The Dallas Cowboys have been hitting their stride in December, winning four of their last five games, but despite their strong finish, the timing has been less than ideal. While they have shown flashes of improvement and dominance, the reality is that the Cowboys are officially eliminated from playoff contention. What started as a potential postseason run quickly fizzled out, and now their games serve only as preparation for next season. Their late-season surge is impressive, but the ultimate goal of securing a playoff spot has already slipped through their fingers.
On the other side of the rivalry, the Philadelphia Eagles are still firmly in the playoff hunt but are facing mounting pressure. The Eagles’ 10-game winning streak was snapped in a surprising loss to Washington, and that defeat has left them with limited time to adjust and improve their playoff positioning. With the NFC playoff picture becoming more competitive and their hold on the No. 2 seed beginning to look less secure, every game matters for Philadelphia. Their ultimate goal is not just to make the playoffs but to secure one of the top spots and potentially earn a bye week in the first round.
As expected, this game between the Cowboys and Eagles carries a significant rivalry feel, and the stakes are high for the Eagles, even if not for the Cowboys. While Dallas has little to gain at this point, the Eagles have a lot riding on this contest. The Eagles-Cowboys rivalry has been intense over the years, and even though the Cowboys have already been eliminated, they can still play spoiler to the Eagles’ playoff hopes. The Cowboys will be motivated to finish the season strong, and nothing would be sweeter than sending their divisional rivals into the postseason with a loss. The game, which has been moved up to 11 a.m. MT/noon CT, will be a critical moment for the Eagles to regain their momentum.
One of the key storylines for the Eagles heading into this game is the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Hurts is currently in concussion protocol, and his status for the game is still unclear as the week progresses. If Hurts is unable to play, the Eagles would need to rely on backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, a capable but less dynamic option compared to Hurts. Minshew has proven himself as a solid backup in the NFL, but the difference in the Eagles’ offense when Hurts is under center is noticeable. Hurts brings a unique blend of athleticism, mobility, and decision-making to the position, making him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league this season.
The uncertainty surrounding Hurts’ availability has had an immediate impact on the spread for the game, which has dropped from 10 1/2 points to 9 1/2 points. If Hurts is unable to suit up, the Eagles’ offense could take a hit, but they still have a lot of weapons at their disposal, including wide receiver A.J. Brown, who has been outstanding this year, and running back Miles Sanders, who has been effective at moving the ball on the ground. Regardless of the quarterback situation, Philadelphia is not lacking for talent.
As for the Cowboys, much of the attention will be focused on backup quarterback Cooper Rush, who has been filling in for Dak Prescott in various spots this season. When Rush has been called upon, he has been mostly steady, making some nice throws but also showing flashes of inconsistency. He has a solid arm and has shown that he can operate the offense efficiently when things are going well. His performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was one of his better outings, as he was able to move the ball downfield and get the Cowboys into a good rhythm.
Rush is playing for his future, both with the Cowboys and potentially as a starting quarterback elsewhere in the NFL. If Rush can continue to build on his performance and execute well in this game against a top-tier defense like the Eagles, it will do wonders for his resume. While Dak Prescott is clearly the future of the Cowboys, Rush has the potential to secure himself a starting role elsewhere in the NFL, and strong performances down the stretch would only help his cause.
Now, let’s break down the key matchups for this game, which will likely determine the outcome.
Cowboys Pass Offense vs. Eagles Pass Defense
- Cowboys: 10th (232.9 yards per game)
- Eagles: 2nd (178.8 yards per game)
The Cowboys’ passing attack, led by Prescott and aided by wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, has been solid all season, ranking in the top 10 in passing yards per game. However, they will face a tough test against the Eagles’ pass defense, which has been among the best in the league. Cornerback Darius Slay has been a standout for Philadelphia, and the Eagles’ ability to take away big plays will challenge the Cowboys’ offense. Rush will need to be accurate and smart with the ball if he is to find success.
Cowboys Rush Offense vs. Eagles Rush Defense
- Cowboys: 28th (95.2 yards per game)
- Eagles: 19th (102.9 yards per game)
The Cowboys’ ground game has struggled this season, ranking near the bottom of the league. They will face an Eagles defense that is more middle-of-the-pack against the run but has enough talent to stymie a struggling offense. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard will need to step up, but the Eagles’ defensive line, led by Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham, can be a challenge. This will be a matchup that heavily favors the Eagles.
Cowboys Rush Defense vs. Eagles Rush Offense
- Cowboys: 26th (135.9 yards per game allowed)
- Eagles: 31st (183.0 yards per game)
The Eagles have one of the most potent rushing attacks in the NFL, with Jalen Hurts leading the way as both a rusher and passer. If Hurts is able to play, the Cowboys will need to find a way to slow down the Eagles’ ground game, which has been a huge part of their success this season. The Cowboys’ defense has struggled against the run, and this is an area where the Eagles can exploit Dallas.
Cowboys Pass Defense vs. Eagles Pass Offense
- Cowboys: 22nd (223.7 yards per game allowed)
- Eagles: 1st (187.9 yards per game)
The Cowboys’ secondary has been inconsistent this season, ranking toward the bottom in pass defense. However, the Eagles’ passing game, led by Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown, has been one of the most efficient in the league. The matchup will come down to whether the Cowboys’ defensive backs, including Trevon Diggs, can limit big plays and contain one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the league.
Dallas Cowboys Players to Watch
- Cooper Rush, Quarterback: As mentioned, Rush is fighting for his future in the NFL. His performance in this game could determine how teams view his potential as a starter. His ability to move the offense and avoid turnovers will be key.
As the Cowboys face their bitter rivals in the Eagles, both teams will have a lot at stake—albeit for very different reasons. For the Eagles, it’s about keeping their playoff hopes alive, while the Cowboys will be looking to spoil those hopes with a strong showing. Whether it’s Hurts or Minshew at quarterback for the Eagles, this game promises to be another exciting chapter in the fierce rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.
