Eagles vs Cowboys Rivalry Looms Large for NFC East Title

The Historic Rivalry Between the Eagles and Cowboys

The NFC East divisional rivalry between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys is one of the most storied in NFL history. With both teams having found success over the decades, their matchups often impact divisional standings and playoff seeding. This year, the veteran-laden Eagles and young Cowboys squad are on track to compete for the NFC East crown.

Eagles Flying High This Season

The Eagles clinched a playoff berth with their Week 17 win over the New York Giants. At 13-3, Philadelphia earned the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Veteran quarterback Jalen Hurts has put up MVP-caliber numbers, ranking third in passing touchdowns (22) and fifth in QB rushing yards (760). The Eagles boast a staunch defense as well, allowing the second-fewest points per game (18.1) behind the dominant 49ers. With home-field advantage and a first-round bye, the Eagles are favored to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Injuries Slowing Cowboys' Momentum

The Cowboys remain alive in the NFC playoff picture at 12-4, though they squandered an opportunity to win the division in Week 17. Dallas has been ravaged by injuries down the stretch, losing QB Dak Prescott for five games and star WR CeeDee Lamb missing time as well. While excellent defensive play and the emergence of RB Tony Pollard have kept Dallas afloat, their offense lacks its early season explosiveness. Heading into the Wild Card round, the hobbled Cowboys face tough odds making a deep postseason run without their best players at full strength.

Week 6 Matchup Foreshadowed Teams' Trajectories

The Eagles and Cowboys first showdown of the year came in Week 6 on Sunday Night Football. At the time, both teams were undefeated early in the season. The game played out as a tight, back-and-forth contest that came down to the final play. With Dallas driving near the red zone in the game's closing seconds, Eagles cornerback James Bradberry made a clutch interception to seal a 26-17 Eagles victory and move Philadelphia to 6-0.

Hurts Bests Prescott in QB Showdown

The much-anticipated Week 6 matchup between Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott lived up to the hype. Hurts posted an efficient stat line of 15/25 passing, 155 yards, 2 TDs plus 9 rush, 57 yards. After the early interception, Hurts played a clean game and made winning plays at key moments. Meanwhile, Prescott and the Cowboys struggled to find offensive rhythm. Despite a late garbage time TD, Dallas' offense looked out of sync in the loss. The game showed Hurts could go toe-to-toe with the NFL's best.

Goal Line Stand Propels Eagles

A key turning point was the Eagles' goal line stand in the second quarter. With Dallas leading 7-0 and threatening inside the 10-yard line, Philadelphia's defense delivered consecutive run stuffs. First, Haason Reddick fought off a blocker to drop Ezekiel Elliott for no gain. Next play, Javon Hargrave exploded through the line untouched for another TFL. The Cowboys turned the ball over on downs, sapping momentum en route to 0 second quarter points. The early defensive stand underscored the strength and physicality of Philadelphia's front seven.

Week 16 Matchup Previews Playoff Atmosphere

Following their Week 6 instant classic, the Eagles and Cowboys delivered another thriller in Week 16. The stakes were clear heading in: the winner would control their NFC East title destiny. Veterans like Fletcher Cox emphasized focusing solely on Dallas and not looking ahead. Once again, Eagles-Cowboys lived up to its hype as a game that wasn't decided until the final minute.

Pollard's Big Day Not Enough for Dallas

With Dak Prescott sidelined by a broken thumb, the Cowboys turned to backup quarterback Cooper Rush to lead the offense. While Rush played turnover-free football, RB Tony Pollard stole the show with 12 carries for 131 yards, including a spectacular 60-yard catch and run. However, costly penalties and stalled drives ultimately kept Dallas out of the end zone. Despite Pollard's heroics, the short-handed Cowboys only managed 17 offensive points.

Hurts Bounces Back From Early Miscues

Unlike his crisp performance in Week 6, Jalen Hurts struggled with turnovers to open Week 16. The MVP candidate threw an ugly interception to start the game and lost a fumble later in the first half. However, Hurts displayed mental toughness in shaking off the early miscues. He led multiple clock-draining drives to control possession and keep the ball away from Pollard. Hurts' 17-yard TD pass to DeVonta Smith with under 5 minutes left secured Philadelphia's 10th victory of the season.

Week 18 Sets up NFC East Title Game

By virtue of wins over the Giants and Saints, the Eagles and Cowboys will play in Week 18 with major playoff ramifications. Sunday night's season finale marks the 15th game all-time where Philly and Dallas battle for the NFC East crown. If the Cowboys pull off the road upset, they'll remarkably still have a path to win the division. However, an Eagles victory officially eliminates Dallas from contention for the division title.

Health of Prescott Looms Large for Dallas

Dallas received encouraging news that Dak Prescott has a chance to return for Sunday night's must-win game. Prescott has more receiving weapons at his disposal compared to backup QB Cooper Rush. However, given his five game absence, questions remain about Prescott's mobility after fracturing his thumb. How sharp he looks early against the Eagles defense will be telling if the layoff slowed his timing with receivers. The Cowboys' upset bid hinges heavily on Prescott hitting the ground running offensively.

Eagles Have Eyes on NFC's #1 Seed

Having already wrapped up a playoff berth, clinching the NFC East remains part of a larger goal for the Eagles. Philadelphia has the inside track for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Head coach Nick Sirianni has said he won't rest starters just because they've qualified for the tournament. Expect Philadelphia to stick to its strategy of controlling possession with the run game to limit opportunities for Dallas. If Jalen Hurts continues his efficient passing and the defense flusters Prescott, the top seed remains firmly within the Eagles' grasp.

FAQs

What is the Eagles current record?

The Eagles are 13-3 and clinched the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

Who was the Eagles' Week 6 win over?

The Eagles defeated the Dallas Cowboys 26-17 in Week 6.

When do the Eagles and Cowboys play again?

The Eagles host the Cowboys in Week 18 on January 8th with major playoff implications.

What QB injury has impacted the Cowboys?

Dak Prescott missed 5 games with a broken thumb but may return against the Eagles in Week 18.