Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season kicks off Thursday, September 4, with the reigning Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting America’s Team the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles will also be unveiling their championship banner ahead of kickoff, which is sure to add even more fire to an already heated rivalry.
With Micah Parsons now in Green Bay and a mostly quiet offseason, all eyes are on Dallas to see if they can send a message to the rest of the NFC or if the Eagles still run the conference.
Although these teams have met a total of 132 times, with Dallas holding the edge at 74 wins to Philadelphia’s 58, this is the first Week 1 meeting between them since 2000. Last season the Eagles swept the Cowboys, so in terms of this rivalry, it feels like the Birds are closing the gap.
Here are a few key reasons Dallas won’t make it out of Philly with a win:
Saquon Barkley vs. the Cowboys Run Defense
Sure, the Cowboys have a new defensive coordinator in Matt Eberflus, but let’s not forget his Bears finished 31st in run defense DVOA last season. Not exactly the most promising stat. Jerry Jones insisting on trading away Parsons and adding Kenny Clark will make the Cowboys’ defense stronger, but Saquon Barkley and the Eagles still have the clear edge here.
Pressure’s On
Without Parsons, Dallas will struggle to generate pressure on Jalen Hurts. That gives him time to connect with DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown for some serious yardage.
Hometown Heroes
Philadelphia loves their Eagles (most of the time), but they love them even more when they’re coming off a Super Bowl win. With the banner-raising ceremony right before kickoff, The Linc is going to be electric and that Philly fanbase will have no problem rubbing that championship win right in the Cowboys’ faces.
Final Verdict
Dallas is capable of an upset, but their unpredictability and shaky defense don’t give them great odds. Expect Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to be productive, but this young Eagles defense isn’t backing down. It’ll stay close early, but by the third quarter, the Eagles — and their fans — will be too much for Dallas to handle.
Spread: -7.5
O/U: 47.5
Prediction: Eagles win and cover.
Final Score: 31–20.
Take the over.
