It’s the final week of the NFL regular season in 2021, and the Dallas Cowboys have already secured the NFC East. Their opponent in Week 18, the Philadelphia Eagles, have also clinched a playoff spot. So, with just one week to go, let’s look at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles NFL odds and make a pick and prediction.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles pick, prediction | Week 18
- Spread: Cowboys -7 (Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Moneyline: Cowboys -290, Eagles +230
- Over/Under: 42.5
Will Dallas rest some starters in Week 18?
The Cowboys had an opportunity to jump into the No. 2 seed in Week 17 if they beat the Arizona Cardinals. Dallas has head-to-head advantages over the two franchises above them in the NFC, the Rams and the Buccaneers.
However, the Cowboys fell just short with a 25-22 defeat to the Cardinals in a game they didn’t particularly have control of at any point. Dallas ended up chasing the game all evening as a result but came up short.
[bet-promo id=”160605″ ]The opportunity to take the second seed in the conference is still a possibility. That scenario requires the Cardinals, Rams, and Bucs all to lose this week — but it is possible.
So it begs the question, is it really worth putting everything into this game? Or is resting your starters and accepting the fourth seed the better option?
Eagles are in, but a win seals the sixth seed
The Eagles secured their spot in the postseason with a Week 17 win over the Washington Football Team. Taylor Heinicke threw a pick in the end zone on Washington’s final drive, which sent Philly to the Wild Card round.
A late surge in the season saw the Eagles rise up through the rankings. Now, they could finish as high as sixth in the NFC standings. It would mean facing the No. 3 seed in the first round, currently the Buccaneers.
A win for the Eagles, and a loss for the San Francisco’s result, locks in Philly’s position at sixth. If the Niners win, the Eagles will remain the 7th seed, regardless of their result.
Cowboys vs. Eagles betting trends
The Cowboys were 6.5-point favorites against the Cardinals, and the loss cost them their streak against the spread. Prior to that, Dallas had won and covered four games in a row.
That includes the -10 spread against Washington in Week 16, and the Cowboys’ dominant win in Week 16 against the New York Giants in which they covered an -11.5-point spread.
The Eagles also broke a streak with their win over Washington last weekend. That victory marked the first game in which they failed to cover the over in four weeks.
Philadelphia has two wins, a loss, and a push in their last four contests ATS. But they have won six of their last seven games outright.
Cowboys vs. Eagles prediction
The problem is, it’s that fated week — the final week of the NFL regular season. In that week, you usually have to throw out the rule book because nothing is certain. Will the Cowboys rest some starters? Will the Eagles go all out for the win?
What complicates it further is the rivalry. Surely the Cowboys aren’t going to lay down and allow the Eagles an easy rivalry victory? Or do they put their pride aside, focus on the playoffs, and do the smart thing?
I’ll take the Eagles with the points, as I believe the Cowboys rest some — if not most — of their starters. The game matters more for Philadelphia, and I’m also keen on the under.
Cowboys vs. Eagles Prediction: Eagles 20, Cowboys 16