Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys 2019: Prediction Against The Spread, Odds For NFL Week 7

The “Sunday Night Football” matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles might be the biggest game in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season. The winner will take sole possession of first place in the NFC East. The loser will fall below .500 and rank among the league’s most disappointing teams.

Dallas’ struggles begin on offense, where the unit is no longer receiving praise for improving under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. After scoring more than 30 points in each of the season’s first three games, the Cowboys have averaged 18.7 points per game in three straight losses, finally facing some decent competition.

For Philadelphia, it’s the defense that has them just a game ahead of the 2-4 New York Giants. The Minnesota Vikings scored 38 points against the Eagles in Week 6. Only three teams are giving up more passing yards per game than Philadelphia.

Will it be the Cowboys’ offense or the Eagles’ defense that wins Sunday’s battle? Dallas is given the edge at home as three-point favorites, according to the latest betting line at OddsShark. The over/under is 48.5.

Philadelphia has the kind of defense that should get Dak Prescott and the Cowboys back on track. The quarterback performed like an MVP against the Giants, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins in Weeks 1-3. Those three teams all rank in the bottom eight in total defense.

Injuries to the Eagles’ secondary have decimated an already shaky unit. Their only success came in Week 5 when Luke Falk and the New York Jets visited Philadelphia.

The Eagles allowed Kirk Cousins to complete 22 of 29 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers had a season-high 422 passing yards. Even Case Keenum threw for 380 yards with a 117.6 passer rating against Philadelphia.

Week 6 appeared to be a great spot for Dallas’ offense to bounce back. Sam Darnold ended up outplaying Prescott in his first start since the season opener. The Jets handed the Cowboys their third straight loss. Dallas was held without a touchdown over the game’s first 53 minutes.

Starting tackles Tyron Smith and La’el Collins didn’t start against New York. Amari Cooper had just one catch before leaving the contest with a quad injury. There’s a good chance all three players will be out in the pivotal Week 7 matchup.

Behind a banged-up offensive line, Ezekiel Elliott averaged 3.8 yards per carry. The two-time rushing champion last had a run of at least 15 yards in Week 3.

It’s no secret that the Cowboys usually have trouble putting up points when opposing defense’s stifle Elliott. Prescott and the offense often struggle when Smith isn’t at left tackle.

Prescott was picked off three times against the Green Bay Packers a few weeks ago when Smith was out and the quarterback faced constant pressure. The Cowboys averaged 13.7 points in the three games Smith missed during the 2017 season. Dallas faced poor defenses the three times Smith was sidelined in 2018, but Prescott was still sacked 10 times.

The Jets’ pass rush has been nonexistent this season. The Eagles can actually get to the quarterback.

With injuries to so many key players, Prescott might not be able to take advantage of a beaten up secondary the way other quarterbacks have.

Philadelphia is tied for fourth in the NFL with seven interceptions. Only four NFL teams have fewer than Dallas’ two picks.

Carson Wentz continues to play well. His 306-yard day in Week 6 was impressive considering it came against a Minnesota defense that ranks fifth in yards allowed and sixth in points allowed. Philadelphia scored 34 points against a Green Bay defense that limited Dallas to 24 points.

The Eagles haven’t scored fewer than 20 points all season long. Philadelphia’s offense is going to show up at AT&T Stadium.

You can’t say the same about Dallas’ offense with any confidence.

Prediction: Philadelphia over Dallas, 26-20