The NFL season is finally here. The Cowboys are in Philadelphia to take on the Eagles on Thursday night. This Cowboys-Eagles betting preview includes trends, player props and sportsbook bonuses. Kickoff is set for 8:20 pm ET on NBC.
- The Philadelphia Eagles open their title defense as heavy 8.5-point home favorites against the rival Dallas Cowboys.
- Dak Prescott returns to action for the first time since a hamstring injury derailed the Cowboys' 2024 season.
- This article breaks down the odds, key matchups, and player props, providing our best bets for this NFC East clash.
The atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field will be electric as the Eagles raise their championship banner, but the focus will quickly shift to the on-field rivalry. Jalen Hurts, fresh off a stellar 2024 campaign where he posted a 103.7 passer rating with 18 passing touchdowns to just five interceptions, looks to pick up where he left off. The Eagles' offense is loaded, having top-ranked running back Saquon Barkley with a potent mix featuring A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Across the field, all eyes are on Dak Prescott, who makes his return after a hamstring injury ended his 2024 season prematurely. Before the injury, Prescott was leading an efficient offense, and his historical success against the Eagles (9-4 record) cannot be ignored.
The Cowboys have retooled their offense, adding receiver George Pickens to complement CeeDee Lamb, but face significant questions on defense after trading away superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons. This opener will be a major litmus test for both clubs, setting the tone for their division title aspirations.
This NFL preview will dissect the Cowboys-Eagles betting odds, analyze critical matchups, and identify the most valuable player props to help you make informed wagers for this Week 1 clash.
Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles Betting Odds
| Bet Type | Cowboys | Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +8.5 (-110) | -8.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | +350 | -455 |
| Total Points | Over 47.5 (-110) | Under 47.5 (-110) |
Odds as of September 4, 2025 from BetMGM.
The odds paint a clear picture, with the Eagles positioned as dominant home favorites. The moneyline implies a substantial gap between the two squads. Bet on the spread, total and moneyline after using the BetMGM bonus code TSN150.
The Eagles' price reflects their status as defending champions, their incredible home-field advantage, and the Cowboys' defensive uncertainties. Philadelphia has been a machine at home, winning their last 11 games at Lincoln Financial Field. Bettors should note that the Cowboys have struggled mightily in this spot, going just 1-5 straight up in their last six games as an underdog of a touchdown or more.
Odds Movement & Analysis
The market has shown significant confidence in the Eagles since opening. The spread has moved from an initial line of Philadelphia -7 to -8.5, a key move across the touchdown threshold. The moneyline has seen a similar shift, with the Eagles opening at -333 and steaming up to -455. The total has also ticked up a full point from 46.5 to 47.5, suggesting an expectation for points despite the large spread.
This movement is likely driven by several factors. The Eagles are celebrating their Super Bowl victory on home turf, an emotionally charged event that typically favors the home team. Furthermore, while the public may be backing the Cowboys to cover a large spread with Prescott's return, professional money appears to be siding with Philadelphia's proven dominance.
The loss of Parsons for Dallas creates a massive hole in their pass rush, which is a critical weakness against an elite offensive line like Philadelphia's.
Cowboys vs. Eagles – Key Matchups to Watch
Consider the following matchups when making your picks. Claim the DraftKings promo code offer to use a $300 NFL bonus for Week 1.
Quarterback vs Pass Defense
Last season, Hurts was a model of efficiency, completing 68.7% of his passes with an elite 103.7 rating. He now faces a Cowboys defense that allowed a 99.5 QB rating to opponents in 2024 and no longer has Parsons to generate relentless pressure. The key for Dallas will be manufacturing a pass rush to disrupt Hurts' timing.
For Prescott, he'll be tested by an Eagles defense that allowed the fewest passing yards per game (174.2) last season. However, the Eagles' secondary is a new-look unit, and Prescott could find success targeting Lamb and Pickens against potentially inexperienced defensive backs.
Running Game vs Run Defense
Barkley gets to face a Cowboys run defense that was porous last season, surrendering 137.1 yards per game. This is a significant mismatch favoring Philadelphia.
The Cowboys' offense, which averaged a modest 100.3 rushing yards per game, will find it tough sledding against an Eagles front that allowed only 104.2 yards on the ground and is anchored by the disruptive Jalen Carter.
