Packers
Protect Rodgers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers got some much-needed rest during the first-round bye. How healthy Rodgers’ calf will be come Sunday is still unknown, but on Wednesday, the quarterback said he would be able to play. Most likely Rodgers will not be as mobile as usual. As more of pocket passer, Rodgers is still a threat. He’ll need good protection. Rodgers has only been sacked 28 times this season. If Rodgers is allowed to get comfortable in the pocket early on Sunday, then expect the Packers to roll on offense, even with an injured calf.
Rookie Receivers
Dallas will be coming into Lambeau Field on Sunday determined to shut down Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson. Both Packers receivers have been spectacular this season and almost impossible to stop. Still, the Packers will need to get some production from rookie receiver Davante Adams and tight end Richard Rodgers. Rodgers is coming of a 5-for-5 performance against the Lions. Adams has not had a great game since catching six passes for 121 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 13.
Cowboys
Pass Block
The Cowboys let quarterback Tony Romo get sacked six times in the wild-card playoff game. The Packers have the pass rushers to cause problems. Dallas has the solid offensive line and running game to negate the Packers’ pass rush, but at some point Dallas will have to pass the ball. When they do, they have to keep the likes of Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers away from Romo.
Start Fast
The Packers have made a living by jumping on opponents early in Lambeau Field. Dallas has shown an ability to climb out of holes, but it is a risky proposition against a team like the Packers. The best chance the Cowboys have is to start fast and score points. If the Cowboys can get to halftime tied, or even with a small lead, the second half at Lambeau Field might not feel so cold.
Extra Points
Must-See Matchup: Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant vs. Packers cornerback Sam Shields
Dez Bryant has been quarterback Tony Romo’s favorite target by far this season, with 136 targets — 46 more than tight end Jason Witten — on the season. Bryant has 88 catches for 1,320 yards. Sam Shields is the Packers’ top cornerback after veteran Tramon Williams. As the younger and faster corner, Shields is likely to draw coverage duties against Bryant. The Packers have shut down big-time receivers this season, most recently holding Calvin Johnson to four catches and 39 yards.
Hot Streak: Packers at home/Cowboys on the road
The Packers have been the hottest team at home this season. The Cowboys have been the hottest team on the road. The Packers haven’t lost this season at home, blowing out many opponents in the first half of games. The Cowboys have been road warriors this season, going undefeated and even getting a 30-23 win in Seattle. This is the first time a team that is 8-0 at home faces an 8-0 road team in the playoffs. Something will have to give Sunday at Lambeau Field.
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