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Cowboys vs. Eagles final score, results: Jalen Hurts leads Philly to opening win in drama-filled rivalry matchup

Daniel Mader

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Cowboys vs. Eagles final score, results: Jalen Hurts leads Philly to opening win in drama-filled rivalry matchup image

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The NFL was back in a dramatic way on Thursday night. 

Nearly seven months following the conclusion of the 2024 season, the defending champion Eagles hosted the league's 2025 kickoff game as the Cowboys traveled to Lincoln Financial Field. And while Philadelphia did hold on for a 24-20 victory to begin its defense of the Lombardi Trophy, there was certainly no shortage of distractions on its way to 1-0.

From the opening kickoff, a bizarre sequence went viral when the Eagles' top defensive lineman, Jalen Carter, was ejected from the game for spitting in the direction of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. That left Vic Fangio's defense scrambling to mask a huge void, and Dallas quickly took advantage with two rushing touchdowns on its first two drives.

As Philadelphia settled into the game though, Nick Sirriani's unit — particularly reigning Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts — took command. Hurts rushed for two touchdowns in the first half, finishing with a team-high 62 yards on the ground. Saquon Barkley pitched in 60 yards and a score of his own. 

Following offensive fireworks in the first half, the final two quarters were largely defined by an hour-long delay due to lightning in the area, resulting in the two NFC East offenses going cold; a few key defensive stops was all the Eagles needed to shut the door on a Prescott-led comeback attempt.

Between Carter's controversial ejection, the lengthy weather delay and five touchdowns in the first half alone, there was plenty of storylines to come from the NFL's 2025 season-opener. As each team moves forward, Dallas' defense didn't pass its first test of the post-Micah Parsons era, while Philadelphia had some hiccups, but largely remained an imposing team on the ground that got stops when it needed them. 

The Sporting News tracked live updates and highlights as the Eagles took down the Cowboys in the NFL's 2025 kickoff game. Here's what you may have missed.

MORE: Everything to know about Jalen Carter's ejection for spitting at Dak Prescott

Cowboys vs. Eagles score

 

NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Full NFL schedule | Updated NFL standings

Cowboys vs. Eagles updates, highlights from NFL's 2025 kickoff game

All times ET.

12:18 a.m. — The first game of the 2025 NFL season has come and gone, and the defending champions walk away victorious. After a dramatic game that had a bit of everything, from an ejection before the first snap to an hour-long delay, the Eagles hold on to start their season 1-0. Dallas starts out 0-1 in the Brian Schottenheimer era.

12:17 a.m. — With one last scramble, Jalen Hurts has likely sealed Philadelphia's 1-0 record. He gets up the middle for four yards and a first down, meaning he can now take a few knees and make this dramatic game final.

12:16 a.m. — Finally, A.J. Brown has his first catch of 2025. It comes in a big spot too, going for eight yards as the Eagles look to seal it.

12:14 a.m. — The Cowboys turn it over on fourth down! Prescott went deep for Lamb on the big play, and while his pass was catchable, it would've been a tough, diving snag for his star receiver. This game isn't quite over. The Eagles take over with under two minutes left, but Dallas has timeouts to use.

12:12 a.m. — We have hit the two-minute warning in the season-opener. Dallas has a massive 4th & 3 coming up, sitting at its own 45-yard line while down by four. A touchdown will likely be the only option for the Cowboys at this point; will the Eagles hold on, or will Prescott will his squad to a comeback?

12:09 a.m. — The Cowboys are alive, as Prescott finds his new weapon, George Pickens, for a 15-yard gain on a huge third down. CeeDee Lamb then got a prime opportunity for a huge gain, but once again, he couldn't hold onto the ball. 

12:05 a.m. — Another punt. Philadelphia goes three-and-out, meaning the Cowboys have 3:02 remaining to take the lead with a touchdown. After a high-scoring first half, both offenses have been silent.

12:00 a.m. — Dallas gets nothing going on a potential go-ahead drive. Prescott found Lamb for 13 yards, but the Cowboys barely move from there, resulting in a punt with under five minutes remaining.

If the Eagles can move the chains a few times, they may be able to run the clock out. If not, Dallas could have one more chance to win this game.

11:58 p.m. — Eagles guard Landon Dickerson is questionable to return with a back injury.

