Packers-Cowboys: How we picked it

Here's how our Packers Insiders see Week 14 playing out against Dallas on Sunday.

WESTON HODKIEWICZ (8-4)

Packers reporter

PACKERS 20, COWBOYS 13

Dallas has a little spring in its step after holding off Washington on Monday night to keep its playoff hopes alive despite a 4-8 record. The Cowboys' defense is much improved with Sean Lee back in the middle, but the offense simply can't score with Matt Cassel at quarterback. Even with all of the offense's recent struggles, Aaron Rodgers should be able to put up enough points to hold off another NFC team that looks poised for a top-10 pick. If Dom Capers' unit plays like it has over the past month and forces an extra turnover or two, Green Bay hits the road on a two-game winning streak. It's really as simple as that.

RYAN WOOD (8-4)

Packers reporter

PACKERS 20, COWBOYS 9

It's hard to believe Sunday's game will feature two teams chasing a division title. The Cowboys (4-8) have survived a season mostly played without Tony Romo to somehow be only a game out of first place in the dreadful NFC East. Still, the Cowboys without Romo are not in the same class as the Packers with Aaron Rodgers, much like the NFC East is not in the same class as the NFC North this season. The defense will have a dominant day against backup QB Matt Cassel, and the refreshed Packers coming off a mini-bye week will buildfromthe momentum from last week's Hail Mary.

PETE DOUGHERTY (9-3)

Packers columnist

PACKERS 24, COWBOYS 13

Yes, the Packers have had recent, surprising losses at home to Detroit and Chicago. So anything can happen. But those teams had quarterbacks who thoughflawed at leasthad serious arm talent. It's hard to see how the far more pedestrian Matt Cassel can put up enough points to beat Aaron Rodgers, the Packers' offensive issues notwithstanding.

STU COURTNEY (8-4)

Packers editor

PACKERS 19, COWBOYS 12

It's not a "must win," but it's a game the Packers should and must win for the sake of morale. They've lost their last two home games to mediocre teams and a third straight loss at Lambeau Field would be devastating for the team and its fans. With Minnesota losing Thursday night at Arizona, it's looking all the more likely that the NFC North title will be decided inthe Jan.3 season finale against the Vikings at Lambeau. The Packers need to get back on track at home against Dallas in preparation for what figures to be a showdown against the Vikings in three weeks.

ROBERT ZIZZO (7-5)

News director

PACKERS 21, COWBOYS 14

Factors in Dallas' favor: Green Bay's offense continues to struggle with no reason to think it will reboundany timesoon; a highly motivated Dez Bryant, whose catch/no catch at Lambeau Field last season may have cost the Cowboys a playoff victory. Factors in Green Bay's favor: Dallas starts Matt Cassel at quarterback; the Packers' defense has been rock solid in recent weeks. The Packers haven't been automatic at Lambeau like in recent years, but if it rains likeit'sforecast, expect the Cowboys to turn the ball over more than once.