Defending Super Bowl Champions the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys at the Lincoln Financial Field in a game of significant proportions to both teams on Sunday night. With a 3-5 record, the Cowboys are second from bottom and are +675 to win the NFC East. The Eagles on the other hand are 4-4 and will be aiming to topple the Washington Redskins who lead NFC East. With the Redskins currently facing an injury crisis and the Eagles just one game behind them, Doug Pederson and his troops may sight an opportunity to catch the Redskins at the top of the division especially over the next five weeks when they play 4 division games around a game against the Saints. Despite a .500 record in the season so far, the Eagles remain -220 to win the division.
The Cowboys enter the 118th meeting with the Eagles on Sunday in a tight position after losing 3 of their last 4. The Cowboys will need to step out of 2 consecutive losses to win, not only to improve their record in the head-to-head meetings - the all time series stands at 66-52 in favour of the Eagles, but to stand a chance in their playoff quest. The Cowboys offensive game is suffering with quarterback Dak Prescott not reaching the levels of the previous season. He is completing 62.9% of his passes for 1,660 yards, 10 TDs and 5 interceptions. Much of their offensive threat has come from RB Ezekiel Elliott who has totalled 900 combined yards this season. Amari Cooper has stepped up after his acquisition from the Oakland Raiders and the departure of QB Dez Bryant. On his debut last Monday, he managed 5 receptions for 58 yards and a score.
Defensively Dallas are allowing 317 yards and 18.9 points per game. Xavier Woods has one interception, DeMarcus Lawrence has 6.5 sacks while Jaylon Smith leads with 66 tackles.
The Eagles wobbled a bit at the start of the season but are coming off their bye week at 4-4 and a 24-18 win over Jacksonville Jaguars last time out. Quarterback Carlos Wentz who had a surgery during the off-season has been playing very well since his return. He has completed 70.7% of his passes for 1.788 yards, 13 TDs and 2 interceptions. Golden Tate got traded to the Eagles during the bye week and should make his debut on Sunday. He has 44 catches for 517 yards and 3 TDs this season. Philadelphia’s ground game is averaging 106.6 yards per contest with Wendell Smallwood leading on 257 yards and 1 TD.
Defensively the Eagles are allowing 352.9 yards and 19.5 points per game. They have held oppositions to under 20 points in 5 of the 8 games played so far.
Team News
Eagles RB Darren Sproles has aggravated a hamstring injury and a date is yet to be set for his return while CBs Sidney Jones and Jalen Mills are out of Sunday’s game due to hamstring and foot injuries respectively. Lane Johnson is expected to be available after a knee injury while the medical team are sweating on the fitness of DE Josh Sweat.
Connor Williams, Joe Thomas, Sean Lee, David Irving, Taco Charlton and Tavon Austin are all out for the Cowboys while Randy Gregory and Geoff Swaim are questionable.
Verdict
The Eagles offence is ranked 18th to the Cowboys 29th. This and home advantage should make an Eagles win the likeliest outcome.
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