Monday NZ Time

Two traditional NFC powerhouses match up this week with America’s Team the Dallas Cowboys heading to the Green Bay Packers.

Both teams have operated at different ends of the NFL spectrum in recent years. The Cowboys have only made the playoffs four times in the last 10 years – a poor return considering the players at their disposal and revenue they generate. Green Bay meanwhile are annual playoff competitors – eight times out of the last 10 seasons – and won it all in 2010.

The Cowboys Achilles heel over the past 2 – 3 seasons has been the ability to field a healthy quarterback, and this season is no exception. Franchise quarterback Tony Romo cannot keep off the physio table and was not even able to start the season. That job went to rookie Dak Prescott, fresh out of the Ole Miss college system. Dak has not missed a beat leading them to 4 wins out of 5 this season. He is yet to throw an interception (unusual for a rookie quarterback) and is supported by another rookie in running back Ekeziel Elliott. Another part of Prescott’s success is the offensive line he plays behind but this week they come up against one of the best in the NFL.

Green Bay’s Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, is probably the best in the NFL, consistent season in season out. He’s a leader that has a knack of being able to throw a winning pass on the last play of the game (see last season’s game vs the Detroit Lions.

At home the Packers are formidable. They do not have a lot of stars in terms of running backs or receiver’s however then are solid . They easily accounted for the New York Giants last week (however with the Giant’s offense no one will struggle against them at the moment).

Green Bay have a 4 point start in this one. Young Dak Prescott will face some huge pressure here and may be found out. Expect the home team to get it done easily – and make the playoffs again this season.

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