2025-26 NFL Kickoff Preview - Dallas vs. Philadelphia: Can the Cowboys ground the Eagles? September 4, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The Philadelphia Eagles will launch their 2025 NFL season at home against longtime rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, on Thursday, September 4, at 8:20 PM ET. Fresh off their dominant Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles will raise their championship banner at Lincoln Financial Field. Head coach Nick Sirianni, now in his fifth year, returns much of his core roster, including Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts and NFL rushing champion Saquon Barkley. Philadelphia will also appear in at least five prime-time games for the fourth straight season, reflecting their status as one of the league's premier franchises.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing 7-10 campaign in 2024, missing the playoffs. But with quarterback Dak Prescott back healthy and CeeDee Lamb leading the receiving corps, Dallas aims for a turnaround. They have added firepower in George Pickens (via trade) and rookie running back Jaydon Blue out of Texas. New head coach Brian Schottenheimer takes charge of his first regular season game. This will also mark the Cowboys' first time opening the season against the reigning Super Bowl champions on the road since 2021, when they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Historically, Dallas leads the all-time series 74-58.

Head-to-Head: Last 5 Meetings

Over their last five matchups, Dallas holds a slight 3-2 edge over Philadelphia, though the Eagles dominated in 2024. Here is the breakdown:

• Dec 24, 2022: Cowboys 40-34 Eagles (W)
• Nov 5, 2023: Cowboys 23-28 Eagles (L)
• Dec 10, 2023: Cowboys 33-13 Eagles (W)
• Nov 10, 2024: Cowboys 6-34 Eagles (L)
• Dec 29, 2024: Cowboys 7-41 Eagles (L)

Across those five games, the Cowboys averaged 18.2 points per game, while the Eagles averaged 27.8.

Dallas vs. Philadelphia Sports Bet Odds

The Eagles are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Eagles are favored by 7 points, with a money line of -290.
• The Cowboys are the underdogs by 7 points, with a money line of +237.
• The over/under is set at 46 points, with the over at -110 and the under at -110.

Key Players to Watch

Dallas Cowboys

• Dak Prescott (QB): Healthy again and under pressure to deliver a bounce-back season.
• CeeDee Lamb (WR): Dallas's top receiving threat, crucial to their offensive rhythm.

Philadelphia Eagles

• Jalen Hurts (QB): The Super Bowl MVP remains the centerpiece of the Eagles' offense.
• Saquon Barkley (RB): The NFL's reigning rushing champion, tasked with powering the ground game.
• A.J. Brown (WR): A dynamic playmaker who adds explosive potential in the passing game.

Team Strengths & Weaknesses

Dallas Cowboys

• Strengths:
  • Elite Cornerbacks: A young, talented group with multiple All-Pros under 27.
  • Running Back Depth: A versatile committee featuring Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, rookie Jaydon Blue, and more.
  • Player Facilities & Culture: Highly rated in terms of player treatment and resources.
• Weaknesses:
  • Run Defense: Among the league's worst in 2024, particularly at the 1-tech position.
  • Interior Defensive Line: A persistent issue in stopping the run.
  • Training Room: Evaluated as below standard in league surveys.

Philadelphia Eagles

• Strengths:
  • Dominant Defense: A unit expected to remain among the NFL's best.
  • Offensive Line: Strong and consistent, providing protection and run support.
  • Receiving Corps: A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith form one of the league's most dangerous duos.
• Weaknesses:
  • Defensive Retool: Adjustments and changes could create early growing pains.
  • Running Back Depth: Heavy reliance on Barkley without proven backups.
  • Low Passing Volume: Ranked last in pass attempts (448) in 2024, well below league average.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NFL season opener sets the stage for another heated NFC East rivalry showdown. The Eagles, defending champions, will look to make a statement on banner night behind Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. Dallas, meanwhile, enters with renewed optimism, banking on Dak Prescott's return and Brian Schottenheimer's new leadership.

For the Cowboys, the key will be stopping the run and keeping pace offensively against Philadelphia's balanced attack. For the Eagles, maintaining their defensive dominance while managing Barkley's workload will be critical.

2024-25 Dallas vs. Philadelphia Team Stats

DALLAS COWBOYS	VS	PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
227.2	Passing Yards Per Game	187.9
100.3	Rushing Yards Per Game	179.3
20.6	Points Per Game	27.2
218.1	Passing Yards Allowed Per Game	174.2
137.1	Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game	104.2