The 2025 NFL season kicks off on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field. Kickoff is set for 8:20 PM ET as the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles will raise their Super Bowl LIX banner before the game, adding even more energy to a rivalry that already runs deep.
Both teams enter the opener at 0-0, but the offseason storylines have been very different. Philadelphia returns nearly its full roster from last season’s championship run, while Dallas made one of the most surprising moves of the summer by trading away Micah Parsons. The Eagles dominated the last meeting 41-7 in December, and Dallas will try to prove they can compete without their All-Pro pass rusher.
Eagles Preview – Banner Night Focus
Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni has said the team is not talking about repeating, only about preparing for Dallas. The Eagles bring back Jalen Hurts at quarterback, who threw for 18 touchdowns and added 14 rushing scores last year. Hurts’ ability to extend drives and finish in the red zone has been a consistent factor, especially with the league voting not to ban the “tush push” play.
Running back Saquon Barkley is coming off a historic season with over 2,000 rushing yards. His presence forces defenses to commit extra players to the run, opening up space for A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The offensive line remains one of the strongest in the league, with Landon Dickerson cleared to play after a back issue.
On defense, the Eagles allowed just 17.8 points per game last year, second-best in the NFL. Jalen Carter is dealing with a shoulder issue but is expected to contribute this season as part of a deep defensive front. Philadelphia’s defense is built around size and speed, featuring several former Georgia standouts who continue to anchor the front seven.
Cowboys Preview – New-Look Group
The Cowboys enter Week 1 with plenty of change. Owner Jerry Jones traded Parsons to Green Bay for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks, a move that has divided fans. First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer will try to bring stability, but the defense now lacks a proven star pass rusher.
Quarterback Dak Prescott leads the offense with CeeDee Lamb as his primary weapon. Dallas added George Pickens to stretch the field and give Prescott another outside option. The run game will be handled by Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and rookie Jaydon Blue, who are expected to split carries early until a lead back emerges.
On the defensive side, Dallas allowed 27.5 points per game last season, ranking near the bottom of the league. Clark provides strength inside, but rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku will be asked to step in quickly. The secondary, led by Trevon Diggs, will need to handle the Eagles’ wideouts without a consistent pass rush up front.
Injury Notes and Key Matchups
Philadelphia’s injury list includes Landon Dickerson (back), Josh Uche (groin), Jalen Carter (shoulder), Tanner McKee (thumb), and Andrew Mukuba (hamstring). Dallas has Perrion Winfrey (back) out, while Trevon Diggs and Tyler Guyton both practiced fully this week despite knee concerns. Depth could play a role late in the game with both teams working through minor issues.
One key matchup is Barkley and the Eagles’ rushing attack against the Cowboys’ new-look defensive front. If Dallas cannot slow the run early, it will open up the field for Hurts. Another is the Dallas receivers against Philadelphia’s secondary, which has been physical and opportunistic in recent years.
Betting Trends
The Eagles are favored by 9.5 points with a total set at 47.5. Dallas has been an Over team, hitting the game total Over in 14 of their last 20 contests. The Cowboys have also had strong second-quarter numbers on the road, covering the 2Q spread in 7 of their last 8 away games. However, they have struggled in the second half, covering the 4Q spread just 5 times in their last 17.
Philadelphia has been one of the league’s most consistent teams in-game, winning the 2Q moneyline in 14 of their last 21 contests. They also finished games well, hitting the 4Q moneyline in 14 of their last 20. Those trends line up with a strong home favorite protecting a lead.
Betting Prediction
The Eagles are the deeper team and bring back nearly the same roster that lifted the Lombardi Trophy. Hurts’ connection with Sirianni has only grown, and Barkley’s presence adds balance to an already dangerous offense. Dallas has firepower with Lamb and Pickens, but losing Parsons leaves too many questions on defense for Week 1.
With Philadelphia strong at home and trending well in both offensive and defensive metrics, they should control this opener. The Cowboys’ Over trend may push the total close, but the Eagles’ defense is capable of holding Dallas below 20 points. Predicted score: Eagles 27, Cowboys 17.
Pick: Eagles -9.5
