Cowboys-Packers: Top 4 Prop Bets

Smalltown U.S.A. versus America's Team is the fitting capper to the second weekend.

An injury to a key player adds intrigue to the prop offerings for Green Bay-Dallas. So does the presence of a postseason newcomer at QB. Here are my best bets:

Total completions by Aaron Rodgers, Over 25.5 (-110), Westgate SuperBook

A big number, to be sure. Yet the Packers rely less on the ground game than any playoff team. The likely absence of WR Jordy Nelson will not translate into fewer passes by Rodgers. Dallas allowed a league-high 425 completions, nearly 27 per game, in large part because opponents trailed late. That probably will be the case here.

Will Dez Bryant score a touchdown? Yes (+105), Westgate SuperBook

The Cowboys' ace receiver fails to break the plane of the end zone in a game more often than not. However, in a game of greater proportions, stars are supposed to step up. And young QBs (Dak Prescott, in this case) tend to lean on their most reliable guys in the playoffs. Green Bay's secondary is beat up, so instead of relying on Ezekiel Elliott like you're used to, we might see more of Bryant, who has 8 TDs this season.

Total quarterback sacks by both teams, Over 4 (-130), Westgate SuperBook

The regular-season stats point slightly toward the Over. Green Bay games averaged 4.7, Dallas' 4.0. A-Rod likes to hold the ball until the last possible second before throwing and it's conceivable that the Cowboys' pass rushers will get to him. The Packers' defense could throw rookie QB Dak Prescott some unfamiliar looks that lead to sacks.

Time of first score, 5.5 minutes, Over (-110), BetOnline.ag

The Packers are prone to slow starts offensively. Last week, they registered a single score before the final play of the first half. Dallas might be expected to open the game cautiously with a first-time playoff QB rather than go full-throttle like usual. The points could come in bunches, but not right out of the gate.