Are the Eagles the favorite to repeat as NFC East champs after Super Bowl win?
Chris Bumbaca and Joe Rivera look at the NFC East (now sans Micah Parsons) and decide who they think will come out on top of that division.
Sports Seriously
The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys gave NFL fans an eventful, entertaining matchup in, what hopefully should be, a preview of the 2025 NFL season.Â
In the end, the Eagles triumphed and held off the feisty Cowboys, 24-20, on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 1.
In a game that featured an ejection for spitting, plenty of offense, a weather delay and a number of scuffles, it was a very, well, NFC East matchup to open the 2025 season.
The Eagles and Cowboys exchanged blows through the first half-plus of the game, with the first punt of the matchup coming in the third quarter.
It was a short night for some and a long night for others. Eagles star defensive lineman Jalen Carter was the recipient of the boot after he spat on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott just six seconds into the affair.
Mother Nature had other plans for the rest on the field and in attendance: A third-quarter lightning delayed held up play for over an hour, with play resuming at 11:30 p.m. ET.
Following the resumption of play, both offenses stalled out, with a number of punts and field position tug-of-war resulting in an Eagles victory and a Cowboys loss to open the road to Super Bowl 60.Â
The 2025 NFL season got underway on Sept. 4 (and Sept. 5). USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, highlights and more for Thursday night’s clash between the NFC East foes below. All times are Eastern.
It was a fourth quarter to forget, with a third (but very difficult) pass dropped for an incompletion to turn the ball over on downs. A first down would seal the game for the Eagles on the ensuing possession.
Dallas is getting another opportunity with 3:02 left in the fourth after a Philadelphia punt and down four. Both offenses have seemingly stalled out following the weather day, with a punt-fest ongoing late.
It took until the fourth quarter for the Eagles to get in formation for their first “tush push” of the 2025 season, and, surprise, surprise, it was successful.
The Eagles encountered another short yardage situation a few plays later, and again converted the try for a fresh set of downs.
An eventful game continues into the fourth. With an ejection, scoring plays, highlights and a weather delay, the Eagles still hold a 24-20 lead entering the last quarter of the matchup. Dallas is driving and in Eagles territory.
The Cowboys got a quick stop after the resumption of play, forcing a three-and-out and getting the ball back in favorable territory soon after.
After an hour and five minute weather delay due to lightning, the Eagles and Cowboys resumed play at 11:30 p.m. The Eagles have the ball to start the remainder of the game.
The Eagles and Cowboys retook the field at 11:15 p.m., with play resuming at 11:30 p.m. There’s 4:44 left in the third quarter and the Eagles are up 24-20.
The NFL has not yet provided an updated restart time for the Eagles vs. Cowboys game. It isn’t clear when it will announce one.
Per the NBC broadcast, the lightning is expected to clear around 11:15, with 12 minutes of required warm-up time after that, leaving the expected restart time around 11:30 p.m. ET as a best-case scenario.
The NFL does not specifically detail how long a lightning delay must last in its rulebook. It merely outlines the procedures to be taken by the referee and the NFL commissioner (or a “duly appointed representative”) to delay or reschedule the game in the event of lightning or severely inclement weather.
The thunderstorms that threatened the kickoff of the Week 1 matchup finally swept through the area, forcing the game to be suspended with 4:44 left in the third quarter.
Sanders giveth, Sanders taketh away. Just plays after Miles Sanders broke loose for a long run, the Cowboys back coughed it up, ending Dallas’ scoring threat.
The Eagles take over with 4:44 left in the third quarter, up 24-20 on the Cowboys.
The Cowboys running back, who spent the first four years of his career with the Eagles, broke free for a 50-yard run to put the Cowboys in the red zone.
Sanders spent his last two seasons with the Panthers.
The Cowboys were able to stop the Eagles for the first time of the day to open the third quarter. Marshawn Kneeland and Kenny Clark combined to sack Jalen Hurts to create a third-and-18, so the Eagles settled for a long field goal after a short completion to Jahan Dotson.
Jake Elliott was only 1 of 7 on field goals of longer than 50 yards last season. His attempt from 58 yards was true and extended Philadelphia’s lead to 4. Eagles 24, Cowboys 20
Eagles backup running back Will Shipley is not on the sideline to start the second half. Philadelphia did not immediately provide an update on the second-year back’s status.
With Shipley not on the sideline, A.J. Dillon spelled Saquon Barkley on the Eagles’ first drive while John Metchie replaced Shipley as the team’s top kick returner.
Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams helped the Cowboys get off to a strong start to their season. Below is a look at the team’s notable halftime stats:
Dak Prescott: 12-of-17 passing, 127 yards; 1 carry, 3 yardsJavonte Williams: 9 carries, 38 yards, 2 TDsCeeDee Lamb: 4 catches, 86 yardsGeorge Pickens: 2 catches, 15 yards
The Eagles have gotten big games out of Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley to start the day. Below is a look at the team’s notable halftime stats:
Jalen Hurts: 9-of-11 passing, 93 yards; 6 carries, 48 yards, 2 rushing TDs.Saquon Barkley: 10 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD; 2 catches, 11 yardsJahan Dotson: 1 catch, 51 yardsDeVonta Smith: 1 catch, 6 yardsA.J. Brown: 0 targets
Yes, A.J. Brown is playing the Eagles vs. Cowboys game. However, the veteran was not targeted in the first half on any of Jalen Hurts’ 11 passing attempts.
It isn’t clear whether there is a reason for Brown’s lacking usage. He missed time during Eagles training camp with a hamstring injury but has been on the field plenty against the Cowboys.
Both the Cowboys and Eagles had terrific first halves in the NFL’s season opener on Thursday. The team scored on all seven of their combined possessions, with Philadelphia logging three rushing touchdowns on its first three drives.
Jalen Hurts has starred for the Eagles. He has completed 9 of 11 passes for 93 yards but has been even more impressive with his legs. He has scrambled for 48 yards and two touchdowns on six carries, and has generally given Dallas’ defense fits throughout the contest.
Saquon Barkley outpaced Hurts’ rushing total by one yard, racking up 49 yards and a score of his own on 10 carries. Â He also added two catches for 11 yards on three targets.
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott has done well moving the ball through the air, completing 12 of 17 passes for 127 yards. CeeDee Lamb (four catches, 86 yards) has unsurprisingly been his top target while George Pickens drew a key pass interference call on Quinyon Mitchell.
Thus far, the Cowboys’ decision to dress just two running backs has worked out. Javonte Williams has totaled 38 yards on nine carries and scored both of Dallas’ touchdowns in the first half.
The Cowboys managed to get into Aubrey’s field goal range after Dak Prescott connected with CeeDee Lamb over the middle of the field with 15 seconds left. The big-legged kicker managed to make the long kick to cut Dallas’ deficit to one entering the locker room. Eagles 21, Cowboys 20
The Eagles have scored their third touchdown in as many drives and now have their first lead of the game thanks to a 10-yard Barkley run. Philadelphia’s line opened a nice hole for Barkley, and he scampered through it before powering the ball into the end zone.
Elliott makes the extra point and now, the Cowboys will have 51 seconds to answer Philly’s score before halftime. Eagles 21, Cowboys 17
The Eagles faced a key third-and-6 in their own territory just after the two-minute warning. Jalen Hurts was given time in the pocket and he uncorked a deep pass to Dotson, who was in one-on-one coverage with Kaiir Elam.
Dotson won the battle, coming down with the catch and putting the Eagles into field goal range.
The Eagles were able to stop the Cowboys for the first time on Dallas’ third drive of the game. Dak Prescott threw three straight incompletions after the team got into field goal range to set up Aubrey for his first field goal attempt of the season.
Aubrey, who made a league-best 47 field goals last season, was true for 41 yards. That put the Cowboys back up with 2:34 left in the first half. Cowboys 17, Eagles 14
The NFL has made enforcement of taunting a point of emphasis for its 2025 season. Smith was the first player flagged for it after tackling Sanders on the edge for no gain.
Smith flexed and took a couple of steps toward Sanders, who was looking the other way, before the flag was thrown.
Hurts was able to squat 600 pounds during his college career. It isn’t clear whether he has improved that figure at the professional level.
The Eagles shared a video of Barkley in May that showed the veteran running back squatting 585 pounds multiple times.
Hurts continues to use his legs as a weapon against the Cowboys. The Eagles quarterback ran for an 8-yard touchdown on a second-and-goal where Dallas once again had all of Philadelphia’s receiving weapons covered.
Hurts had 32 total rushing yards on three scrambles during the scoring drive, including a critical 15-yard run on a third-and-5 to put the Eagles in a goal-to-go situation. Jake Elliott made the extra point to once again tie the game. Eagles 14, Cowboys 14
Another drive, another 1-yard touchdown plunge for Javonte Williams. The Cowboys were able to move down the field thanks to a 34-yard pass interference penalty on Quinyon Mitchell, who was holding George Pickens, and some tough running from Williams put the Cowboys up seven.
Williams now has 34 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries as Dallas’ clear workhorse.
