Sophia
“The best-case scenario for the Cowboys is keeping this thing under three touchdowns.” – Stephen Douglas | September 25, 2025
As Week 4 of the NFL season approaches, anticipation is building for a marquee Sunday Night Football clash featuring two of the league’s most storied franchises: the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers. While the matchup itself is always a draw, this particular contest carries an extra layer of intrigue with the return of Micah Parsons to Dallas, his first game against his former team since being traded to Green Bay a month ago.
However, despite the star power, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky sees a lopsided affair on the horizon, delivering a stark prediction that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community. Orlovsky believes the Cowboys are in for a brutal outing, predicting they will be “whooped” and “smoked” by the formidable Packers.
Orlovsky’s Dire Prediction for Dallas
Speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up” this morning, Orlovsky made a passionate and convincing case for a Packers blowout. His analysis hinged on several critical factors, primarily focusing on the Cowboys’ current struggles and the Packers’ strengths.
“The Cowboys are going to get whooped,” Orlovsky declared with conviction. He elaborated on his reasoning, highlighting significant disadvantages for Dallas:
- Offensive Woes: “This offense without CeeDee Lamb, with two offensive linemen out? Going against this defensive line that’s one of, if not the best pass-rushing defensive lines in football. They’re going to get smoked.” The absence of key playmaker CeeDee Lamb, coupled with injuries to two starting offensive linemen, paints a grim picture for the Cowboys’ ability to move the ball and protect their quarterback against Green Bay’s elite pass rush.
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: “And then this defense going against Jordan Love and this offense that’s gonna hunt big plays in chunks and they can’t rush the passer, they’ve blown coverages.” Dallas’s defense has been a major concern all season, struggling with consistency, generating pressure, and preventing big plays. This weakness, Orlovsky argues, will be ruthlessly exploited by Jordan Love and the Packers’ explosive offense.
Orlovsky’s conclusion was blunt: “The best-case scenario for the Cowboys is keeping this thing under three touchdowns.” This statement underscores the perceived vast gap between the two teams heading into Sunday night.
The Micah Parsons Factor
The narrative surrounding Micah Parsons’ return to Dallas adds another layer of intrigue to this already compelling matchup. Traded to Green Bay just a month ago, Parsons’ reunion with his former team is sure to be emotionally charged. While there will be no tribute video played—a decision some fans might lament—the opportunity to see Parsons on the opposing sideline, potentially inflicting pain on his former friends, is a storyline that can’t be ignored.
Parsons, a dominant force on defense, will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement against his old squad, further complicating matters for a Cowboys offense already reeling from injuries and inconsistencies.
Packers’ Momentum vs. Cowboys’ Struggles
Despite a recent loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Packers are widely regarded as one of the elite teams in the league. Their offense, led by Jordan Love, has shown flashes of brilliance, capable of generating explosive plays in chunks. Their defensive line, as Orlovsky noted, is among the best in the NFL, posing a significant threat to any opposing offense.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, have been plagued by injuries and defensive struggles throughout the season. Their inability to consistently rush the passer and their propensity for blown coverages have made them vulnerable, a fact that Orlovsky believes the Packers will exploit mercilessly.
A Mismatch on Paper?
On paper, Orlovsky’s assessment certainly paints a picture of a significant mismatch. The Packers appear to have the advantage in several key areas, from their dominant defensive front to their explosive offensive capabilities. The Cowboys, hobbled by injuries and struggling defensively, face an uphill battle.
However, as the old adage goes, that’s why they play the games. The NFL is notorious for its unpredictability, and upsets are always a possibility. While Dan Orlovsky’s prediction is certainly compelling, the true outcome will be decided on the field this Sunday night.
For more NFL news and analysis, visit Sports Illustrated.
