SEATTLE (Sept. 28, 2025) — The Dallas Cowboys return to prime time on Sunday night with a chance to get back to .500, but they’ll have to do it against a familiar nemesis. The Green Bay Packers, winners of 10 of the last 11 meetings between the franchises, arrive in Arlington with one of the league’s top defenses and the added storyline of Micah Parsons returning to face his former team.

This marks the 40th all-time meeting between the storied franchises, with Green Bay holding a 22-17 edge in the series. The Packers have been nearly flawless at AT&T Stadium, posting a 5-0 record in the venue since it opened in 2009. That stretch includes last year’s playoff clash, when the Packers rolled to a 48-32 victory in the NFC Wild Card round — a defeat that still stings in Dallas.

Packers Outlook

Green Bay (2-1) enters the matchup looking to bounce back from a 13-10 loss at Cleveland in Week 3. While the offense has been inconsistent, ranking 21st overall, the defense has carried the load. The Packers boast the league’s No. 3 overall defense, including a unit ranked first in scoring defense at just 14.7 points allowed per game.

The spotlight this week is firmly on Parsons, who returns to Arlington after a blockbuster offseason trade. A two-time All-Pro with Dallas, Parsons recorded at least 12 sacks in each of his four seasons before the standoff that ultimately sent him north. Now anchoring a Green Bay defense that already ranks third against the run and seventh against the pass, Parsons has 1.5 sacks through three games and figures to be highly motivated against his former teammates.

Quarterback Jordan Love continues to steady the offense, but injuries at receiver have slowed the passing game. Jayden Reed was placed on injured reserve last week after shoulder and foot surgeries, leaving the Packers thin on the perimeter.

Cowboys Outlook

Dallas (1-2) is reeling after a 31-14 defeat at Chicago last week. The Cowboys offense, ranked fourth in the league in total yards, has been productive but inconsistent. Quarterback Dak Prescott has spread the ball well, though star wideout CeeDee Lamb (ankle) is expected to miss multiple weeks. That leaves tight end Jake Ferguson and newly acquired George Pickens as primary targets.

The larger concern is on defense. Once known for their ferocity, the Cowboys now rank 30th overall and dead last in passing defense, surrendering more than 300 yards per game through the air. Dallas did bolster its front by acquiring defensive tackle Kenny Clark in the Parsons trade, but the secondary remains a glaring weakness. Cornerback Trevon Diggs, recovering from offseason knee surgery, is also battling a shoulder issue and remains questionable.

First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer is still searching for consistency after splitting his first two games. He’ll face a tough test against the same franchise that eliminated Dallas from the playoffs last season.

Key Matchup: Parsons vs. Dallas O-Line

All eyes will be on Parsons, who lines up against an injury-riddled Cowboys offensive line. Rookie guard Tyler Booker (ankle) is sidelined, and starting center Cooper Beebe (foot) is already on injured reserve. That leaves second-year guard Tyler Smith and backup Brock Hoffman tasked with limiting Parsons’ impact. If Dallas can’t keep Prescott upright, it could be another long night against Green Bay.

Injury Report

• Packers: OT Zach Tom (oblique), G Aaron Banks (groin), S Javon Bullard (concussion) are questionable. WR Jayden Reed is on IR.

• Cowboys: CB Trevon Diggs (knee/shoulder) limited. WR CeeDee Lamb (ankle), G Tyler Booker (ankle), C Cooper Beebe (foot) out multiple weeks.

What to Watch

• Can Prescott and the Cowboys passing game overcome Lamb’s absence?

• Will Parsons torment his old team behind Green Bay’s stout front seven?

• Can Dallas’ defense stop the bleeding after surrendering 31 points to Chicago?

Prediction

The Cowboys will look to ride home-field advantage and an urgent need to avoid 1-3, but the Packers’ defensive pedigree and Dallas’ defensive struggles may prove decisive. Green Bay has never lost at AT&T Stadium and their defense appears well-positioned to keep that streak alive.

Pick: Packers 27, Cowboys 20