Eagles-Cowboys Game Preview: Who Will Win in Week 1?

The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys will play in Week 1 of the regular season for the first time since 2000. Philadelphia will certainly be looking to replicate their success from that matchup 25 years ago, when the Eagles defeated the Cowboys by a final score of 41-14.

In recent years, this classic NFC East rivalry has been overshadowed by injuries, as each team is often missing key starters. Yet on Thursday night, there won’t be any excuses for either side as both teams are in great shape from an injury standpoint.

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni is 4-4 against the Cowboys since arriving in 2021, yet Dallas has won three of the last four matchups. While the Eagles are coming off winning Super Bowl LIX, the Cowboys made several changes this offseason to their coaching staff and roster.

Now it’s time to turn the page to a new season as the Eagles look to put their recent success behind them. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are out to prove all of the doubters wrong, especially after making a controversial trade. Here’s my full game preview for Week 1’s divisional matchup.

Three Storylines To Follow

Jalen Hurts vs. Dak Prescott: Part IV

Jalen Hurts has been QB1 in Philadelphia since 2021. Dak Prescott has been QB1 in Dallas since 2016. Yet the two starting QBs have went head-to-head just three times in their NFL careers.

Prescott currently holds a 2-1 lead, as the Cowboys have won both of their matchups at home against Hurts. Meanwhile, Hurts has won his only matchup against Prescott in Philadelphia. Now Hurts will have a chance to even the score in the City of Brotherly Love on Thursday night.

Philadelphia’s offense is returning 10 starters from last season, while Dallas brought in a few new weapons for Prescott, headlined by George Pickens. It’s going to be fun to watch Hurts and Prescott duel in primetime with arguably the most talented weapons that they’ve ever been surrounded by.

First Look at the Cowboys’ Revamped Defense

The Cowboys shocked the sports world by actually trading All-Pro EDGE Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. While Parsons’ absence will be a major topic on Thursday night, Dallas underwent several other changes on defense during the offseason.

Dallas’ defense is now led by former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. The 55-year-old veteran coach spent several years working with linebackers in Dallas and now returns as the team’s defensive coordinator. It’ll be interesting to see how the Cowboys’ defense looks with a new signal caller leading the way.

The Cowboys will be starting several new players on defense, led by Pro Bowl IDL Kenny Clark, who was acquired in the Parsons’ trade. Dallas also added LB Kenneth Murray Jr., EDGE Dante Fowler Jr. and CB Kaiir Elam in the offseason.

Vic Fangio’s Confidence Level in the New Starters

While the Eagles have the luxury of 10 starters returning on offense, they won’t have the same luck on defense. Eagles DC Vic Fangio will have a few interesting decisions to make at pivotal positions on Philadelphia’s defense.

Following training camp and preseason action, all signs point to Jihaad Campbell, Adoree’ Jackson and Sydney Brown as the likely starters in Week 1. Yet things could get interesting if any of those players struggle, especially at CB and S.

Eagles GM Howie Roseman made several moves throughout free agency and training camp to add depth along the defense. If Jackson struggles, fans will certainly be calling for Jakorian Bennett. The same goes for Brown, as there’s a good chance that Drew Mukuba will have a role early, regardless of if he starts or not.

Two Underrated Players To Watch For

Jahan Dotson

After being traded to the Eagles in late August, Jahan Dotson got lost in the shuffle last season. Dotson didn’t have much time to establish a connection with Hurts, which led to him receiving just 33 targets in 2024. Yet Dotson showcased his potential in the biggest game of the season.

Dotson hauled in two receptions for 42 yards against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Now he is wearing a fresh new jersey number and embraced having a full offseason with the Eagles. While many are down on Dotson after last season, I believe he could have a surprising performance against the Cowboys in Week 1.

KaVontae Turpin

Following a First-Team All-Pro campaign last season, Cowboys returner KaVontae Turpin is going to be a problem for the Eagles. Philadelphia’s special teams coverage units really struggled with missed tackles during the preseason, which is a concern heading into Week 1.

Turpin ran back both a punt return and a kick return for touchdowns last season. If the Eagles are sloppy with their tackling technique on Thursday night, Turpin will make them pay. He also provides upside as a weapon on offense and will test Philadelphia’s discipline in Week 1.

One Key Matchup To Monitor

Jalen Carter vs. Tyler Booker

Following the retirement of nine-time All-Pro RG Zack Martin, the Cowboys selected Tyler Booker in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to fill his shoes. After being drafted, Booker was asked which player he was most excited to face in the NFL. His answer? Eagles All-Pro IDL Jalen Carter.

Booker will get his wish in Week 1, as he’ll likely be lined up across from Carter for a majority of the game. Carter primarily lines up to the left of the center, which should match him up frequently against Booker at RG. While Booker was excited about this potential matchup back in April, we’ll see how much he actually enjoys it on Thursday night.

Underdog Pick’em Plays for Eagles-Cowboys

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Final Score Predictions

Josh’s Pick: Eagles 28, Cowboys 20

This feels like a blowout waiting to happen. The spread’s gotten up to 8.5 and the Eagles have so many strengths in areas that Dallas has very evident weaknesses. However, Week 1 tends to show some rust around the NFL and while I think Philly wins comfortably - it wouldn’t be surprising to see Dak Prescott pick up some “garbage time” stats for the back door cover.

Anthony’s Pick: Eagles 27, Cowboys 20

While the Eagles are saying all of the right things, it’s hard to shed the weight of being defending champions. The Cowboys will be playing with “house money” in Week 1 as everyone continues to doubt them. But it still won’t be enough to win in Philadelphia, as the Eagles will hold a late double-digit lead before Dallas cuts into it with a garbage time touchdown.