Kickoff Saturday, Dec 24th 4:25pm Eastern

Eagles (
22) at

Cowboys (
26)

Over/Under 48.0

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Notes

Game Overview ::

By mike johnson >>
  • Philadelphia can lock up the 1-seed in the NFC with a win, while Dallas needs to win out to have a chance at the division title.
  • The Dallas defense has great statistics this season but has been far more beatable recently.
  • Jalen Hurts is unlikely to play this week due to a shoulder injury, paving the way for Gardner Minshew’s first start of the season.
  • Philadelphia’s run defense has been an issue for them, especially in recent weeks, and has a tough matchup against the Cowboys two-headed backfield.

How philadelphia Will Try To Win ::

The Eagles have put themselves in prime position for the 1-seed in the NFC, needing only one win in their last three games to lock things up. Jalen Hurts will not play this week due to a right shoulder injury, leaving Gardner Minshew under center to lead what has been a prolific scoring offense this year, leading the NFL in points per game through 15 weeks. The Eagles will also be getting back star tight end Dallas Goedert this week from his own shoulder injury, bolstering the already loaded weaponry of the Eagles. While shutting down Hurts for this week may have been a conservative approach due to their comfortable lead in the NFC, there is too much football left to play to expect anything but the Eagles best shot in this game, and being able to knock off their division rival Cowboys is always an important thing for this team.

The transition from Hurts to Minshew should have some effect on play calling and scheme for the Eagles. Minshew will not have the ability to create with his legs at the level that Hurts did, and they will certainly not be calling the designed runs or short yardage plays for Minshew that have made them so hard to defend with Hurts. We should expect a slightly more traditional offense this week, with the running backs being featured more in the running game and the passing concepts focusing more on short area and quick strikes against a ferocious Dallas pass rush. Minshew is more of a sitting duck than Hurts was, so long developing plays could be an issue if Dallas is able to collapse the pocket. The Eagles have been throwing the ball at a high rate this season, especially in the last couple of weeks against the Titans and Bears, but the methods of their passing game this week will likely be altered due to the matchup and personnel. In Minshew’s last start as an Eagle, Dallas Goedert had a career best game. Although AJ Brown was not on the team at that time, Minshew is best suited for those quick passes in the short areas of the field and down the seams, something that suits Goedert’s skill set well. The Eagles handed the ball to their running backs 36 times compared to 25 Minshew pass attempts, a ratio that they would likely be very pleased if they can replicate this week, although that will ultimately likely depend on game flow.

How dallas Will Try To Win ::

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