Cowboys 2025 opponent preview: X-factors for the Green Bay Packers

What do you think it will be like when the Cowboys play the Packers this season?

In our last installment of the opponent X-Factor series, we covered the Chicago Bears and briefly mentioned how tough the NFC North has become. The Green Bay Packers are one of those tough teams in the division, and the Cowboys have seen that firsthand including the devastating postseason loss a couple years ago. The rivalry of two of the most historic franchises in NFL history will have yet another chapter when Dallas squares off against the Packers in Week 4. After going 11-6 in 2024, Green Bay is coming off their second consecutive playoff appearance. Yet, somehow Green Bay has a lot of players that are flying under the radar. Here are a few of the underrated players that could decide the matchup between the Packers and the Cowboys.

Jayden Reed

During the draft that was held in Green Bay, the hometown Packers selected Matthew Golden with their first-round pick. While Matthew Golden possesses plenty of speed and is one of the more high-profile rookies of the draft, Green Bay has another playmaking speedster receiver. Jayden Reed is a small receiver at just under 5’11” and 187 lbs., but he can fly. Over the last two seasons, he has been one of Green Bay’s most consistent threats in the passing game or running the football. Head coach Matt LaFleur likes to get creative and find unique ways to get the ball in Reed’s hands whether it be on wide receiver screens, sweeps, or end-arounds. Last season, Reed had over 1,000 yards on 95 touches from scrimmage. Reed offers some potential as a punt returner but isn’t a consistent threat to score on special teams.

Per Player Profiler, Reed is number two in the NFL in separation per target, meaning he’s creating a lot of space between himself and the defender when passes are thrown his way. He led the Packers with 15 receiving plays of 20 yards or more. Reed does have issues with ball security and has fumbled five times over his first two years in the NFL. Yet, whoever mans the slot for the Cowboys this year needs to be ready to cover every blade of grass if assigned to Reed whether it be vertically or laterally.

Tucker Kraft

During the 2023 draft, the Packers selected two tight ends. Luke Musgrave in the second round and Tucker Kraft a round later in the third. Because Musgrave boasted such an impressive athletic profile, many assumed that Musgrave would be the lead tight end and Kraft would see the field to spell Musgrave. Over their last two seasons, it’s been the opposite. While Musgrave has battled injuries, Kraft has emerged as a reliable underneath target for quarterback Jordan Love, and in 2024, Kraft had a breakout season.

He recorded 50 receptions for 707 yards and seven touchdowns. Kraft has a stocky build and is deceptively fast for somebody almost 260 lbs. He’s strong enough to break tackles and will make something happen after the catch. 64% (456 yards) of his receiving yards came after the catch. Look for Kraft to try to take advantage of the space between the linebackers and safeties on seams and intermediate crossing routes.

Carrington Valentine

Similar to the Cowboys, following the departure of a longtime veteran cornerback, the Packers are forced to promote from within. Earlier this offseason, the Packers parted ways with Jaire Alexander, who has since signed with the Baltimore Ravens. The Packers are now tasked with finding a way to replace an All-Pro cornerback. It remains to be seen if they can get that type of production right away but Carrington Valentine is a pretty good start. Don’t let Valentine’s status as a seventh-round draft pick fool you. He’s got a nice set of tools to work with. First, he’s very fast. He ran a 4.4 forty-yard dash at the scouting combine and has 32-inch arms. He’s got fantastic instincts for the football and has totaled 14 passes defended over his first two NFL seasons.

As you can see for yourself, he was not intimidated by playing against CeeDee Lamb and fared pretty well during their meeting in the playoffs in 2023. Now, because of his inexperience, the Cowboys should be able to get the better of him on double moves and set him up for big plays downfield.