How the Packers Can Upset the Cowboys: 5 Keys to Wild Card Victory

Lean Into Aaron Jones

Injuries prevented Aaron Jones from holding up his end of the bargain early this season, but he more than made up for it. Over half of his 656 rushing yards came over the final three weeks, meaning he's heating up at the right time of year. Green Bay can ride that momentum into AT&T Stadium, solidifying their chances against their hosts.  Of course, the Packers benefit from Jones' elite performance, helping them put points on the board. However, it also keeps the Cowboys offense off the field and tilts the possession metrics in favor of the visitors.  Over the past three weeks, Jones is averaging 119.3 yards per game on 21.0 carries, netting 5.7 yards per carry. Not to overstate things, but Jones could be the single most important Packer on the field on Sunday. 

Pressure Dak Prescott

When Dak Prescott came into the league, he was more of a dual-threat pivot; however, we've seen him evolve into a pocket passer over the past few seasons. At least part of that is by design, as Prescott has more protection in the pocket, getting pressured just 17.0% of the time this season. Getting him out of his comfort zone and increasing pressure on him is crucial for Green Bay. The Packers pass rush has shone at times this season, getting hot at the right time of year. Green Bay averaged 3.7 sacks per game over the final three weeks of the regular season, second-most in the NFL. They'll need to bring that energy again in the Wild Card Round. Prescott has been well-insulated this season, but forcing him to make quick decisions and throw on the run disrupts the Cowboys' chances.

Bottle Up CeeDee Lamb

Easier said than done.  It may have taken a few weeks for him to gain traction, but the Cowboys offense now runs through CeeDee Lamb. Lamb had a quiet start to the season, exceeding 77 receiving yards just once through the first five games. But he only got better as the year progressed. The three-time Pro Bowler surpassed the century plateau in seven of his past 12 outings, posting an All-Pro-worthy 72.7% catch rate.  Containing Lamb will top the Packers' priority list, and they have had some success slowing air attacks lately. Green Bay has allowed just one 100-yard pass-catcher over the past seven weeks. Packers fans will be hoping that's a good omen for this weekend.

Stand Firm Against the Run

Stopping the run hasn't been the Packers' redeeming quality this season. They'll have to reverse course on some underwhelming metrics to prevent the Cowboys from running away with a wild-card win.  Green Bay allowed the fifth-most rushing yards this season and the tenth-most rushing yards per carry. Granted, Tony Pollard hasn't been the most imposing rusher in the league, but the Packers also can't overlook the Cowboys' ground game.  Kenny Clark stabilizes the D-line, and he'll have to set the tone on Sunday.

Lean Into Aaron Jones

Injuries prevented Aaron Jones from holding up his end of the bargain early this season, but he more than made up for it. Over half of his 656 rushing yards came over the final three weeks, meaning he's heating up at the right time of year. Green Bay can ride that momentum into AT&T Stadium, solidifying their chances against their hosts.  Of course, the Packers benefit from Jones' elite performance, helping them put points on the board. However, it also keeps the Cowboys offense off the field and tilts the possession metrics in favor of the visitors.  Over the past three weeks, Jones is averaging 119.3 yards per game on 21.0 carries, netting 5.7 yards per carry. Not to overstate things, but Jones could be the single most important Packer on the field on Sunday.