When Green Bay Packers headed to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on for Sunday Night Football, bookmakers had the team listed as a six‑and‑a‑half‑point favorite. The matchup also featured former Dallas star Micah Parsons, now a Packers linebacker after his mid‑offseason trade, and the Cowboys were missing top receiver CeeDee Lamb with a high‑ankle sprain. Yet the game ended in an unprecedented overtime shootout that left both squads dead‑locked, a result no pundit from Fox Sports, CBS Sports or ESPN had projected.
Game preview and stakes
Both clubs entered the primetime duel with contrasting trajectories. The Packers, sporting a 2‑1 record, were fresh off a shocking 13‑10 loss to the Cleveland Browns but boasted a perfect 2‑0 mark against NFC foes. The Cowboys, at 1‑2 after a bruising 31‑14 defeat by the Chicago Bears, were desperate to rebound and improve a disappointing 1‑2 NFC ledger.
Key players and injuries
Parsons, who logged just 1.5 sacks in the early weeks, faced his former teammates for the first time since the trade that sent him from Dallas to Green Bay in July. His presence alone added a narrative twist: former Cowboys fans were eager to see whether he could exact a little revenge.
On the other side, the Cowboys’ offense felt the absence of CeeDee Lamb, who’d been sidelined with an ankle injury sustained against the Bears. Historically, Dallas is 0‑3 in games where Lamb is inactive, a trend that loomed large over the night’s betting lines.
Betting lines and expert projections
- Spread: Packers –6.5 (Fox Sports: –123 favorite odds; CBS Sports mirrored the spread)
- Money‑line: Packers –275, Cowboys +225 (ESPN)
- FPI win probability: Packers 58.8% (3.5‑point advantage) (ESPN)
- Over/under: 47.5 points (Fox Sports –105 over, –115 under; CBS listed 46.5; ESPN opened at 48.5 then moved to 47.5)
- Recent total trends: Under 5‑1 for both teams through Week 3
Forecasts ranged from a modest 29‑18 Packers win (Fox Sports) to a blowout 41‑13 (CBS). No analyst anticipated a tie, let alone an overtime thriller.
The overtime shootout: How the game unfolded
Regulation saw the Packers capitalize early, leading 14‑3 at the end of the first quarter thanks to a 12‑yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jordan Love. The Cowboys answered with a field goal before halftime, trimming the gap to 14‑10.
The second half turned into a defensive chess match. Dallas’ defense forced two turnovers, including a strip‑sack by Micah Parsons that set up a short TD run, pulling the Cowboys ahead 24‑21.
Trailing, Green Bay engineered a late‑game drive, highlighted by a 45‑yard pass to rookie wideout Jadon Delaurentis. A clutch 22‑yard field goal with 12 seconds left forced overtime at 27‑27.
In the extra period, both squads exchanged three‑and‑out series before the Packers’ kicker missed a 48‑yard attempt, giving the Cowboys a chance. A 31‑yard field goal attempt by Dallas’ veteran Greg Zuerlein sailed wide, sending fans into a stunned silence.
After another series, the game finally concluded when the clock expired with the score still tied – a scenario so rare that USA Today labeled it a "historic overtime shootout".
Reactions and what it means for the NFC race
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur admitted, “We didn’t expect to walk away with a tie, but we proved we can fight back when we’re down.” He also praised Parsons, noting his sack and forced fumble were “big moments that kept us in the game.”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was more cautious: “Lamb’s injury still hurts, but the kids showed heart. We’ll take the lessons and move forward.”
From a standings perspective, the tie left both teams at 2‑2, tightening the NFC East and North battles. Analysts now stress the importance of the upcoming divisional matchups – especially Packers vs. Chicago and Cowboys vs. Washington – as potential gateways to the playoffs.
Historical context and future outlook
The all‑time series between the two franchises now sits at 22‑17 in favor of Green Bay, with the Packers having won the last five meetings, two of which were postseason contests. Yet the 2025 clash breaks the pattern of decisive outcomes, marking the first overtime tie between the clubs since the NFL introduced overtime in regular‑season play in 1974.
Looking ahead, the Packers will need to address their run‑game deficiencies that allowed Dallas to stay within striking distance. Meanwhile, the Cowboys must decide whether to limp through the season without Lamb or rush his return, a decision that could define their offensive identity for the rest of the year.
Key facts
- Game: NFL Sunday Night Football: Packers vs. CowboysAT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
- Final score: 27‑27 (tie after overtime)
- Spread: Packers –6.5 (odds –123)
- Key injuries: CeeDee Lamb (ankle), Micah Parsons (recent trade)
- Historical series: Packers lead 22‑17
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the game end in a tie despite the spread?
Both teams were evenly matched on the night; the Packers could not convert a late‑game field‑goal attempt, and the Cowboys missed a crucial 31‑yard try in overtime. The defenses dominated, keeping the total under the projected 47.5 points, which meant neither side could pull away enough to cover the –6.5 spread.
How does CeeDee Lamb's injury affect the Cowboys' future games?
Lamb’s high‑ankle sprain is expected to sideline him for 3‑4 weeks, which could keep the Cowboys winless in his absence (they’re 0‑3 without him). The team may rely more on veteran receiver Michael Gallup and emerging tight end Dalton Kincaid, but the lack of a deep threat will likely limit their passing efficiency.
What does the tie mean for the Packers' playoff hopes?
The tie keeps Green Bay at 2‑2, preserving their position near the top of the NFC North. With a win‑and‑don't‑lose scenario still in play, they’ll need a victory against the Vikings next week to stay ahead of Chicago and secure a wild‑card berth.
How unusual is an overtime tie in the NFL?
Since the league adopted overtime in 1974, there have been fewer than 15 regular‑season games that ended in a tie. A prime‑time, primetime matchup like this one makes the result even more remarkable, prompting discussions about possible rule tweaks.
What are the betting markets predicting for the next Packers‑Cowboys meeting?
Bookmakers have already shifted the odds, with the Packers listed as a 3‑point favorite for a potential Week 12 rematch, reflecting the narrow margin of the previous encounter and the lingering uncertainty around Lamb’s health.