Crossing Broad
The NFL season kicks off with a bang as one of the league’s most heated rivalries takes center stage. The Philadelphia Eagles, looking to build on a dominant Super Bowl campaign, host the Dallas Cowboys in a Thursday night clash with immediate NFC East implications. This matchup pits two of the conference’s premier quarterbacks against each other in a battle that could set the tone for the entire season.
Jalen Hurts returns to lead a potent Philadelphia offense after a stellar 2024 season where he posted a 103.7 passer rating with 18 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions, adding another 14 scores on the ground. Across the field, Dak Prescott aims to guide a re-tooling Cowboys squad. Last season, Prescott threw for 1,978 yards and 11 touchdowns pre-injury, as the Cowboys now operate without his former top pass rusher, Micah Parsons, anchoring the defensive side. With both teams eager to assert their dominance in the division, this opener promises fireworks from the opening snap.
This comprehensive preview will break down the odds, analyze key matchups, and provide data-driven predictions and player props to help you make informed wagers on this NFC East heavyweight fight.
The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles reignite their rivalry to open the season at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 8:20 PM EDT, with the broadcast on NBC. The weather forecast calls for a clear evening with temperatures in the low 70s and minimal wind, creating perfect conditions for an offensive showcase. This game marks another chapter in a long-standing feud, with the Eagles looking to continue their recent home-field advantage in the series.
Odds as of September 4th, 2025 from ESPNbetCom.
Moneyline (vig-free): Philadelphia Eagles \~77.9%, Dallas Cowboys \~22.1%
The odds paint a clear picture of the Eagles as substantial favorites on their home turf. The -417 moneyline implies a nearly 78% chance of victory for Philadelphia. The Eagles have been a machine at home, winning their last 11 games at Lincoln Financial Field and covering the spread in six of their last seven. The Cowboys, meanwhile, have struggled in this spot, posting a dismal 1-5 record as a touchdown-plus underdog in their last six opportunities.
This line has seen significant movement in favor of the home team. The Philadelphia Eagles opened as 7-point favorites, and the spread has since been bet up to -8.5. The moneyline has followed suit, moving from an opening of -303 to a steep -417. This shift indicates strong market confidence in Philadelphia’s ability to control this game from start to finish....
