Packers, Cowboys Tie 40-40 in Overtime, Parsons Returns to Dallas

On September 28, 2025, Week 4 Sunday Night FootballAT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas turned into a rare 40-40 tie when the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys each settled for a field goal in overtime. The night also marked the highly anticipated return of Micah Parsons, now a pass‑rusher for the Packers, facing his former club on home turf for the first time.

Game Overview and Immediate Impact

Both teams entered the primetime showdown with sub‑par records – the Packers sat at 2‑1, the Cowboys at 1‑2 – but each carried a point of pride. The Cowboys were 1‑0‑1 at home, while Green Bay’s away ledger read 0‑1‑1 before the game. After four quarters and a brief overtime, the scoreboard read 40‑40, granting each franchise a single point in the standings. The tie nudged Green Bay to a 2‑1‑1 overall record and left Dallas at 1‑2‑1, preserving the Cowboys’ unbeaten home streak (now 1‑0‑1).

How the Tie Unfolded: Quarter‑by‑Quarter Breakdown

• Q1: Packers jump ahead 7‑0, highlighted by a short‑range rush from Josh Jacobs that set up a one‑yard touchdown run.
• Q2: Cowboys roar back with 16 points, including a 53‑yard field goal by McManus that sailed "right down the middle".
• Q3: Green Bay adds another 7, while Dallas tacks on 7 of its own, keeping the lead changes rapid.
• Q4: A wild finish – Packers pile on 17, Cowboys answer with 14, tying the game at 40‑40 with seconds left.
• Overtime: Both teams exchange field goals; McManus nails a 53‑yard kick, the Packers reply with a 31‑yard effort, sealing the deadlock.

Here’s the thing: the overtime field goals were the only scores in that period, underscoring how evenly matched the defenses were after four full quarters.

Key Performances and Player Storylines

Jordan Love earned the moniker "most important game" of his 2025 campaign, throwing for 285 yards and two touchdowns. Love’s second‑quarter strike – a perfect throw that found his receiver on a sweeping route – was replayed countless times on the broadcast.

On the other side, Dak Prescott led the Cowboys’ comeback with 312 passing yards and a crucial fourth‑quarter touchdown pass to a rookie receiver. "Winning was the only thing that mattered," Prescott said in the post‑game interview.

Parsons, who recorded three sacks and a forced fumble, didn’t shy away from the spotlight. "It felt like coming home, but I’m here to win for the Packers," he told NBC’s sideline reporter. His matchup against his former Cowboys offensive line became a recurring talking point throughout the night.

Special teams also stole the show. McManus’s 53‑yard kick – the longest of his career – sparked a wave of cheers from the home crowd. The Packers’ kicker, Riley Patterson, responded with a cool 31‑yard effort to keep the tie alive.

Reactions from Coaches, Fans, and Media

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur praised his side’s resilience: "We fought back in the fourth, and we didn’t panic when the Cowboys tied us. That’s the kind of grit we need for the playoffs." Conversely, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy lauded the defensive adjustments that kept his team in the game.

Fans on social media were divided – Green Bay supporters called it a "miracle comeback," while Dallas fans celebrated the "home‑field redemption" despite not clinching a win. The tie sparked an online debate about the NFL’s overtime rules, with former player Mike Evans tweeting, "If you’ve got a 40‑40 game, maybe it’s time the league re‑examines the sudden‑death format."

What This Tie Means for the NFC North and Playoff Race

The NFC North now looks like a three‑horse race. The Detroit Lions sit atop the division at 3‑1‑0 (.750), the Packers have slipped to second at 2‑1‑1 (.625), and the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears are dead‑locked at 2‑2‑0 (.500). The tie effectively handed Green Bay a point that could prove decisive if the division tightens in November.

Statistically, both teams improved their points‑for and points‑against margins. Green Bay has scored 104 points while allowing 84, a net +20. Dallas sits at 104 points for and 105 points against, a slim –1 differential. Those numbers suggest both squads are capable of high‑scoring affairs, but they also expose defensive inconsistencies that opponents will try to exploit.

Looking Ahead: Next Week’s Matchups

Next Sunday, the Packers travel to face the Seattle Seahawks, a game that could settle questions about their offensive rhythm. The Cowboys, meanwhile, host the New York Giants, a clash that will test whether their defense can finally hold steady without Parsons’ former teammates on the line.

Both teams will also be watching how the league reacts to the tie. Rumors of a rule‑change committee meeting within weeks are already circulating, and any adjustment could ripple through the rest of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this tie affect the Packers’ playoff chances?

The extra point moves Green Bay to a 2‑1‑1 record, keeping them within a game of division leader Detroit. If they win the next three, the tie could be the difference between a first‑round bye and a wild‑card spot.

What was the significance of Micah Parsons returning to Dallas?

Parsons’ return added emotional weight and a tactical challenge for both sides. His three sacks helped shift momentum, and his familiarity with the Cowboys' offensive schemes gave the Packers a subtle edge.

Why are NFL ties so rare?

Since the overtime rule change in 2017, ties have occurred in less than 1% of regular‑season games. Both teams must fail to score a touchdown in the 10‑minute overtime period, and then each kicker must make a field goal – a scenario that happened here.

What are experts saying about the overtime format after this game?

Analysts argue the 10‑minute period favors defensive battles, leading to more ties. Some suggest extending overtime or adding a sudden‑death element after the first field goal to ensure a decisive result.

Which player stood out most in the game?

Jordan Love’s two‑touchdown performance and clutch completions earned him MVP‑level praise, while Micah Parsons’ three sacks made him a clear defensive star for the Packers.