11:54 p.m. — Philadelphia's drive stalls out, continuing the lack of second-half offense. With under nine minutes remaining, the Cowboys take over following another punt. Can Dak Prescott lead a drive to give Dallas a Week 1 advantage on the road?

11:46 p.m. — Saquon Barkley even makes five-yard gains look impressive.

11:43 p.m. — Check the first "Tush Push" of the year off the list. The Eagles convert a 3rd & 1 with their signature formation.

11:40 p.m. — Prescott's 3rd & 10 pass to Lamb went right through the receiver's hands, and the Cowboys punt. Philadelphia gets the ball back, up four with 14:46 remaining.

End of third quarter: Eagles 24, Cowboys 20

11:36 p.m. — At the end of the third frame, Dallas sits at a 3rd & 10 following a loss of three yards on a pass to CeeDee Lamb. But the Cowboys are very much in this season-opener against the defending champions, struggling to stop Philadelphia's run game but matching the Eagles offensively.

11:35 p.m. — Here's a more complete breakdown of the Dak Prescott-Jalen Carter interaction before the first snap earlier:

11:33 p.m. — Perhaps the momentum the Eagles gained from the turnover was lost during the delay, as their offense stalls out and leads to their first punt of the game. Dallas will take over with a chance to take the lead with a touchdown.

11:31 p.m. — ... And we are back. Following a lengthy weather delay, we have our first snap in over an hour. Philadelphia hands the ball off to Barkley for a loss of one yard.

11:20 p.m. — Players are warming up to get the game back underway shortly. Michael Jordan is still taking in the matchup in Philadelphia:

11:02 p.m. — Per NBC, the players will return to the field to warm up at 11:15 p.m. ET, with hopes to resume play around 11:30.

10:57 p.m. — As we wait on this game to get back under way, a reminder: Philly will have the ball with around five minutes left in the third quarter when things pick back up. Just moments before the delay, a Miles Sanders fumble gave the Eagles the ball.

10:32 p.m. — According to the NBC broadcast, the league is eyeing 11:15 p.m. ET for when lightning would be cleared from the area. Players would then get time to warm up, so it could be around an hour that the season opener is delayed.

Here's the message being displayed at Lincoln Financial Field during the delay:

10:28 p.m. — Eagles vs. Cowboys has been suspended due to lightning in the area. We now enter a delay with under five minutes remaining in the third quarter.

10:25 p.m. FUMBLE — Finally, a drive results in non-points. We have our first turnover of the 2025 season, and it comes at a crucial point for Dallas; just 10 yards out from the end zone, Miles Sanders loses the ball on a carry up the middle.

Quinyon Mitchell scoops it up, and the Eagles take over with the third-quarter lead.

10:19 p.m. — Miles Sanders, facing his old Eagles squad, finds a hole a breaks free. The veteran's 49-yard run puts Dallas on the verge of yet another scoring drive.

10:15 p.m. — CB Adoree' Jackson was cleared in concussion protocol after heading to the sideline in the first half. He remains available for Philadelphia.

10:14 p.m. — A good breakdown of how Vic Fangio and the Eagles have dealt with Jalen Carter's unexpected absence tonight:

Eagles 24, Cowboys 20

10:09 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Jake Elliott comes through for Philadelphia to keep the points rolling in. He nails a kick from 58 yards out, extending the Eagles' lead to four.

10:09 p.m. — The first sack of the game goes to the Cowboys. Kenny Clark, the player Dallas acquired in return for Parsons, gets in on Hurts, as does Marshawn Kneeland.

10:06 p.m. — The second half is underway, and the Eagles have the football. Saquon Barkley picks up 12 yards on a physical run. His top backup, Will Shipley, is not on the sideline to begin the third quarter, per Zach Berman, which led to AJ Dillon getting a pair of carries.

9:57 p.m. — This is just the third NFL game since 2000 to have a score on every first-half drive, per Doug Clawson. The last was a Jets-Dolphins matchup last season.

Halftime: Eagles 21, Cowboys 20

9:47 p.m. — Prescott found Lamb for 10 yards to get into better field-goal range, and the QB then spikes the ball to stop the clock before the break. Aubrey nails the 53-yard field goal, making Dallas' deficit just one point heading into halftime. 

It's been quite the half for both teams; every drive has resulted in points for the offense, leaving the punters to relax. For the Eagles, their run game has dominated, with Hurts owning 48 rushing yards and two touchdowns and Barkley owning 49 yards and a touchdown. A.J. Brown remains catchless as Philly has leaned on its ground game.

