The Eagles escaped last week with a win against the Giants and will be looking to win another NFC East contest against the Cowboys.
Both of these teams have been battling for first place in the abysmal “NFC Least,” and in a year where both teams can’t win, this game is weighted incredibly heavily.
The Eagles and Cowboys have both been plagued by injuries this season, and both teams will be without key pieces this Sunday night.
This matchup is always a major focal point for both teams every year, and both teams have had this game circled on their schedules for a long time.
Which team will be able to squeeze out a win this week? Can either team earn a decisive victory in an impactful showdown?
Let’s examine both teams.
Philadelphia Eagles (2-4-1):
Without Miles Sanders, The Eagles leaned on Boston Scott, and he delivered in a major way. Scott finished with 12 carries for 46 yards, and he hauled in 3 catches for 46 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
Sanders is questionable to play this week and may not be able to suit up. Can Scott deliver in a major way, and can he help take pressure off Wentz by becoming an offensive catalyst?
The Eagles continue to have random players show up and deliver. The leading receivers for this season were supposed to be Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson and Jalen Reagor.
However, the best receivers last week were Travis Fulgham and Richard Rodgers. Who will contribute this week?
Also, how will J.J. Arcega-Whiteside do this week? Whiteside has been irrelevant all-season long, and the Eagles need him play at an elite level.
Defensively, the Eagles rank 12th in total yards allowed (350.9). The Eagles have given up the seventh least receiving yards this season (220.4), but they have given up the 9th most rushing yards (130.4).
Can the Eagles limit the Cowboys from having offensive success?
Dallas Cowboys (2-5):
The Cowboys’ offense has struggled since the loss of QB Dak Prescott. With Andy Dalton in concussion protocol and potentially unable to play, could the Cowboys make a move to add a QB?
Ezekiel Elliot is one of the NFL’s best RBs, but he has struggled recently. Elliot has not rushed for over 50 yards in his last two games, and he is not an impactful catalyst.
Can he find his way against an Eagles defense that is surrendering a lot on the ground?
Also, how will top receivers like Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb do against a rebuilt Eagles’ secondary? Can they find ways to exploit gaps in this roster?
The Cowboys have been outscored 243-176 this season, and they earn an average of 25.1 PPG and give up 34.7 PPG on average.
With all their injuries and recent woes, will the Cowboys find a way to secure a major divisional victory?
Prediction:
Eagles win 24-20, Cowboys (+7.5), Over 43.5
Both of these teams have suffered because of injuries, but both teams have also suffered because they have failed to live up to expectations.
Neither team can afford to lose ground in the NFC East, especially since wins are so scarce. In the end, I just think the Eagles have a slight bit more momentum and talent.
The Eagles and the Cowboys both have had flashes of brilliance, but they haven’t been sustainable. I honestly don’t trust either team at this moment.
In the end, I think Carson Wentz is much better than any quarterback that the Cowboys can supply, and Wentz will get it done. Both teams could pull out a victory, but since the QB is the most important position, I’ll side with the best one.
There’s no way either team blows out the other one, so I’ll take the Cowboys +7.5. Additionally, 43.5 is just a bit too low for my liking, so although both teams will struggle to score, I’ll still take the over.
Eric Fenstermaker 