Philadelphia Eagles, Saquon Barkley square off with Parsons-less Dallas Cowboys on TNF in bitter NFC East clash

This rivalry hardly needs added fuel, but there's plenty to be had. Philadelphia will be keen to chip away at Dallas’s 74-58 series lead, while the Cowboys look to spoil the Eagles’ championship banner-raising celebration.

Here’s why this NFC East contest is the perfect way to open the 2025 season, what's at stake, the players and matchups to watch, and my final prediction.

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What's at stake

The Eagles enter the new campaign as one of the favourites to repeat, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and star running back Saquon Barkley. A win here would cement their status as the team to beat in 2025.

Meanwhile, Dallas has undergone significant changes. Brian Schottenheimer takes over as head coach, and the defense looks markedly different following the blockbuster trade of Micah Parsons. A victory in Philadelphia would go a long way to appeasing disgruntled fans.

In a competitive NFC East division where every game matters, this opener is a statement opportunity for both sides. Neither side needs any extra motivation, but for the Cowboys, nothing would be sweeter than spoiling the party.

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Players to watch

Jalen Hurts will have plenty of weapons at his disposal on TNF, none bigger than Barkley. Coming off an electric 2,000-yard season and motivated to remain the best back in the league, the 28-year-old has become the focal point of the offense as he runs behind a dominant offensive line.

Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who recently committed his future to the team, will combine with new arrivals, defensive tackle Kenny Clark and linebackers Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray, in an effort to contain Philadelphia's ground game.

While the Eagles' offense is less reliant on its passing prowess, wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith remain one of the league's deadliest duos. How they perform against Cowboys' cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland could prove pivotal in this matchup.

Cowboys' quarterback Dak Prescott has plenty to prove after returning from injury. He’ll lean on star wideout CeeDee Lamb, new arrival George Pickens, and tight end Jake Ferguson to stretch the field. Lamb, one of the elite wide receivers in the league, is definitely one to watch.

The Eagles' defensive line, tasked with piling pressure on Prescott, has a new look following the departure of Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and Brandon Graham. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith are now the leaders of this unit, and they'll be desperate to help their team get one over on their NFC East rivals.

The Cowboys' rushing attack, led by tailback Javonte Williams, will go up against a linebacker group that includes Zack Baun, one of the stars of the Eagles' postseason run, and first-round rookie Jihaad Campbell. A strong contribution from Dallas' first-round guard Tyler Booker could pave the way for an efficient game from Williams and help the Cowboys control possession.

There's no doubt about it, this Thursday Night Football game has it all.

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Kick-off date, time, and game location

The game will take place at Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles. 

• Date: Friday, September 5 (BST) Thursday, September 4 (ET and PT)
• Kick-off: 1:20am BST / 8:20pm ET / 5:20pm PT

Prediction

The Eagles enter the game as strong favourites, but the Cowboys come prepared for battle. The visitors struggle to create pressure without Parsons, but the offense finds an early rhythm with bright moments and highlight-reel plays courtesy of Lamb, Pickens, and Ferguson.

However, the defending Super Bowl champions prove too strong. Urged on by the home crowd, Barkley runs hard, Hurts adds chunk yardage with his legs, and the Eagles' front seven gets stronger as the game unfolds.

Cowboys 20 - 33 Eagles

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