As for Dallas, Prescott has looked excellent in his return from injury, now 12/17 with 127 passing yards. Javonte Williams has two scores, and CeeDee Lamb already has 86 receiving yards.

9:46 p.m. — Dallas has one last chance to score before halftime, with time ticking down. A roughing the passer call, and defensive pass interference, has gotten the Cowboys into Eagles territory.

Eagles 21, Cowboys 17

9:37 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — And just like that, the defending champs are back on top. Time appeared to be a constraint for the Eagles with a chance to take the lead, but Hurts' deep ball to Dotson changed that. A Hurts scramble then leads to a Saquon Barkley carry, and the star running back finds paydirt for the first time this season from 10 yards out.

Philadelphia is up to 123 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in the first half.

9:35 p.m. — With halftime approaching, Hurts goes deep for Jahan Dotson, who hauls in the pass for a 51-yard gain. Philly is in range of potentially tying this game, or taking the lead, before the break.

9:29 p.m. — Eagles cornerback Adoree' Jackson, a free-agent signing who started in the CB2 spot, went into the medical tent following the last drive, per Zach Berman. Jackson has been heavily targeted tonight by Prescott already.

Cowboys 17, Eagles 14

9:27 p.m. FIELD GOAL — The Cowboys add more points and once again take the lead, but this time it comes on a 41-yard field goal from Brandon Aubrey. A few incompletions from Prescott led to the field goal try, but Dallas' offense has been clicking tonight otherwise.

9:23 p.m. — Dak Prescott looks back to 100% tonight. He had a nice scramble after narrowly avoiding a sack, with Dallas currently on the move in what's become an early shootout:

Cowboys 14, Eagles 14

9:13 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Maybe this is just the Jalen Hurts-Javonte Williams show. While the Cowboys' running back owns both touchdowns so far, the Eagles' star quarterback has done the same for his squad.

Hurts continues to scramble and take what Dallas' defense is giving him, which leads to another eight-yard rushing touchdown. Even without the Tush Push in action so far, Hurts has been everywhere with his legs tonight. 

9:09 p.m. — Yet again seeking to match Dallas, Jalen Hurts is taking some small chunk plays to start his second drive. But he's also already up to 35 rushing yards, alongside Barkley's additional 35. Dallas Goedert has owned the target share with four receptions so far.

Cowboys 14, Eagles 7

8:59 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Make it three drives, three touchdowns so far. And that's also two for Javonte Williams to begin 2025.

The Cowboys' lead back once again punches in a score from the goal line, giving his team the lead right back. It's been an offensive show in Philly so far.

End of first quarter: Cowboys 7, Eagles 7

8:55 p.m. — Once again, Dak Prescott has the Cowboys driving as the first quarter comes to a close. Lamb is feasting, with an 18-yard and 26-yard catch on this series alone, while a huge defensive pass interference on Quinyon Mitchell put Dallas in the redzone. 

Between the Jalen Carter ejection for spitting on Prescott, Cowboys opening drive touchdown, Jalen Hurts' response and CeeDee Lamb's 76 receiving yards thus far, it's been quite a start to the NFL's first 2025 game.

8:53 p.m. — Michael Jordan is in the building for Eagles-Cowboys tonight, per Jason Dumas, as a guest of Jalen Hurts' in a suite. That would add up, given Hurts' shrug celebration on his rushing score.

8:51 p.m. — We have more scuffles between the Eagles and Cowboys, as the latest kickoff also resulted in fighting. 

Cowboys 7, Eagles 7

8:43 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — We've got fireworks to start Game No. 1. Jalen Hurts does it himself, as he often does, with a four-yard rushing touchdown on a scramble. Philadelphia knots it at seven following the rough defensive start.

Hurts tossed the ball into the crowd, then hit an MJ-style shrug after his touchdown.

8:39 p.m. — Already playing from behind after the wild Carter sequence, the defending Super Bowl champions are moving the ball well to start this game as well. Jalen Hurts has found Dallas Goedert twice already on his first drive, and Saquon Barkley is right back at it with a 16-yard gain.

Cowboys 7, Eagles 0

8:32 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — One drive, one touchdown. The NFL season begins with a score for the Cowboys, as Javonte Williams punches one in from a yard out. Dallas took full advantage of Carter's absence immediately, rushing for 15 yards on the drive. CeeDee Lamb also added in a nice 32-yard catch, his first of the year.

