After being forced to wait an extra day for Eagles football, Philadelphia is back in action tonight on the road against the Dallas Cowboys for Monday Night Football. Dallas and Philly are looking to cement themselves as the top dog in the division while both the Washington Football Team and the New York Giants continue to disappoint through three weeks of the season.

Both the Cowboys and Eagles are 1-1 going into tonight, with the Cowboys coming off a big win on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, the Eagles are looking to capitalize against an injury-riddled rival and gain an early lead in the NFC East.

Dallas will be without Keanu Neal (COVID), DeMarcus Lawrence (foot), La’el Collins (suspension), Michael Gallup (calf), Dorance Armstrong (ankle), Carlos Watkins (knee), and Neville Gallimore (elbow). Starting safety Donovan Wilson is doubtful with a groin injury. Meanwhile, the Eagles are missing Jordan Mailata and Rodney McLeod, who should hopefully be back next week.

After facing heavy run game offenses, the matchup against the Cowboys this week will be vastly different. Dak Prescott has attempted 20 more passes than Matt Ryan, and Jimmy Garoppolo threw the first two weeks. Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb could cause trouble for this secondary, and the matchup to watch will be Lamb against first-year Eagle Steven Nelson.

Due to several injuries, the Cowboys’ defensive line is in ruins, and it’ll benefit backups Landon Dickerson and Andre Dillard immensely as they get situated as the starters. Tonight could be a big showing for Miles Sanders against this shaky defense. 

Dallas is 23rd in the NFL, allowing 7.9 yards per completion, but they also have the second-most interceptions in the league. On the flip side, they have allowed the 8th fewest rushing yards in 2021 and are one of just four teams who have yet to give up a rushing touchdown. 

For whatever reason, NFC East teams always fair better on the road than in their own stadium, and I think that tradition will continue tonight. Philly wasn’t well equipped for their matchup against San Francisco, but with the Cowboys’ injuries and how their strengths stack up, the odds seem to be in the Eagles’ favor. 

I think it’ll be a shootout that lands in the Eagles’ favor, but the Eagles’ running game will make the difference. CeeDee Lamb is the biggest player Jonathan Gannon will need to watch, but hopefully, the Philadelphia secondary can do their job.

Eagles 35 – Cowboys 31

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images