It’s the Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, as the defending champions will take the field against their divisional opponent to open the 2025 NFL season.
The Cowboys come into this game weaker than what they were just a little over a week ago, trading arguably the best defensive in the NFL, Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles come into this game as the favorites with a spread of eight and a half points. They were always going to be the favorite, but the Parsons trade has made them even bigger favorites.
This game is actually a must-win for the Eagles, as the schedule only gets tougher as the season continues. This team must win the easy ones to be in contention for home-field advantage through the playoffs. And that is why they must live up to the expectations in Week 1 of the NFL season.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys 2025: Keys to the Game
Playing to their Standards
Simple, but effective. The Eagles must perform up to standards and avoid a letdown. Plainly put, Philadelphia is more talented than the Cowboys. They are better at almost every position on the field. And, if they play like it on Thursday night they will win by at least two scores.
Philly doesn’t need to be at their best to beat Dallas. However, it would be encouraging if they were at their best. The Eagles have first-place schedule that does not slow down anytime soon.
It has been preached all offseason that this team is limiting distractions, and now, not even coming out for the banner ceremony. Even though they lost several key pieces, they are still one of the best teams in the league, and will likely perform as such with the whole country watching.
Let the New Starters Settle in
Speaking of losing key pieces, this team will need the new starters to settle in quickly. Adoree Jackson has won an outside corner spot after Darius Slay moved across the state to Pittsburgh. Jackson will likely be targeted a fair amount Thursday night with Quinyon Mitchell locking down one side of the field, and Cooper DeJean handling the slot. Jackson will likely see his fair share of talented receiver George Pickens, and will be quickly tested as Dak Prescott builds chemistry with his new target.
Tyler Steen will be stepping into the guard spot that was occupied by Mekhi Becton last season. Becton later signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Chargers in the offseason. Becton proved to be an above-average run-blocker in his one year in Philadelphia. Now, it’s Tyler Steen’s turn to step into the starting job. Steen has had his ups and downs in the NFL thus far, and will look to contribute as the only new starter on the offense.
Jihaad Campbell will get the start in the first game of his rookie year. The Alabama alum will start alongside Zack Baun at linebacker. Campbell fell in the draft due to medical issues, but he will be ready for Week 1.
Campbell’s build and playstyle remind many of the player that the Cowboys just traded to the Packers. Campbell still has ways to go as an edge rusher, but he does have a hybrid skill set where he can get after the passer. It will be interesting to see how he fares in his debut on one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Eagles vs. Cowboys Final Thoughts
This version of the team remains one of the league’s best, and should beat the Cowboys to open the season.
Obviously, there are more concerns than last year. The roster turnover was bound to happen in a salary cap league. General Manager Howie Roseman did what he could while maintaining the team’s compensatory picks for next season.
If the team shows up as expected, we could see another three-touchdown night for Jalen Hurts or Saquon Barkley. This game likely ends in a blowout unless the Cowboys can target the few weaknesses the Eagles have right now. I do not see a way in which the Eagles lose this game after hanging the banner from such a magical season.
Score Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles: 35 Dallas Cowboys: 14
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