Pass Catchers vs Secondary
This is the marquee matchup of the game. The Cowboys' duo of Lamb and Pickens presents a formidable challenge for the Eagles' revamped secondary. Lamb's route-running savvy and Pickens' deep-threat ability will test rookie Cooper DeJean and the rest of the Philadelphia defensive backs early and often.
On the other side, Brown and Smith have a distinct advantage against a Cowboys secondary that can be vulnerable to physical receivers. Brown's ability to win contested catches against Trevon Diggs could be a game-changer.
Offensive Line vs Pass Rush
Philadelphia's offensive line remains one of the NFL's elite units, boasting top-tier pass and run block win rates. Without Parsons, the Dallas pass rush, led by DeMarcus Lawrence, may struggle to generate consistent pressure on Hurts.
This could give Hurts ample time to dissect the Dallas secondary. Conversely, the Cowboys' offensive line, which had its struggles in 2024, faces a ferocious Eagles pass rush. Jalen Carter has the potential to dominate his matchup and make life difficult for Prescott all night long.
Cowboys vs. Eagles Player Props - Passing Totals
| Player | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Completions | INTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dak Prescott (DAL) | 245.5 (O -115 | U -115) | 1.5 (O +105 | U -139) | 23.5 (O +100 | U -133) | 0.5 (O -161 | U +125) |
| Jalen Hurts (PHI) | 213.5 (O -115 | U -115) | 1.5 (O +110 | U -143) | 17.5 (O -139 | U +105) | 0.5 (O +130 | U -175) |
Hurts' passing yardage line of 213.5 seems low, but it reflects Philadelphia's expected dominance on the ground. He averaged 193.5 passing yards per game last season in a run-heavy scheme.
Prescott's line of 245.5 is more ambitious, especially against a tough defense on the road, but the game script could force Dallas to throw frequently if they fall behind early.
Rushing & Receiving Props
| Player | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards | Receptions | Anytime TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saquon Barkley (PHI) | 95.5 (O -120 | U -110) | 12.5 (O -118 | U -111) | 2.5 (O +145 | U -200) | Yes -194 | No +150 |
| A.J. Brown (PHI) | N/A | 68.5 (O -115 | U -115) | 4.5 (O -161 | U +120) | Yes +160 | No -210 |
| CeeDee Lamb (DAL) | N/A | 71.5 (O -125 | U -105) | 6.5 (O +100 | U -133) | Yes +143 | No -185 |
| George Pickens (DAL) | N/A | 52.5 (O -118 | U -111) | 4.5 (O +120 | U -161) | Yes +223 | No -300 |
Barkley's rushing prop is set high at 95.5 yards, but the matchup against a weak Cowboys run defense is pristine. Lamb's reception prop of 6.5 is a strong candidate for the over, as he will likely be Prescott's primary target against a young secondary. Brown's receiving line of 68.5 yards is also appealing, given his matchup advantage and big-play ability.
Cowboys vs. Eagles Final Prediction
This NFC East opener is shaping up to be a statement game for the defending champion Eagles. The combination of a raucous home crowd celebrating a Super Bowl banner, a dominant offensive line, and the capabilities of Barkley could be a nightmare for a Cowboys team in transition.
While Prescott's return is a significant boost for the Cowboys, he's stepping into the lion's den against a defense that, despite personnel changes in the secondary, still possesses a game-wrecking defensive front led by Carter. The Eagles' ability to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball will be the deciding factor.
From an NFL betting perspective, the trends are overwhelmingly in Philadelphia's favor. The Eagles are on an 11-game winning streak at home and have gone 6-1 ATS in their last seven home contests. Conversely, the Cowboys have struggled as significant underdogs, posting a dismal 1-5 record straight-up in their last six games when getting a touchdown or more.
The historical data between these two teams also points towards a high-scoring affair, with the over hitting in six of their last eight meetings. Expect the Eagles to establish the run with Barkley, control the clock, and force Prescott into uncomfortable situations, leading to a comfortable home victory.
Picks:
- ATS: Philadelphia Eagles -8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 47.5 (-110)
- Player Prop: Saquon Barkley Anytime Touchdown (-194)
- Player Prop: CeeDee Lamb Over 6.5 Receptions (+100)
Public Betting Splits
An interesting dynamic is forming in the betting market for this game. While 62% of the total bets placed are on the Cowboys to cover the +8.5 spread, a staggering 70% of the money wagered is on the Eagles. This classic public vs. sharp money split indicates that while casual bettors are taking the points with the underdog, larger, more professional wagers are backing the Eagles to win by a comfortable margin.