Sunday, Jan. 15
Jordy Nelson being out obviously is a huge blow to the Packers. Nelson's absence, though, sets up tight end Jared Cook to have a bigger role and thus the potential to have a huge game against the Cowboys. So Cook is someone I would target in various prop wagers.
Without Nelson, Aaron Rodgers' downfield receiving options are Randall Cobb, Davonte Adams, Geronimo Allison and Cook.
Adams is going to draw the attention of Morris Claiborne, the Cowboys' best defensive back. Cobb is going to have to deal with Orlando Scandrick, who also has good coverage skills. Allison is an undrafted rookie thrust into playing time in the Packers' biggest game of the year.
I envision Rodgers paying a lot of attention to Cook, who is going to get matchups against free safety Byron Jones perhaps the Cowboys' weakest coverage defensive back. Cook is one of the faster, more athletic tight ends in the league. He's been held back by injuries and inconsistencies.
Cook is 29 and in a make-or-break game playing for a new contract. Stopping Cobb and Adams are the Cowboys' top coverage priorities. So the set-up bodes well for Cook.
My prediction is Cook catches at least six passes for 80 yards and scores a touchdown.
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As always best of luck and let us suffer no bad beats!