NFL Week 17 Preview: Picks & Predictions (Cowboys vs. Eagles)

by Travis Pulver |
Dec 29, 2024

The Dallas Cowboys have a tall task ahead of them as they take on one of their hated rivals, the Eagles, in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field. The action begins at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast on Fox. Philadelphia is a 7.5-point home favourite and can lock up the NFC East with a win.

However, they'll have to do it shorthanded since quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in the concussion protocol; Kenny Pickett will start.

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NFL Week 17 Early Start Game of the Week: Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Details

Opening Line: Eagles -2, O/U 47
Closing Line: Eagles -7.5, O/U 38
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Start Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV Network: FOX
Last Meeting: November 10, 2024- Philadelphia Eagles 34 – Dallas Cowboys 6

Overview

When these two teams met back in Week 10, things did not go well for the Cowboys' new starting quarterback, Cooper Rush. The veteran backup completed just 13 of 23 pass attempts for a dismal 45 yards. With only 97 yards via the run game, it was surprising that the Cowboys scored six points.

But the star of the day for the Eagles was not the defense. As poorly as the Cowboys offense had been playing, the Philly defense played as well as expected. It wasn't running back Saquon Barkley, who managed just 66 yards on 14 carries and was held out of the endzone.

No, it was Jalen Hurts.

Hurts completed 14 of 20 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns (along with one interception) and chipped in 56 yards and two scores via the run game. But Hurts is not playing as he is still in the league's concussion protocol.

The injury occurred early in last week's game against the Commanders. Kenny Pickett came on in relief; he went 14 of 24 for 143 yards and a touchdown, along with an interception. Saquon Barkley had a solid day with 150 yards and two touchdowns, but most of his work came in the first.

He was essentially shut down for three quarters.

Dallas has played surprisingly well since that earlier loss to the Eagles, going 4-2 to improve to 7-8 on the season. But if they are going to improve to 8-8, they will have to do so without the services of superstar wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Trends

The Cowboys lead the all-time series vs. the Eagles 74-57.
Dallas last won in Philadelphia in Week 18 of the 2021 season.
Cooper Rush is 9-4 as a starting quarterback but 0-2 against the Eagles.
Philadelphia has not lost at home since Week 17 of the 2023 season.

Bottom Line

Dallas has been playing well, but CeeDee Lamb has been a big part of that success. In their four wins under Rush, Lamb had 28 receptions, two 100+ yard games, but only one touchdown. His value is obvious, but he is not the only reason the Cowboys have won games. However, can they move the ball without Lamb against this tough Philly defense?

But another question may be even more important: Can Kenny Pickett get the Philadelphia offense on track and score against the Dallas defense? Expectations for Pickett are minimal; Saquon Barkley will do most of the work for the Eagles’ offense. But the Cowboys will play well enough to keep the game interesting.

Pick: Cowboys (+7.5)

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