The Dallas Cowboys were not a good football team last season, but that didn't stop them from playing a major role in the NFL schedule release. The full schedule won't be released until Wednesday night, but we learned on Monday that Dallas will open the year on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the opening game of the NFL season, it will kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 4. It will be nationally broadcast on NBC and available for streaming on Peacock.
It is a bit head-scratching that the league decided to burn a Cowboys-Eagles matchup as its inaugural game of the 2025 season. After all, any matchup involving the reigning Super Bowl champs would draw a huge number.
While a tough draw for Dallas, Week 1 is the best time to play the Eagles. While a stacked roster, they will be shaking off rust and could be navigating a potential Super Bowl hangover. Despite that, America's Team has opened as huge underdogs.
Cowboys open as major underdogs against the Eagles in Week 1
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Cowboys are currently 6.5-point underdogs. That is a touchdown spread, folks.
The Dallas Cowboys have opened as 6.5-point underdogs for their Week 1 game on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles.
(via @FDSportsbook)
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) May 12, 2025
While the Eagles are the reigning champs and went 2-0 against Dallas last season, it is important to remember that Dak Prescott wasn't healthy for either game. Backup Cooper Rush started both contests and Dallas' roster was decimated by injury. Neither game was particularly close.
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That isn't to say the Cowboys would have swept Philly if Prescott didn't injure his hamstring, but he is 9-4 against the Eagles in his career. No other active quarterback has a better record against the Eagles. Prescott is even a respectable 3-3 at Lincoln Financial Field, which is arguably the most hostile atmosphere in the league.
In those 13 games, Prescott has thrown for 3,402 yards (261.7 per game), 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions, equating to a 100.6 passer rating.
Those are really impressive numbers, and the Cowboys have since upgraded at offensive coordinator in Klayton Adams and Prescott now has an improved running game and one of the best WR2s in the sport after the front office traded for George Pickens.
Nobody is saying that Dallas has more talent or deserves to be favorited, but a touchdown spread seems a bit rich given how close these games have been when Prescott has started under center.