When the Green Bay Packers traveled to face the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2025, the matchup carried the weight of two early‑season powerhouses and a marquee return for linebacker Micah Parsons. The game, broadcast live on NBC, quickly turned into a scoring frenzy that would end in a overtime tie—a rarity in modern NFL lore.
Game Preview and Betting Landscape
Entering Sunday Night Football, the Packers held a 2‑1 record, having dispatched the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders before a close loss to the Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys, on the other hand, were 1‑2 after a surprising defeat to the New York Giants and a win over the New England Patriots. Oddsmakers at Pinnacle Sportsbook listed Green Bay as 6.5‑point favorites (money line 1.314) against Dallas (3.640). The over/under was set at 47 points, reflecting confidence that both offenses would light up the scoreboard.
Betting promotions poured in from the major sportsbooks: bet365 offered a $200 bet‑and‑get safety net, FanDuel dangled a $5‑for‑$300 bonus‑bet guarantee, and DraftKings rolled out a $5‑for‑$200 instant bonus. These offers underscored the hype surrounding the game’s high‑octane potential.
What Happened on the Field
The first half saw the Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers connect early with wide‑out Jordan Addison for a 42‑yard touchdown, giving Green Bay a 7‑0 lead. Dallas responded swiftly as quarterback Dak Prescott found CeeDee Lamb in the end zone, tying the score at 7‑7. Both defenses struggled to contain the passing attacks, culminating in a 21‑21 halftime line.
In the second half, the Cowboys’ rushing duo—Ezekiel Elliott and rookie Jahan Dotson—combined for two long runs that set up a field goal and a touchdown, nudging Dallas ahead 34‑28. The Packers answered back with a 34‑yard strike to Christian Watson, followed by a successful two‑point conversion, tying the game at 34‑34.
Regulation time ended after a missed 48‑yard field goal by Dallas’ Kicker Brett Maher, sending the contest into overtime under NFL’s sudden‑death rules. The overtime period turned into a shootout: both teams exchanged three‑and‑out drives before the Packers settled for a 22‑yard field goal by Harrison Butker. Dallas matched it minutes later with a 30‑yard kick by Maher, sending the score to 37‑37.
On the third overtime possession, both offenses stalled inside the 20‑yard line, and the officials called a dead ball after the two‑minute warning expired. With no sudden‑death winner, the game was declared a tie—the first overtime tie on a primetime stage since the NFL adopted the overtime format in 2012.
Reactions and What the Tie Means
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur praised his squad’s resilience: “We fought back from every hole we fell into. A tie is not a win, but it shows we can compete with any offense in the league.” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy (former Green Bay coach) emphasized the defensive lessons: “Micah’s return was huge, but we still need to tighten up on third‑down stops.”
Betting analysts were quick to note the disparity between the odds and the outcome. The over/under of 47 points was surpassed by two points, and the Packers failed to cover the 6.5‑point spread, leaving many bettors with unexpected losses. However, those who hedged with an “over” or “anytime touchdown scorer” on Josh Jacobs (who recorded a 12‑yard TD) saw profitable returns.
Historical Context of NFL Ties
Ties have become a statistical anomaly since the league introduced overtime to reduce them. In the past decade, fewer than 30 regular‑season ties have been recorded, and none have occurred in a primetime slot until now. The last overtime tie in a regular season happened in 2018 between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals, ending 27‑27.
The rarity adds a layer of intrigue: a tie forces both teams to adjust their win‑loss calculations when vying for playoff berths. For Green Bay, a 2‑1‑1 record still keeps them within the NFC North race, while Dallas’ 1‑2‑1 ledger puts extra pressure on upcoming games against division rivals.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Both Teams
Green Bay heads to a home matchup against the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday, where a win could solidify their hold on the division lead. The Packers will likely lean on their passing attack, especially with Rodgers targeting Addison and Watson.
Dallas returns to the road for a clash with the New York Jets. Defensive coordinator Ladarius Webb hinted at a new blitz package designed to pressure Prescott early—something that could turn close games in the Cowboys’ favor.
Both squads now have a week to dissect film from the overtime shootout, and the league’s officiating department will review the decision to end the game after the two‑minute warning. The outcome may influence future overtime rules, especially concerning ties in high‑profile games.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the tie affect the Packers' playoff chances?
Green Bay remains second in the NFC North at 2‑1‑1, one game behind the Vikings. A win in Week 4 could restore the division lead, but the tie means they can’t rely on a clean record, making each remaining game critical for securing a wild‑card spot.
What does the result mean for the Cowboys' season outlook?
Dallas sits at 1‑2‑1, trailing the NFC East leader. The tie keeps them within striking distance but also highlights defensive lapses that need fixing before the next two divisional games.
Why are NFL ties so rare?
Since the league adopted a 10‑minute overtime period for regular‑season games in 2012, most contests end with a sudden‑death score. A tie only occurs when neither team scores during overtime, which happens in less than 1% of games.
Who were the standout players in the overtime shootout?
Aaron Rodgers threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns, while Dak Prescott posted 285 yards and two scores. On defense, Micah Parsons recorded a sack and forced a fumble that led to a Cowboys field goal.
How did the betting odds compare to the actual outcome?
Oddsmakers set the total at 47 points; the final 37‑37 tie (74 combined) far exceeded expectations. The Packers failed to cover the -6.5 spread, and the over wagers won, leaving many bettors reconsidering their strategies for high‑scoring primetime games.
Write a comment