The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field for a primetime showdown in Week 7. Both teams have failed to meet expectations this season, yet the NFC East is still up for grabs as the division has struggled mightily in 2026. Here’s my full game preview for Monday night’s matchup between the Eagles and the Cowboys.
Three Storylines To Follow
Can Nick Sirianni Break the MNF Curse?
There’s no denying that it’s been a rough season for Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be getting any better as Sirianni was questionably forced to be the public meat shield of the controversial injury situation involving Jalen Hurts. Now Sirianni will be forced to try and end a four-game losing streak on a stage that his team has historically struggled to win on.
While Sirianni has a career head coaching record of 67-34, he has struggled mightily on Monday. He has a record of just 5-6 in games that are played on Monday. Now the Eagles are set to host the Cowboys on Monday night by, who are on a two-game losing streak but they’re much healthier than Philadelphia currently is. Given Philadelphia’s four-game losing streak, the team’s injury situation and Sirianni’s struggles on Monday night, I’m not sure that he’ll be able to break the curse in Week 7.
Sean Mannion Must Embrace Change
Eagles first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion has really struggled in his first season in Philadelphia. While he’s obviously dealt with an unfair amount of injuries, Mannion has failed to put the personnel that he does have in positions to succeed. The 34-year-old “evil genius” appears to be a bit too stubborn with his under center usage, despite how terrible the results have been through six games in 2026.
If the Eagles come out in under center on the first play of the game against the Cowboys on Monday night, I may legitimately put my head through a wall. Unfortunately, it seems like Mannion isn’t willing to give up on the under center offense quite yet. “I do still feel good about it,” Mannion said earlier this week when asked about the team’s under center usage and his belief in it. “I’m still a believer in it.”
Despite Mannion’s public comments, he needs to be willing to change moving forward. Eagles starting quarterback Tanner McKee is clearly more comfortable in shotgun and the offense has functioned at a higher level in shotgun. While Mannion was brought in to implement an under center offense, it isn’t working. Sirianni has said that everything’s on the table to fix the offense, yet Mannion’s stubbornness may break the table.
Battle of the Bads
You’ve likely heard about the Battle of the Bands, yet Monday night’s matchup could be the Battle of the Bads. While the Eagles have arguably the worst offense in the NFL, the Cowboys also have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Philadelphia’s offense is ranked 32nd or near the bottom of the league in several statistical categories. Meanwhile, Dallas’ defense is also just as bad, allowing a league-high 149.8 rushing yards per game.
Both units are led by first-year coordinators, as Mannion calls plays in Philadelphia and former Eagles coach Christian Parker is running the defensive show in Dallas. Both teams could be getting back key starters in time for Week 7, as the Eagles could add Saquon Barkley, Landon Dickerson and Drew Kendall. The Cowboys are expected to get back DeMarvion Overshown and Cobie Durant, who have each missed multiple games. It’s going to be interesting to see which struggling unit outplays the other on Monday night.
Two Underrated Players To Watch For
Kenny Moore II
It’s fair to admit that many players on Philadelphia’s defense have failed to meet expectations this season. Yet one player that has surprised in recent weeks is veteran defensive back Kenny Moore II. The 31-year-old signed to Philadelphia’s practice squad in late September and has quickly worked his way up the depth chart. Moore has went from a player that Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio wasn’t familiar with to a starter in Philadelphia’s secondary.
Moore has seemingly surpassed Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II as the starting safety alongside Andrew Mukuba. Over the last two weeks, Moore has played 92 defensive snaps and looks comfortable at safety, which is a position that he rarely played before joining the Eagles. Moore hasn’t missed any tackles since arriving in Philadelphia and he has only allowed three receptions. If Moore can continue his steady play, it’ll be a big boost for the secondary.
Ryan Flournoy
Everyone is well aware of the Cowboys star wide receiver duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Yet don’t sleep on Dallas’ third wide receiver, Ryan Flournoy. The 26-year-old, former sixth-round pick has carved out a role as a reliable target for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Flournoy is third on the team in targets (36), receptions (23), receiving yards (234) and first downs (12).
If the Eagles focus too much on stopping Lamb and Pickens on Monday night, Flournoy has shown that he is able to make plays. It’s also worth noting that Flournoy lines up everywhere for the Cowboys, as he has spent 52.4% of his snaps in the slot and 47.6% of his snaps outside. Philadelphia’s secondary can’t afford to fall asleep against Dallas’ passing attack, as they did against the Carolina Panthers.
One Key Matchup To Monitor
Quinyon Mitchell vs. George Pickens
It’s no secret that the Cowboys and Prescott are going to heavily target Lamb in the passing game. He lines up all over the field and will be matched up with several different defenders. That likely won’t be the case for Pickens, who has lined up on the outside on 92.5% of his snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Therefore, Pickens will likely be matched up a ton with Eagles All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
The last time that Pickens played the Eagles, he hauled in all nine of his targets for 146 receiving yards and a touchdown. Mitchell and Philadelphia’s secondary can’t afford to let Pickens go off like that again. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer called out Pickens’ effort as a blocker earlier this week and Mitchell needs to be ready for anything against the 25-year-old wide receiver in Week 7.
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Final Score Predictions
Anthony’s Pick: Cowboys 27, Eagles 20
The Eagles have lost four consecutive games and they’re underdogs at home once again. Given all of the issues around the team, both on and off the field, it’s hard for me to buy stock in Philadelphia right now. While the Cowboys are obviously far from perfect, it feels like they’re still in a better spot than the Eagles. Dallas is far healthier than Philadelphia and that should be enough to get the win in Week 7.
Josh’s Pick: Eagles 23, Cowboys 21
This has been the season from hell for the Eagles. And with an injury report longer than a CVS receipt, on top of being without QB1, and coaching that doesn’t seem to have any answers, it’s hard to offer any kind of hope. But this is Dallas week. And I will NOT pick the Cowboys (sorry, can’t do it). I don’t know how it happens and it doesn’t make sense… but Go Birds!