The Green Bay Packers are enjoying the spoils of beating their hated rival. And they did it with a little trash talk. But the Cowboys are up next, and the Packers' improved offensive line sets the stage for an explosive shootout on Sunday Night Football.

Entering the game with a record of 3-2, this is a big game in the overall NFC picture for the Packers. But it’s also key for the Cowboys, who would drop to 2-4 if they don’t find a way to beat the Packers.

A couple of weeks ago, it looked like the Packers were headed for a disaster season because of their offensive line. However, they’ve bounced back, and this game will tell if the turnaround is real.

Packers have undergone offensive line changes

The injury to guard Aaron Banks has impacted things. He has played in just one game after double-digit starts over the last four seasons with the Packers and the 49ers.

There has been talk that Banks would be ready to go against the Cowboys, but that’s not a definite thing. And if he does play, he might not immediately move back into the starting mix, according to a post on X by Jason B. Hirschhorn.

“I like where we're at, for the most part,” Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said. “I don't want to change just to change. I think Travis [Glover] has done a nice job going in there and playing. Obviously, Laken [Tomlinson] has done a good job at left guard stabilizing it. Our pocket's been good as far as the push, for the most part. Definitely don't want to change just to change. But at the same time, we're going to put the best five out there. We'll take the week and evaluate it like we normally do.

“Whenever he's able to get back, that's one thing we have to keep in mind, too. Where do we fit those guys into the best five? So, we'll evaluate that, but that's going to be an interesting thing as we go through the next few weeks.”

The Packers’ biggest problem with their line has been running the football. They’ve managed only 60.4 yards per game rushing this season. That’s dead last in the NFL. It’s also almost 19 yards per game fewer than the next-worst team. It’s a big problem, no doubt.

The Packers could roll with Kevin Zeitler at guard against the Cowboys. They signed him to their active roster two weeks ago. But there’s no guarantee he’s ready to rock in such an important game.

Packers G Travis Glover has made a difference

Glover has started the past two games at guard. And he only allowed one pressure against the Buccaneers. He gave some continuity to a line that didn’t have much of anything. It’s not that Glover is the answer, but he certainly has helped.

Another boost has come from Laken Tomlinson at the other guard position. He totaled a team-high run-blocking grade against the Bears, according to atozsports.com via Pro Football Focus. And he didn’t allow any pressures.

However, left tackle Jordan Morgan has been a problem. He has allowed 17 pressures already this season. The former first-round pick isn’t living up to his pre-NFL billing.

But overall, the Packers have shown confidence in their line. That has allowed them to take some chances, according to a post on X by Hirschhorn.

“Packers OC Adam Stenavich on flea-flicker TE screen to Tucker Kraft: ‘High-risk, high-reward play. That was fun. They did a nice job executing. Obviously, Jordan [Love] had some pressure there. He got rid of the ball quickly. The O-line did a nice job blocking downfield for Tuck.’ ”

So what about the shootout with the Cowboys?

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It seems certain that points will be scored. The Packers don’t have the defensive personnel to slow down the Cowboys’ offense. So to have a shot at the win, the Packers have to put points on the board.

The Packers are not only without star edge rusher Micah Parsons. He’s getting close, but isn’t there yet, according to ESPN.

“As soon as they give us the green light, he'll be out there,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “That hasn't happened yet, but I think we're getting closer.

“There's a lot of testing that goes on before he gets medically cleared to get out there. And then I'm sure we're gonna want to give him some time to get back to playing football. As you see with most guys that are coming off a major injury, it takes a little bit of time.”

The Packers lost two key defensive starters to the same injury over the last two weeks. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. The week before, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper was also placed on season-ending injured reserve with an Achilles injury. Those are huge blows.

Somehow, the Packers rank No. 8 in total defense. But that ranking will drop after the Cowboys leave town. One thing that has helped is that the Packers have 14 sacks, good enough for No. 7 in the league.