Dallas Cowboys fans and Green Bay Packers fans are like oil and water. They don't mix. Two of pro football's oldest franchises have crossed paths extensively over the years in no shortage of iconic or crucial matchups, and the recent blockbuster Micah Parsons trade only fueled the feud even more.
History and tradition aside, though, the Week 6 bout between these two NFC teams should be a great one. The Packers have been a perennial power in the conference, and the Cowboys ascended more than most teams this offseason. Both figure to be in the thick of things this December and January.
So, in the words of the band Green Day (or Rage Against the Machine, depending on when you grew up), you've got to know your enemy. For us here at The Landry Hat, that means speaking with bona fide Green Bay guru Freddie Boston of Lombardi Ave, FanSided's dedicated Packers site.
He divulged some essential details about this bitter rivalry game, including what Parsons' status is likely to be.
No love is lost between Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in critical NFC bout
Q: Obviously, we have to talk about Micah Parsons. Do the Cheeseheads still love him, and do you think he'll be on the field by the time this game rolls around in Week 6?
A: Parsons became a fan favorite the moment he walked in the door, and Packers fans' love for him only increased every time he stepped out on the field. His production is one thing, but his leadership in the locker room is invaluable to this team.
It's not looking great for his chances of playing in Week 6. Parsons will almost certainly begin the season on the PUP list, which will cost him at least four games, and it sounds like the Packers will understandably take a cautious approach. Parsons may be practicing by Week 5, but we probably won't see him until around Week 8.
Q: Since we have you here for a second, what can Cowboys fans expect from Rashan Gary this year? Do you think he has a bone to pick with Green Bay and will be out for blood in what seems like an obvious revenge game?
A: He will undoubtedly be out for revenge in that game, but it's truly tough to know what to expect from Gary this year.
It always felt like he was on the cusp of a breakout season, but it just never happened. Gary raced out of the blocks to hit 7.5 sacks in the opening seven games last season, but then his production fell off a cliff. He didn't register a single sack in the final 10 games (including the playoff loss), and even had former players like Mason Crosby questioning his effort.
What the Cowboys will get is a locker room leader and someone who truly cares. Will that lead to consistent production on the field? Gary has the talent, but only time will tell.
Q: Is there any truth to the rumors about Matt LaFleur still being on the hot seat? If so, do you think anything could happen by the time these two teams take the field against each other?
A: I don't. The hot seat noise was far louder outside 1265 Lombardi Ave than inside the building. The Packers handed Matt LaFleur a multi-year extension this offseason.
Now, that doesn't necessarily guarantee long-term security. If the Packers fall apart in the first round of the playoffs, or even endure total disaster and miss the postseason, the pressure will crank up.
For now, though, the Packers have full confidence in LaFleur. After winning 76 games and taking Green Bay to the playoffs six times in his seven seasons, that's understandable. But he needs to figure out how to take this team on a deep run.
Q: Do you believe that this could finally be the year that Jordan Love establishes himself as an elite QB and leads the Packers on a deep playoff run? Why or why not?
A: Love has the talent. There's no doubt about that. It starts with LaFleur handing him the keys and becoming more pass-happy on offense. Love was among the most efficient quarterbacks in football last season, throwing 23 touchdowns to just six interceptions. He had an elite passer rating of 101.2, while finishing second in EPA/play behind only Drake Maye.
But LaFleur's offense ran at a slow tempo and was far too conservative at times. Love threw 439 passes last season. For comparison, Dak Prescott had 600 attempts. MVP Matthew Stafford had 597.
It will take the team around him (and the coach) to make a deep playoff run happen. Love threw for 323 yards and four touchdowns in the Wild Card Round in January, but the Packers still threw away the win.
Can Love reach the next level? Absolutely, but it'll take a few things to get there, including more trust from LaFleur.
Q: Christian Parker was once a DQC for Green Bay under LaFleur. Is it crazy that the Packers will now be facing him as a defensive play-caller? Do you recall anything about him during his time in the Midwest?
A: It's not surprising. LaFleur loved Parker, which says it all. Here's what he said last season (via Bill Huber of Packers on SI): "He's a guy that I hold in high regard just by the quality of work that he did when he was here with us ... Obviously, he's gotten a lot more experience now, and I think just whenever we go against a secondary that he's coaching, they are fundamentally sound, they challenge you."
"So, I think he's a really good up-and-coming coach, and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before he gets his opportunity to become a coordinator in this league."
That opportunity almost came in Green Bay. LaFleur interviewed Parker for the vacant defensive coordinator role this offseason. It's hard not to love this move for the Cowboys.
Q: What was the biggest or most impactful move that the Packers made this offseason?
A: The Packers made a handful of notable moves to the roster, but hiring Jonathan Gannon will likely be the most impactful. LaFleur needed a new DC after Jeff Hafley took the Miami Dolphins' head-coaching gig, and he opted for a proven coordinator.
Gannon's time in Arizona couldn't have gone much worse, so Packers fans understandably had reservations about the hire (especially those who wanted Christian Parker). Time will tell whether LaFleur made the right call, but there's at least some reason for optimism.
Gannon has a proven track record as a coordinator from his time in Philadelphia. Most notably, he helped several pass-rushers enjoy career years, including Javon Hargrave, Haason Reddick, and, later, Josh Sweat in Arizona.
It caught my attention how many players have publicly praised Gannon. Hargrave said he enjoyed his "best years" under him, and they are now reunited. Zaire Franklin, whom the Packers traded for, said he was "looking to get back with Gannon" this offseason.
Q: Do the Packers have a clear weakness that the Cowboys can exploit during this matchup?
A: Ironically, Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary will have a chance to take advantage of a shaky offensive line. Left guard Aaron Banks is coming off a disastrous first season in Green Bay. The Packers handed Sean Rhyan an extension despite only making seven starts at center and earning PFF's worst pass-blocking grade at the position. Anthony Belton had an up-and-down rookie year at right guard. Zach Tom is a star at right tackle, but he's also recovering from a partially torn patellar tendon, which is a significant injury. Needless to say, there's a lot of uncertainty along the line.
The Dallas Cowboys will travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers in a Sunday Night Football Game in Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season. Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m. CT.
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