The debut of the 2025-26 NFL season begins tonight on NBC when the Dallas Cowboys face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl-winning campaign, during which they lost only three contests the entire season.
Dallas only won seven games during an injury-plagued 2024 season, missing the playoffs. The Cowboys roster took a massive hit recently when they traded stud outside linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.
NFL betting sites have granted the Eagles an eight-point edge at home.
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
- Point Spread: Cowboys +8.0, Eagles -8.0
- Moneyline: Cowboys +335, Eagles -450
- Over/Under: 48.0
- (Bovada Sportsbook)
Here are five reasons that gamblers should consider betting on the Dallas Cowboys tonight.
Recent Head-to-Head Performance
Dak Prescott has historically played well against the Eagles, with 16 touchdowns and just one interception over his last five meetings versus Philadelphia, and a completion rate of 71% in those games. The Cowboys have a 5-1 record against the Eagles in opening games historically.
Do we expect Dallas to be on par with Philly for their second meeting later this season? No. But this is Week 1, the Cowboys are healthy, and this is a divisional rivalry game. Anyone who isn’t confident in a Cowboys win can bet on them to cover the eight points.
Prescott’s Return and Motivation
Prescott’s return gives Dallas a proven leader who keeps the Cowboys competitive, and he has shown resilience after injuries, with an increased willingness to run in big games. After missing the playoffs last season, Dallas is motivated for a bounce-back year under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who will retain his duties as offensive coordinator.
The offseason addition of George Pickens and a healthy Jake Ferguson provide more options for Prescott, reducing reliance on one key target and improving scoring chances.
Roster Changes
The Cowboys have added Payton Turner and Dante Fowler to bolster their defensive front, which will help them better defend against the Eagles’ potent rushing attack. There’s no game film out there on this combination of players to scout, so their defensive front should have an edge on opponents for at least the first couple of weeks.
Betting Trends Favor Underdogs
Divisional underdogs in Week 1 have historically performed well against the spread, increasing the likelihood for an outright upset or a close finish favoring Dallas.
The Eagles, as big favorites, have not consistently covered the spread in recent games, which can hint at vulnerability under pressure.
With most bettors backing the Eagles and the line moving further to favor Philadelphia, sharp bettors may find value in siding with the contrarian pick, especially given past Week 1 surprises and the Cowboys’ historical divisional success.
The Defense Can Step Up
Javonte Williams could exploit the Eagles’ defense near the goal line, and if Dallas moves the ball efficiently, their offense might outperform expectations, especially if the Eagles’ defensive front tires.
Kickoff for tonight’s game is set for 8 PM on Prime.
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