Packers‑Cowboys 40‑40 Overtime Tie Sparks Playoff Talk

When Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys left the field with a 40‑40 tie Sunday night, the NFL witnessed one of its most unusual outcomes of the 2025 campaign. The drama unfolded on September 28, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, during the Week 4 matchupAT&T Stadium. Both clubs entered the contest with winning records, and the deadlock left them perched at 2‑1‑1.

Game Overview

The contest was a roller‑coaster from kickoff. Early on, Dallas seized a 10‑3 lead thanks to a 23‑yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to CeeDee Lamb. Green Bay answered with a 45‑yard strike from Jordan Love to Romeo Doubs, who would later finish with three TD catches.

What made the night wild were the back‑and‑forth swings. By the end of the third quarter, Cowboys led 27‑20, thanks to a fourth‑down scramble by Javonte Williams that resulted in his fourth rushing TD of the season.

But Green Bay refused to quit. A 70‑yard drive capped by another Doubs reception tied the game at 30‑30 late in the fourth. With seconds left, Love orchestrated a precision 40‑yard field‑goal attempt that split the uprights, nudging the Packers ahead 33‑30. The Cowboys, however, responded on the ensuing possession, and a 53‑yard field goal by Brett Maher—described by the announcers as "right down the middle"—re‑tied the score at 40‑40, forcing the first overtime tie between these storied franchises.

Key Performers

• Romeo Doubs – 3 receptions, 108 yards, 3 TDs. His third score came on a slant route with just 12 seconds left in regulation.
• Jordan Love – 25‑pass completions for 268 yards, 2 TDs, and a clutch 2‑point conversion.
• Javonte Williams – 23 carries, 112 yards, 4 TDs, plus a key 4th‑down conversion that kept Dallas alive.
• Brett Maher – 2‑for‑2 on field goals, including the 53‑yard game‑tying kick.
• Emanuel Wilson – 12 carries for 48 yards, crucial for clock management late in the fourth.

"Romeo's hands were just spectacular tonight," said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur in the post‑game press conference. "We trusted him on every red‑zone play and it paid off. It'll be a long season, but moments like this give us confidence."

On the Dallas side, Doug Pederson offered, "We fought until the final whistle. Javonte showed why he's our go‑to back. The tie hurts, but it also shows we can match any team when we execute."

Momentum Shifts and Critical Plays

Fourth‑down conversions defined the rhythm. At 2:09 left in the second quarter, Green Bay faced a 3rd‑and‑12 on their own 38. Love scrambled for 15 yards, keeping the drive alive and eventually leading to a field goal. Two minutes later, Dallas answered with a 4th‑and‑6 conversion at the Packers' 45, thanks to a jet‑sweep from Williams that broke two tackles.

The most jaw‑dropping moment came when Love drove the offense into Cowboys red‑zone territory with just 0:07 left. The clock ticked down, a timeout was called, and the Packers set up a 46‑yard field‑goal attempt that missed, leaving the door open for Maher's heroics.

Implications for the Playoff Race

The tie keeps Green Bay second in the NFC North, trailing Detroit by a half‑game, while Dallas remains in the mix for the NFC East lead. A 2025 season with two ties already would be historic; the last time the league saw more than one tie in a season was back in 1977.

Analyst Mike Florio noted, "Both teams showed they can score in bursts, but the defenses also proved resilient. Expect the Packers to lean on the passing game and the Cowboys to emphasize the ground attack moving forward."

Statistically, the game featured 81 total yards after the two‑minute warning, 12 third‑down conversions (7 by Green Bay, 5 by Dallas), and a combined 12 penalties for 105 yards.

Historical Context of NFL Ties

Ties are an oddity in a sport that thrives on decisive outcomes. Since the 1974 overtime rule, the NFL has recorded just 28 ties in the regular season, averaging roughly one per year. The last time the Packers and Cowboys shared a tie was in 1994, a 20‑20 stalemate that ended after a missed field goal in overtime.

Fans have mixed feelings about ties. Some appreciate the intrigue, while others argue that a definitive result is essential for playoff seeding. The league’s owners have floated discussions about extending overtime periods, but no changes have been approved yet.

What’s Next for Both Franchises

Green Bay heads to Milwaukee on October 5 to face the Minnesota Vikings, looking to snap a two‑game losing streak against divisional foes. Dallas travels to New York on October 10 for a crucial NFC East showdown with the Giants.

If either club can convert their offensive firepower into a win, the 40‑40 tie will be remembered as a turning point rather than a missed opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the tie affect the Packers' playoff chances?

The tie keeps Green Bay at 2‑1‑1, placing them second in the NFC North behind Detroit. While it’s not a loss, the extra half‑game means they must win their remaining division games to clinch the top seed.

Will the NFL consider rule changes after games like this?

The league has previously discussed extending overtime, but no concrete proposals have been adopted. High‑profile ties such as this one often reignite the debate among owners and fans.

Who scored the decisive field goal in overtime?

Dallas kicker Brett Maher nailed a 53‑yard field goal that sailed through the uprights, tying the game at 40‑40 and sending the match into a stalemate after the overtime period expired.

What were the key statistical differences between the teams?

Packers out‑gained the Cowboys 371‑359 in total yards, while Dallas had a slight edge in rushing (226 vs. 184). Both squads converted 78% of third‑downs, and each committed five turnovers.

When is the next time the Packers and Cowboys will meet?

The two teams are scheduled to clash again in Week 12, on November 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field, where the Packers will look to avenge the tie on home turf.