The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys meet on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in a game that could redefine the NFC East playoff picture. The Eagles, riding a four-game winning streak at 8-2, are favored by 3 points, but the real story isn’t the spread—it’s the clash between one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses and a Cowboys offense that’s suddenly finding its rhythm. This isn’t just another divisional matchup. It’s a test of identity: can Philly’s grinding, defense-first approach hold off Dallas’ explosive, high-variance attack?
The Defense That Quietly Took Over
The Philadelphia Eagles haven’t won by dazzling offense lately. They’ve won by suffocation. In their last two victories, they held the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to a combined 26 points. That’s not a fluke. It’s the result of Vic Fangio’s defensive overhaul—something few noticed until it started working. The backbone? Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, the league’s best defensive tackle duo. They don’t just stuff the run—they collapse entire pockets, turning quarterbacks into panic artists. Against the Dallas Cowboys, that’s critical. Dallas thrives on rhythm, not chaos. And if Davis and Carter can disrupt Javonte Williams—who’s been held under 40 yards just once this season—the Cowboys’ offense stalls before it even starts.Dallas: Explosive, But Unreliable
The Dallas Cowboys are a study in contradictions. They beat the Las Vegas Raiders 33-16 on Monday night, covering as 3.5-point favorites. They tied the Green Bay Packers 40-40 in September. But they also lost to the New York Jets and barely edged the Washington Commanders. Their offense is talented—Dak Prescott still has the arm, and CeeDee Lamb is as dangerous as ever—but it’s inconsistent. And that’s the problem. When the pressure mounts, they turn into a team that relies on big plays, not sustained drives. The Eagles know this. They’ve been built to force teams into those moments.Jalen Hurts: The Quiet Engine
Don’t be fooled by the low scores. Jalen Hurts is still the engine. He’s not throwing for 300 yards anymore—he’s throwing for wins. His decision-making has never been sharper. With the offensive line battered by injuries, Hurts has become a master of tempo, quick releases, and scrambles that keep drives alive. He’s not the highlight reel QB he was two years ago. He’s something better: a winner. And in this game, that might be enough. The Cowboys’ defense, ranked 24th in the league, can’t afford to give him extra chances. But they’ve struggled all season to stop mobile quarterbacks. That’s a dangerous mismatch.
The Betting Numbers Tell a Story
The line is Eagles -3, total 48.5. On the surface, it looks like a coin flip. But look closer. The under is priced at -128, meaning bettors are being asked to risk $128 to win $100. That’s not a mistake. It’s a signal. Analysts at StatsAlt.com are recommending the under 47.5 with a 4-unit wager. Why? Because the Eagles have gone under in three of their last four games against Dallas. And while Dallas can score 40, they’ve also been held to 16, 17, and 13 points in their last three losses. The Eagles’ defense doesn’t need to shut them out—it just needs to make them earn every yard. That’s how you win low-scoring games.Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just about who wins the NFC East. It’s about momentum. The Eagles are in the driver’s seat for home-field advantage in the playoffs. A win here pushes them to 9-2, puts them two games up on Dallas, and sends a message: we don’t need flashy offense to be dangerous. The Cowboys, at 4-5-1, are on the edge of playoff irrelevance. A loss here drops them to 4-6-1. They’d need to win three of their last five just to get to .500—and even then, they’d be fighting for a wild card spot. This game isn’t just about points. It’s about legacy.
What’s Next?
If the Eagles win, expect them to be mentioned in MVP conversations for Hurts—even if he doesn’t throw for 300 yards. If Dallas wins, the narrative flips: Prescott becomes the comeback story, and the Cowboys’ offense gets the green light to unleash. Either way, this game will echo through the rest of the season. The broadcast? FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET. Streaming on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App. No excuses not to watch.Frequently Asked Questions
How has the Eagles' defense improved so dramatically this season?
Under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Eagles shifted to a more aggressive, two-gap scheme that maximizes the strengths of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage has forced opponents into predictable passing situations, leading to a 35% reduction in opponent third-down conversion rates since Week 5. The secondary has also improved with better communication, turning potential big plays into short gains.
Why are analysts leaning toward the under despite Dallas’ high-scoring games?
While Dallas has scored 40+ points twice, they’ve also been held under 20 in four of their last six games. The Eagles’ defense has held four of their last five opponents under 21 points, and historically, this matchup has produced low-scoring games—three of the last four meetings saw under 48.5 points. The Cowboys’ offense struggles against disciplined fronts, and Philly’s front seven is among the league’s most disciplined.
What’s the significance of Javonte Williams being held under 40 rushing yards?
Williams is Dallas’ most consistent offensive weapon, averaging 92 rushing yards per game this season. When he’s held under 40 yards—as he was against the New England Patriots in Week 7—the Cowboys’ offense becomes one-dimensional. In those games, Dak Prescott has averaged just 182 passing yards and thrown two interceptions. If the Eagles’ front seven contains him, Dallas’ offensive rhythm collapses.
Could Jalen Hurts’ offensive line injuries hurt Philly’s chances?
Yes, but not as much as you’d think. Hurts has adapted by using quick slants, screens, and rollouts to minimize pressure. The Eagles have also increased their use of two-tight-end sets to help with protection. While they’ve allowed 14 sacks in the last three games, Hurts’ mobility and decision-making have offset the damage. His 10:2 TD-to-INT ratio over the last five games proves he’s managing the game effectively, even with a shaky line.
How does this game impact NFC playoff seeding?
A win for the Eagles would put them at 9-2 and likely secure home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. A loss drops them to 8-3, keeping them in a tight race with the 49ers and Buccaneers. For Dallas, a win ties them with the Commanders at 5-5-1 and keeps them alive for a wild card. A loss makes them 4-6-1, requiring them to win all remaining games and hope for multiple upsets just to make the playoffs.
Has this rivalry changed since the last time these teams met?
Absolutely. In the past five meetings, the Eagles have won four, outscoring Dallas 140-89. The dynamic has shifted from Dallas’ high-powered offense dominating to Philly’s defense controlling the tempo. The Cowboys used to win with big plays; now they’re forced to grind. And Philly, once known for its explosive offense, has become the more disciplined team. This isn’t just a rivalry—it’s a transformation.
