Eagles-Cowboys Game Preview: Who Will Win in Week 12?
The Philadelphia Eagles are 8-2 after winning back-to-back games with massive implications in the NFC playoff race. Yet the vibes remain low in Philadelphia, despite their impressive record, as the Eagles have failed to get things going on offense.
Now the Eagles will fly across the country to visit the Dallas Cowboys for a rematch after Philadelphia escaped with a close victory in Week 1. Both teams look drastically different since their first game and it’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles will respond to adversity on the road.
Here’s my full game preview for a big time NFC East matchup in Week 12.
Three Storylines To Follow
Can Eagles OL Slow Down Cowboys New-Look DL?
The Eagles officially ruled out All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson for Week 12 due to a foot injury. Yet even when Johnson has been healthy this season, Philadelphia’s offensive line hasn’t been the same dominant unit that we’ve become used to seeing for the Eagles in recent years.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys debuted their new-look defensive front against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. Dallas’ most notable addition, Quinnen Williams, recorded four total tackles and 1.5 sacks against the Raiders in an eye-opening performance for the Cowboys.
With Fred Johnson replacing Lane Johnson at right tackle, Cam Jurgens wearing a bulky knee brace and Tyler Steen struggling in recent weeks, it’s going to be interesting to see if the Eagles can slow down the Cowboys. If Philadelphia’s offensive line can’t keep Jalen Hurts clean, it could be a long game in Dallas.
Eagles Must Have Answers Against Zone Coverage in Dallas
It’s no secret that Hurts and the Eagles have struggled to find success against zone coverage in recent years. In Week 1, the Cowboys tested that theory once again, as Dallas utilized zone coverage on 32 of Hurts’ 33 dropbacks, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
The Cowboys have continued to lean into a heavy zone coverage scheme this season. Dallas has played zone coverage on 81.2% of dropbacks in 2025, the fifth-highest rate in the NFL. Hurts and Philadelphia’s struggling passing attack will have to find answers against zone coverage in Week 12.
Cowboys Will Test Eagles With Play-Action Deep Shots
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has put together a masterclass in back-to-back weeks. Yet one of the only weaknesses on Philadelphia’s defense will be put to the test by the Cowboys on Sunday.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Eagles have allowed 17.8 yards per attempt on downfield passes (10+ air yards) off play action this season, the most in the NFL. They have also allowed the fourth-most total yards (515) on downfield passes off play action in 2025.
Guess what? Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is utilizing play action on a career-high 28.4% of his dropbacks this season. Therefore, it’s clear that Philadelphia’s defense will be tested by Dallas’ play action passing attack.
The Eagles allowed a few holes in those scenarios against the Detroit Lions last week, yet Philadelphia’s defense was saved by Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis batting passes down. We’ll see if the Eagles can avoid giving up big plays through the air on play action in Week 12.
Two Underrated Players To Watch For
Adoree’ Jackson
Eagles veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson got off to a rough start in Philadelphia against the Cowboys in Week 1. He was heavily targeted by Prescott, allowing five receptions on seven targets for 103 yards, according to Pro Football Focus.
It was easily Jackson’s worst performance with the Eagles this season and now he’ll look to bounce back in Sunday’s rematch. After he impressed with his performance against the Lions last week, it’ll be interesting to see if he can replicate that success against CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Cowboys rookie edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku is a familiar name for many fans in Philadelphia. Ezeiruaku visited the Eagles during the pre-draft process and many fans thought he would be a target for the team in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Philadelphia native fell to the Cowboys in the second round and has carved out a bigger role since their first matchup in Week 1. He has recorded 18 total pressures and two sacks in Dallas’ last six games. Both Johnson and Jordan Mailata can’t sleep against Ezeiruaku.
One Key Matchup To Monitor
Jalen Carter vs. Tyler Booker
This is the same matchup that many were looking forward to ahead of Week 1. Yet Jalen Carter was ejected from the game before he could even play one snap against Cowboys rookie right guard Tyler Booker. Now the two will (hopefully) get the chance to lock horns in Week 12.
After being drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Booker stated that Carter was the player that he was most excited to play against. According to Prescott, Carter was trolling Booker before the first snap in Week 1, which eventually led to the unfortunate spit gate situation.
Booker has played well for the Cowboys thus far, allowing just one sack in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. Yet Carter, along with Moro Ojomo and Jordan Davis, will present an entirely different challenge for the rookie in Dallas.
Underdog Pick’em Plays for Eagles-Cowboys
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Final Score Predictions
Josh’s Pick: Eagles 28, Cowboys 23
The Eagles defense has been playing like Super Bowl champs the last few weeks but the offense has seemingly regressed since the bye. That will have to change if Philly wants to hand Dak Prescott his first divisional loss at AT&T Stadium since 2017. While everything seems to be reaching a tipping point for the Birds, I expect them to respond to the criticism how they typically do.
Anthony’s Pick: Eagles 27, Cowboys 24
Despite winning back-to-back massive NFC matchups, the vibes aren’t right in Philadelphia. Many are questioning if the Eagles’ offense will ever figure it out as A.J. Brown’s frustration level seemingly continues to rise every week.
Yet the Eagles somehow always respond when the outside noise is at its loudest. While it won’t be easy, I believe that’s what they’ll do on the road against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12. The Eagles will do just enough to earn a huge divisional win and continue to pull away from the pack in the NFC East.