The Philadelphia crowd was certainly amped on banner night, but the last 10 minutes have not gone the Eagles' way in more ways than one.

8:30 p.m. — The Cowboys are now running the ball well on their first drive following Carter's ejection. Here's more videos from the bizarre interaction with Carter and Prescott to begin the new season:

8:25 p.m. — Wow. What a strange start to the 2025 season, as on the kickoff play, not only did the Eagles see one of their special teams players get injured, causing a lengthy delay, but star defender Jalen Carter was just ejected from the game.

Carter appeared to spit on Dak Prescott during the delay:

Pregame

8:24 p.m. — The 2025 season has arrived. Philadelphia and Dallas have been introduced, and the Cowboys will begin the season with the ball.

8:23 p.m. — The first look at Philadelphia's brand-new Super Bowl banner:

8:22 p.m. — The Eagles are celebrating their February title tonight, and the Lombardi Trophy was out and about pregame.

8:04 p.m. — We're just minutes away from the kickoff of the 2025 NFL season. CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Saquon Barkley are all ready.

7:35 p.m. — Even though the Cowboys traded Micah Parsons last week, NFL Media's Mike Garafolo reported that Parsons' mother is in attendance for tonight's Dallas-Philly matchup. She's also reportedly wearing Cowboys "apparel," despite her son moving on to Green Bay.

7:34 p.m. — Out come the 2025 Dallas Cowboys for the first time this season:

7:15 p.m. — Below are the Cowboys' inactives tonight. The most notable is RB Jaydon Blue, who has earned some buzz as a rookie option in Dallas' backfield. However, it'll be veterans like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in line for snaps to begin the season.

7:14 p.m. — Here are the Eagles' inactives for Week 1. Tanner McKee would typically be QB2, but those duties will fall on Sam Howell as McKee deals with a minor injury.

6:35 p.m. — Devonta Smith remains one of the NFL's most stylish players.

6:30 p.m. — Dak Prescott has found some success when visiting Philadelphia. Will that continue tonight?

5:22 p.m. — The reigning Super Bowl MVP is in the building.

5:21 p.m. — Dak Prescott, making his return from an injury tonight, appeared to be signing along to an Eagles-themed tune as he arrived at Lincoln Financial Field:

5:18 p.m. — Tonight is banner night for the Eagles, although Nick Sirianni said earlier this week that he wasn't aware of that and his team won't be out on the field for the celebration. Whether that holds true remains to be seen, but Philadelphia is clearly trying to keep its eyes focused on the new season.

MORE COWBOYS-EAGLES NEWS:

Where to watch the NFL game tonight

Cowboys vs. Eagles start time

  • Date: Thursday, Sept. 4
  • Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET

The NFL's 2025 kickoff matchup between the Cowboys and Eagles will begin on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 8:20 p.m. ET from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. 

What channel is Cowboys vs. Eagles on today?

  • TV channel: NBC (U.S.) | TSN1/4/CTV (Canada)
  • Live stream: Peacock | Fubo | NFL+ | DAZN NFL (Canada)

Cowboys vs. Eagles on Thursday night will air nationally on NBC. Additionally, fans looking to stream the game can turn to Peacock, NFL+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial to new users.

For Canadian viewers, the NFC East showdown will air on TSN1, TSN4 and CTV, and it can be streamed through DAZN.

Eagles schedule 2025

Here's a look at Philadelphia's first five games of the season.

DateOpponentTime (ET)
Thursday, Sept. 4vs. Dallas8:20 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 14at Kansas City4:25 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 21vs. Los Angeles Rams1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 28at Tampa Bay1 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 5vs. Denver1 p.m.

MORE: Week 1 NFL picks against the spread

Cowboys schedule 2025

Here's a look at Dallas' first five games of the season.

DateOpponentTime (ET)
Thursday, Sept. 4at Philadelphia8:20 p.m
Sunday, Sept. 14vs. New York Giants1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 21at Chicago4:25 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 28vs. Green Bay8:20 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 5at New York Jets1 p.m.

MORE: Breaking down Brian Schottenheimer's coaching history

Daniel Mader

Daniel Mader is a Content Producer for The Sporting News. He joined SN in 2024 as an editorial intern following graduation from Penn State University. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. Daniel grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.