The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2025 NFL season with a new identity but the same ambitions: win the NFC East, contend for a Super Bowl, and prove they can beat anyone — including the defending champs. Their first opportunity comes immediately, with a Week 1 road clash against the Philadelphia Eagles under the lights.
This is no ordinary opener. It’s the NFL’s fiercest rivalry renewed, but with plenty of fresh faces in the blue and silver. After trading away superstar Micah Parsons in a blockbuster deal, the Dallas Cowboys rebuilt key areas of their defense. All-Pro defensive tackle Kenny Clark, acquired in the trade, anchors a new-look front alongside Osa Odighizuwa, while Sam Williams steps into a full-time edge role. Linebackers Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn bring toughness and smarts to a hungry defense, showing it can thrive even without its biggest name.
Offensively, quarterback Dak Prescott returns with perhaps his most balanced set of weapons yet. CeeDee Lamb remains the focal point, but the addition of explosive receiver George Pickens adds vertical juice that could stretch even the Eagles’ loaded secondary. The Cowboys’ offensive line remains the question mark — cohesion at guard and tackle must hold up against Philadelphia’s relentless pass rush.
Here are three things Cowboys fans should look forward to in Week 1:
- George Pickens’ Debut – The big-play threat Dallas has needed is finally here. Expect deep shots to test Philly early.
- Kenny Clark’s Impact – A real difference-maker against the run, Clark’s presence in the trenches could neutralize the Eagles’ physical ground game.
- Sam Williams’ Emergence – Thrust into a starting role, Williams has the speed and power to give Jalen Hurts trouble off the edge.
The Eagles may be favored, but the Cowboys have the firepower, coaching, and motivation to flip the script. For a team that has been questioned all offseason, there's no better answer than a statement win in Week 1.