Our Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys prediction takes a look at the Week 16 matchup that carries massive playoff implications with Philadelphia now down to their backup QB. Let’s dive into the current NFL betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Tuesday, Dec. 20.
Eagles vs. Cowboys Odds
- Spread
Cowboys -5 - Moneyline
Cowboys -210, Eagles +180 - Over/Under
46 points
Eagles vs. Cowboys Prediction
The Eagles just continue to roll over nearly every opponent they face this season. After a 25-20 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 15, Philadelphia only needs one more win to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC and the coveted first-round bye.
Unfortunately, some news was released within the past 24-48 hours that Jalen Hurts is likely to miss this game after suffering a sprained shoulder last week against the Bears. After being neck-and-neck with Patrick Mahomes for the NFL MVP through 15 weeks, it looks like Hurts’ chances to win the award could plummet if he misses the next couple of games.
Philadelphia has to be thankful that it’s not a more major injury for Hurts though. They have their sights set on something far greater than just the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC, and having Hurts available in the playoffs is what’s most important.
As for this next game, the Eagles will have a tough test with their division rival, and they’ll need their backup QB to show up in a big way. Gardner Minshew has had some star moments in the past, and he’s certainly a competent backup option that knows how to get the ball into the hands of his receivers.
MORE: Early NFL Week 16 Predictions and Picks Against the Spread
If Minshew can simply distribute the ball and the Eagles can find success with their run game against a Dallas defense that is allowing the ninth-most rushing yards per game, they could walk out of this one with a victory without their starting QB.
As for Dallas, they weren’t able to secure the victory in overtime last week against a surging Jacksonville team. After winning their previous four games, Dallas fell short of being able to advance to 11 wins on the season and now find themselves at 10-4 and in second place of the NFC East.
With that being said, Dallas did lock up a playoff spot last week and will look to compete deep into the postseason this year. While they already have their playoff spot secured and are unable to catch Philadelphia to win the division, Dallas would love to hand the Eagles one of their few losses on the year in this one.
The Cowboys need to get back on track after barely beating Houston two weeks ago and losing to Jacksonville in overtime last week. A win over a solid Eagles team — even without Hurts — would go a long way to providing some momentum for this team heading into the playoffs.
The key to winning this matchup for Dallas relies on their defense. If the Cowboys can win the turnover battle and create pressure on Minshew — who hasn’t really played since Week 18 last season — they could move to 11-4 on the year.
Eagles vs. Cowboys Score Prediction
Cowboys 27, Eagles 24