Green Bay Packers
Expect a high-scoring indoor matchup with the Packers, ranking 12th in scoring, facing the league-leading Dallas offense. Quarterback Jordan Love, the fifth-ranked fantasy football quarterback, has been crucial to Green Bay’s offensive revival, throwing multiple touchdowns in eight of his last nine games. However, Green Bay faces a challenge against Dallas’s 5th ranked defense, particularly in pass defense.
With A.J. Dillon likely out, Aaron Jones is poised for significant playtime, possibly reaching 20 touches. Christian Watson’s hamstring issue makes his participation uncertain. Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs are reliable options, as is Green Bay’s pair of rookie tight ends. The Packers have a strong track record against the Cowboys, covering the spread in nine of their last ten matchups and winning four out of five games in Dallas.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas dominated the NFC East, winning seven of their last nine games as the Eagles faltered. Their success is largely due to their high-powered offense, especially effective at home. CeeDee Lamb, 2023’s top fantasy receiver, is expected to excel against Green Bay’s secondary, which has allowed 13 touchdowns to opposing receivers.
Green Bay’s vulnerability to running backs makes Tony Pollard a top pick for the week. A Dallas lineup featuring quarterback Dak Prescott is a popular choice in DFS circles. The Cowboys have a strong home record against the spread (6-2) and have seen the total go over in 10 of their games since Week 6. However, they’ve struggled against Green Bay, losing nine of their last ten encounters.
Green Bay Packers (9-8) at Dallas Cowboys (12-5)
Kickoff: 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Betting Line: Dallas favored by 7
Over/Under: 50.5 points
Money Line: Packers at +270, Cowboys at -340
Prediction: Packers to cover +7
Los Angeles Rams (10-7) at Detroit Lions (12-5)
Kickoff: 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Betting Line: Lions favored by 3
Over/Under: 51.5 points
Money Line: Rams at +140, Lions at -165
Los Angeles Rams
This game, like the earlier one, promises high scoring, with the highest over/under of the Wild Card round at 51.5 points. Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford has been in excellent form, especially with a healthy offense around him. Running back Kyren Williams has emerged as a key player, though the Lions’ defense is robust against the run, ranking second in the league.
Detroit’s weaker pass defense, ranked 27th, could be exploited by Rams receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, both projected as top-8 wideouts. The Rams have a solid record on the road, going 5-3-1 against the spread, with the total going over in six of nine games.
Detroit Lions
The Lions have shown they can overpower opponents, ranking 5th in scoring and leading the NFL with a 12-5 record against the spread. Quarterback Jared Goff has been particularly effective at home, contributing to Detroit’s success in covering the spread in 10 of their last 13 home games. The Rams’ defense is tough on running backs, presenting a challenging matchup for Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, with Gibbs likely having an edge due to his role in the passing game.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is set to excel against the Rams’ secondary, which has been vulnerable, allowing the 9th-most fantasy points to receivers. Jameson Williams also stands out as a potentially underrated pick. While there’s a history of high-scoring games between these teams and throughout their 2023 seasons, the Rams’ ability to keep pace makes that extra half-point significant.
Prediction: Rams to cover +3.5
