The Dallas Cowboys were led by three key players in 2014; Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant.

Murray led the NFL with 1845 rushing yards this season, putting him in the NFL's most valuable player conversation. Romo threw 34 touchdowns to nine interceptions with an NFL-best 113.2 quarterback rating and is also in the MVP conversation. And Bryant led the NFL in touchdowns with 16 and led the Cowboys in receiving by more than 600 yards.

The three will look to be at their best as the Cowboys travel to Lambeau Field in search of their first divisional round win since their 1995 Super Bowl season.

Playing the Green Bay Packers at home is as intimidating a matchup as any for NFL teams this year. The Packers were a perfect 8-0 in Titletown this season and were never held to less than 26 points – scoring 38 points or more on five occasions. 

However, the Cowboys have fared better on the road this season than any other team. The Cowboys went a perfect 8-0 on the road in 2014 and were also never held to less than 26 points. In fact, Romo was significantly stronger games outside of Dallas than at AT&T Stadium.

The 34-year-old quarterback threw 20 touchdowns to just two interceptions on the road this season. At home, he threw 14 touchdowns to seven interceptions. Romo had a two touchdown day as the Cowboys emerged from Seattle – considered by many to be the NFL's toughest road venue - with a win over the defending champion Seahawks in Week 6.

If the Cowboys can keep the game close against the Packers. it won't be Romo who has the biggest chance to shine, however, but Murray.

The Packers rank 10th against the pass this season and have returned three interceptions for touchdowns at home. Green Bay's rush defence, though, ranked 23rd this season and surrendered just shy of 120 yards per game.

That's good news for Dallas as the Cowboys owned a 10-2 record in games where Murray crossed the 100-yard mark this season. 

The Packers allowed less than 100 yards rushing four times this season and, not surprisingly, they won all four games. Green Bay has also been an improved unit since their Week 9 bye week; after allowing 145 or more rushing in four of eight games to open the season, the Packers have allowed no more than 113 since.

Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers made it no secret Murray would be a focal point for Green Bay's defence this week. The Packers haven't faced a rusher who eclipsed 1,000 yards this season since holding LeSean McCoy to 88 yards in week 11.

"This will be the best test we've had," Capers told ESPN on Monday.

Though the Packers pass defence has also been relatively strong throughout the season – three 300-yard passing games allowed – the Cowboys offence will watch one game tape particularly closely. 

On Monday night football in Week 14, the Packers jumped out to a 31-7 lead at halftime before the Atlanta Falcons, or more specifically Julio Jones, came racing back. 

Jones, matched up initially on Sam Shields, burned the Packers for 259 yards and a touchdown on 11 catches. Shields was eventually benched for Davon House, who had more success until he, like Jones, left the game with an injury. The Packers then hung on to edge the Falcons 43-37. 

House missed the Packers final three games with a shoulder injury and is questionable for Sunday's game. It's unknown whether the Packers will give Shields the first chance at Bryant in the divisional round, but the Packers will need to contain Bryant in order to significantly slow the Cowboys passing attack. 

Terrance Williams led the Cowboys 92 yards against the Detroit Lions in the divisional round, but it's Bryant who keyed the Cowboys aerial assault throughout the season. In the middle of the field, both tight end Jason Witten and slot receiver Cole Beasley also outgained Bryant against the Lions. 

An impending free agent, Bryant will look for a better playoff performance to boost his value and – with the road to Super Bowl likely running through Seattle - there may be no better time to do than this week. 

The Cowboys' unsung heroes, the offensive line, paved the way for Murray's outstanding season and Romo's - mostly – healthy season coming off back surgery. Led by first-round picks in left tackle Tyron Smith, centre Travis Frederick and right guard Zach Martin, the offensive line allowed 29 sacks on Romo in 16 games this season. The unit then allowed six sacks against the Lions tough front on Sunday.

The offensive line could once again have their hands full on Sunday against a defensive pass rush that includes pro bowler Clay Matthews and veteran Julius Peppers. The Packers ranked ninth in the regular season in sacks with 41. 

The Cowboys will receive a major boost if starting right tackle Doug Free can suit up this week after missing the previous three games with an ankle injury. Free was inactive after being listed as doubtful against the Lions.  

With the Packers likely to score 30 or more points – a feat they failed to accomplish just once at home this season – the Cowboys top trio will need to be at their best in Green Bay. 

Due to a seemingly favourable matchup and below freezing temperatures expected, the brunt of that pressure may fall Murray, just as it has so many times this season.