Two NFC East rivals go head to head in primetime Sunday night.
The Cowboys lead the all time series 63-51, and they have split the last 4 matchups.
The Cowboys are coming off a 28-14 loss to the Titans on Monday night following their week 8 bye. In week 6, the Cowboys smoked the Jaguars 40-7, and lost 20-17 to the Redskins in week 7.
The Eagles are coming off their bye after defeating the Jags 24-18 in London in week 8. In week 6, the Eagles beat the Giants 34-13, and lost 21-17 to the Panthers in week 7.
BetOnline has the Eagles as 7 point favourites, with the O/U set at 43.5.
The Cowboys have caught a lot of flak this past week for Jerry Jones comments displaying support for Dak Prescott and Jason Garrett despite criticism from NFL pundits and casuals alike. Prescott ranks 27th in the NFL in yardage at 1660, is averaging 7 yards per attempt, completing 62.9% of his passes, and has thrown 10 TDs to 5 INTs this season.
The engine of the Cowboys offense is Zeke Elliot, but they have struggled to utilize him to his fullest potential this season. Zeke has 149 carries for 680 yards this season, but has just 3 TDs and isn’t breaking long runs the way he used to. Cole Beasley leads the team in receptions, yards and TDs (tied) with 36, 366, and 2 respectively. Amari Cooper appeared to inject some energy into the Cowboys passing game with 5 catches for 58 yards and a TD in his Cowboys debut.
The Cowboys defense has been great this season, allowing just 217.1 passing yards per game, and have given up just 10 passing TDs this season (2nd). The Cowboys run defense ranks 10th in the league at 99.9 yards per game, are giving up just 3.6 yards per carry (2nd), and allowed just 6 TDs this year. They have just 2 interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries this season, and rank 11th with 23 sacks.
Injuries and Inactive Watch
WR Deonte Thompson (ribs) – questionable
LB Sean Lee (hamstring) – out
EDGE Taco Charlton (shoulder) – questionable
G Zack Martin (knee) – questionable
The Eagles are looking for a second half surge to carry them into the playoffs after winning the Super Bowl last season. They still have essentially the same roster, and are one of the more talented and well coached units in the league. In just 6 games, Wentz ranks 25th with 1788 yards, has thrown 13 TDs to 2 INTs, is completing 70.7% of his passes, and is averaging 7.9 yards per attempt.
The Eagles run game is fairly irrelevant, as Wendell Smallwood leads the team in rushing with 60 carries for 257 yards and a TD. Zach Ertz is the teams leading receiver, catching 61 balls for 644 yards and 3 TDs thus far, while Alshon Jeffery has 29 receptions for 341 yards and 4 TDs in 5 games. The Eagles will also be bolstered by the addition of Golden Tate at receiver.
The Eagles pass defense is 8th worst allowing 269.1 yards per game, but have allowed just 11 TDs through the air. Their run defense ranks 2nd allowing just 83.8 yards per game, and have given up just 4 rushing TDs this year. They have struggled to force turnovers however, picking off just 4 passes this season and recovering 3 fumbles, and rank t-14th with 21 sacks.
Injuries and Inactive Watch3>
CB Jalen Mills (foot) – doubtful
CB Sidney Jones (hamstring) – questionable
OT Lane Johnson (knee) – questionable
It’s no secret that the Cowboys offense has been questionable this season, but the Eagles secondary isn’t scaring anybody. Dak will have open receivers to throw to, but needs to get back on track as far as diagnosing coverages and getting to 2nd and 3rd reads. It will be tough sledding for Zeke, but if the Cowboys don’t give up on the run he is due to break one or 2.
The Eagles have a tough task ahead of them against a rock solid Cowboys D. They struggle to control clock and hold leads due to their lack of presence on the ground, and that may come back to bite them again. We think the Eagles win this one no problem, but the Cowboys cover in a low scoring affair.
Final Pick: Cowboys (+7)
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