Week 10 Preview: Cowboys @ Packers

The Dallas Cowboys are riding high after a big win against their division rival Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers are licking their wounds after suffering their second straight loss against the lowly Tampa Bay Bucs.

The NFC had some very good teams coming into this season, but as the season progressed many of these elite teams in the NFC began to drop off and slip into a mediocrity. At one point the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons were thought to make a playoff push and a possible run at being a Super Bowl contender, but after suffering some disappointing losses all of these teams have taken a backseat to the cream of the crop in the NFC.

The New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys are now the teams to beat in the conference as they have all hit their stride this season. The Saints have been flawless all season long sitting at 8-0 after a comeback victory against the Carolina Panthers in week nine, the Vikings suffered their first loss of the season the Pittsburgh Steelers but bounced back with vengeance against the Packers in week eight before going into their bye week and then we come to the Cowboys who have struggled at times during the year, but really started to get back in grove recently with big wins over the Falcons and the Eagles.

The Cowboy will come into this game against the Packers at Lambeau with all the confidence in the world after beating their hated rival Eagles and will most likely put up a big number on Aaron Rodgers and company in week 10. Every win is huge for both of these teams from here on out as they try to contend in their divisions. Dallas sits atop the NFC East right now after beating Philly last week and the Packers are struggling to keep up with the Vikings in the NFC North.

If the Packers can get a win over the Cowboys in week 10 they will get some much needed momentum and back above .500 again this season.

Can the Packers Still Contend in the NFC?

Coming into this season the Green Bay Packers were thought to be on their way to possible Super Bowl appearance or at least an NFC championship game, but it has been a rough ride so far as they have not lived up to expectations.

The Packers are 4-4 in a tough NFC North division and already have two losses to Brett Favre's division rival Minnesota Vikings who look as good as any team in the NFL this season. This is not good news for the Packers who desperately needed to get the win at Lambeau Field against Favre and company a couple of weeks ago. Now the Packers are licking their wounds and hoping to somehow snag a playoff spot down the road.

The biggest problems is the offensive line that has given up a league high 37 sacks this season. Aaron Rodgers isn't exactly helping situations either as he has a terrible habit of holding on to the football too long and allowing the opposing team to put him on his back time after time.

Despite their problems though the Packers have looked very good on offense at times during the season as Aaron Rodgers and running back Ryan Grant has gotten back to form this season with some impressive numbers.

Can the Packers contend in the NFC?

Not this season as I believe that even the Chicago Bears will finish with a better record and standing in the NFC North when it is all said and done this year. The future does look bright in Green Bay though if they can make some upgrades to the offensive line in the offseason and keep both Rodgers and Grant healthy I can see the Packers giving the Vikings a run for their money.