The 2025 NFL season kicks off with a blockbuster NFC East showdown as the Dallas Cowboys travel to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, September 4, at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX victory, are set to raise their championship banner in front of a raucous home crowd, with the game televised on NBC and streamed on Peacock at 8:20 p.m. ET. Despite the high stakes and historical rivalry, oddsmakers have pegged the Cowboys as 6.5-point underdogs, a line that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. However, with a revamped roster and a chip on their shoulder, Dallas is poised to defy expectations and potentially shock the world in this season opener.
A Rivalry Steeped in History
The Cowboys-Eagles rivalry is one of the NFL’s most storied, with Dallas holding a 72–54–0 edge in the all-time series. This Week 1 clash marks the first time since 2000 that these two teams will meet in the season opener, adding an extra layer of intrigue. The Eagles dominated the 2024 matchups, sweeping Dallas with a combined score of 75-13, including a 41-7 rout in Week 17 that clinched the NFC East title for Philadelphia. However, the 2024 Cowboys were plagued by injuries, notably to quarterback Dak Prescott, and finished with a disappointing 7-10 record under then-head coach Mike McCarthy.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Cowboys are a different team. With new head coach Brian Schottenheimer at the helm and a healthy Prescott leading the offense, Dallas has quietly constructed a roster capable of contending. The addition of wide receiver George Pickens via a blockbuster trade has given the Cowboys a dynamic playmaker to complement All-Pro CeeDee Lamb, while the defensive line, anchored by Micah Parsons, has been bolstered to better handle Philadelphia’s potent rushing attack. These changes have fueled optimism that Dallas can flip the script against their bitter rivals.
Why the Cowboys Are Underdogs
The 6.5-point spread in favor of the Eagles, as set by FanDuel Sportsbook, reflects Philadelphia’s status as defending champions and their dominance over Dallas last season. The Eagles, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and a stout defense, have been a juggernaut in recent years, with a 20-5 record in Week 1 games as defending Super Bowl champions since 2000. Playing at home, where they’ll be energized by the banner-raising ceremony, Philadelphia is a formidable opponent. Their 2024 campaign saw them overpower opponents with a top-tier offense and a defense that suffocated Dallas in both meetings.
Additionally, the Cowboys’ struggles in big road games have contributed to the skepticism. Last season, Dallas failed to win key away matchups, and their 3-3 record in the NFC East highlighted their inconsistency against divisional foes. Oddsmakers and analysts point to these factors, along with the Eagles’ continuity under head coach Nick Sirianni, as reasons for the sizable spread. Posts on X echo this sentiment, with some bettors, like @bets_liam, calling the -7 line for Philly “a gift” from Vegas, citing Dallas’ road woes and Philadelphia’s recent dominance.
Reasons for Optimism in Dallas
Despite the underdog status, there’s plenty of reason to believe the Cowboys can keep this game close—or even pull outright. First and foremost is the return of a healthy Dak Prescott, who owns a 2-1 record against Jalen Hurts in head-to-head matchups. Prescott’s ability to extend plays and make clutch throws will be critical against an Eagles secondary that lost key pieces in the offseason. The addition of George Pickens, whom Cowboys COO Stephen Jones compared to franchise legend Dez Bryant, gives Dallas a physical, contested-catch threat who can exploit Philadelphia’s retooled defensive backfield.
Defensively, Micah Parsons remains a game-wrecker. Leading the NFL with 24 quarterback pressures in 2022, Parsons has the speed and power to disrupt Hurts’ rhythm and force the Eagles into passing situations. The Cowboys’ bolstered defensive line, including new additions to counter Philadelphia’s run-heavy scheme, should help contain Saquon Barkley and the Eagles’ ground game, which torched Dallas for 180 rushing yards per game in 2024. If Dallas can force Hurts to rely on his arm, Parsons and company could tilt the game in their favor.
The Cowboys also draw inspiration from history. In 2008, a Dallas team led by Tony Romo spoiled the New York Giants’ Super Bowl banner-raising ceremony with a 35-28 victory. A similar upset isn’t out of the question, especially given Schottenheimer’s fresh offensive schemes and Dallas’ hunger to prove doubters wrong after a lackluster 2024. As @rjochoa noted on X, “+6.5 feels really nice for the Cowboys in Week 1,” suggesting that last year’s struggles were “self-induced” and not indicative of this team’s potential.
Key Matchups to Watch
Dak Prescott vs. Eagles Secondary: Prescott’s ability to exploit Philadelphia’s new-look secondary, particularly with Pickens and Lamb drawing coverage, will be pivotal. If he can avoid turnovers and sustain drives, Dallas can control the game’s tempo.
Micah Parsons vs. Jalen Hurts: Parsons’ pass-rushing prowess will test Hurts’ mobility and decision-making. If Parsons can generate pressure, it could force Hurts into mistakes, giving Dallas’ defense a chance to swing momentum.
Cowboys’ Run Defense vs. Saquon Barkley: Philadelphia’s ground game overwhelmed Dallas last season. The Cowboys’ revamped defensive front must hold firm against Barkley to keep the Eagles’ offense one-dimensional.
Prediction: Cowboys Cover, Upset Possible
While the Eagles are rightful favorites, the 6.5-point spread feels inflated given the Cowboys’ offseason improvements and Prescott’s track record against Hurts. Dallas’ revamped offense, led by Prescott, Lamb, and Pickens, should find enough success to keep pace with Philadelphia’s attack. Defensively, Parsons and a stouter run defense give the Cowboys a fighting chance to contain the Eagles’ explosive plays.
The Cowboys have a history of rising to the occasion in high-profile games, and the narrative of spoiling Philadelphia’s banner-raising party adds extra motivation. Expect a tightly contested battle, with Dallas covering the +6.5 spread and potentially pulling off a 27-24 upset to shock the NFL world. As @bets_liam noted on X, the addition of Pickens “changes everything” for this Cowboys offense, and that firepower could be the difference in Week 1.