Predictions for a daring showdown between Cowboys and Eagles in the initial week of the 2025 NFL season

The NFL season kicks off on Thursday, September 4, as the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys at 8:20 p.m. Eastern. The Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX victory, are favoured to win by at least a touchdown, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

The Eagles' star wide receiver, AJ Brown, is predicted to have a standout performance in this highly-anticipated matchup. His receiving over/under is set at 71.5 yards by FanDuel Sportsbook. Last season, Brown was excellent for the Eagles, totaling 1,079 yards in 13 regular-season games and scoring two touchdowns in the playoffs. In the two games against the Cowboys last season, Brown racked up 145 yards combined.

The Cowboys' defense is expected to struggle without Micah Parsons, who was traded to the Green Bay Packers this offseason. Parsons was a key player in the Cowboys' pass rush, which made cornerbacks DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs better at their jobs. Without that rush, things might get difficult for the Dallas defense.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys' running backs are predicted to struggle in this game. Javonte Williams, who the Cowboys added to their roster this offseason, is set at 38.5 yards by FanDuel Sportsbook. Miles Sanders, another new addition, is expected to face similar challenges. The duo, along with the rest of the Cowboys' running backs, are predicted to combine for fewer than 75 yards.

On the other side of the ball, Jalen Hurts will take the field against a Dallas defense without Parsons. Hurts had a stellar season last year, leading the Eagles to two blowout wins in the playoffs and securing the Super Bowl for the team. The Eagles are predicted to dominate the Cowboys' defense, with Brown leading the game in catches, yards, and scoring a touchdown.

The Eagles kept many of their core members this offseason and are in a great spot to repeat as champions. The Cowboys, on the other hand, revamped their running back room, adding Williams and Sanders. Dak Prescott will be relied on to move the Cowboys' offense all season long.

As the Eagles celebrate their second championship banner, they will aim to start the season with a dominating performance against the Cowboys. The NFL season opener promises to be an exciting matchup, with the Eagles favoured to win and Brown expected to shine.

Predictions for a daring showdown between Cowboys and Eagles in the initial week of the 2025 NFL season