Cowboys 14, Eagles 7
Neither Dallas nor Philadelphia’s defenses have shown much fight in the early stages of Thursday’s game. The teams combined for 186 yards of offense in the first quarter, and each scored touchdowns on their first drives of the season.
Dak Prescott has looked good for the Cowboys. He has completed 5 of 6 passes for 79 yards in his return from a hamstring injury while frequently targeting CeeDee Lamb (three catches, 76 yards).
The Cowboys vs. Eagles game continues to be chippy. After Philadelphia kicked the ball back to Dallas, a scrum emerged during which Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau had his helmet ripped off and then ripped off Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean’s helmet.
Only the Cowboys were whistled for penalties, but this time, there were no disqualifications.
Shipley, who had a 19-yard reception on the Eagles’ first offensive drive, is a second-year running back out of Clemson. The 23-year-old is set to serve as the backup to Saquon Barkley this year, taking over for Kenneth Gainwell, who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency.
Shipley had 82 yards on 30 carries during his rookie season in 2024.
Philadelphia marched down the field just like Dallas did on its first possession. Hurts capped off a 10-play, 70-yard drive by scrambling in for a touchdown when he couldn’t find a receiver on a third-and-goal.
Jake Elliott made the extra point to tie the game with 5:55 left in the first quarter.
Eagles 7, Cowboys 7
After Carter’s ejection, the Cowboys marched down the field and opened the scoring. Dak Prescott got Dallas into scoring range with a 32-yard strike to CeeDee Lamb before Williams punched in a 1-yard touchdown.
Brandon Aubrey made the extra point to give Dallas an early 7-0 lead.
Cowboys 7, Eagles 0
On the opening kickoff, VanSumeren suffered a non-contact injury to his leg. The fullback-slash-linebacker was carted off the field because of the injury.
The Eagles quickly ruled VanSumeren out for the remainder of the game.
Just one play into the Eagles vs. Cowboys game, Philadelphia’s star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected. He walked up to Dak Prescott and spat on the quarterback while fullback Ben VanSumeren was being tended to after suffering an injury.
The Eagles will now be without Carter, who is arguably their best defensive player, for the entirety of the game.
What time is the Eagles vs. Cowboys game?
The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are set for kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 8:20 p.m. ET.
The Cowboys travel to Lincoln Financial Field for the matchup.
TV channel: NBCLive stream: Fubo
NBC is the broadcast home of the Week 1 Eagles vs. Cowboys matchup. That will not be the case for the remainder of “TNF” games this year, which will be broadcast nationally on Amazon Prime Video.
For those who choose to live stream, the game, Fubo carries NBC, as well as CBS, Fox, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks. Fubo also offers a free trial.
Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call, with Melissa Stark patrolling the sidelines.
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Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Over/Under (O/U):Â 48.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Moneyline (ML):Â Philadelphia -450 (Bet $450 to win $100) | Dallas +350 (Bet $100 to win $350)Against the spread (ATS):Â Philadelphia -8 (-110) | Dallas +8 (-110)
The defending champs are a top contender again but their quest for a repeat could begin in a tight back-and-forth matchup. Rain is expected which could bog things down and slow the visiting Cowboys’ passing game.
The Eagles should dominate on the ground led by reigning Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley, who will pick up where he left off. The Eagles will soar to a win to open the 2025 campaign. – Tom Viera, USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Eagles 28, Cowboys 20
There is a chance of thunderstorms in Philadelphia on Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Below are the full details of Thursday’s forecast.
High temperature: 84 degreesLow temperature: 65 degreesChance of precipitation: 60%Wind: 5-15 mph
The storms in the Philadelphia area are expected to develop around 8 p.m. ET, according to a Special Weather Statement by the NWS. It isn’t clear exactly where the most severe ones will materialize, but the agency says that “a few thunderstorms could produce brief strong wind gusts near 40 mph and small hail.”
The “scattered” storms are expected to mainly wrap up before 11 p.m. ET. Rainfall is expected to be “between a tenth and quarter of an inch,” though the NWS noted the amount could be higher in areas where thunderstorms develop.
It isn’t yet clear if the inclement weather will cause the NFL to delay Thursday’s game. Even if it doesn’t, expect the Eagles and Cowboys to deal with slick conditions in the first half if the rain arrives as scheduled.
QB1 has arrived. And, per usual, he’s looking up-to-billing with his outfit.
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year arrives for Week 1.
Eagles WR DeVonta Smith has arrived in style, wearing a very noticeable hat.
All times Eastern.
Thursday, Sept. 4Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. on NBCFriday, Sept. 5Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers, 8 p.m. on YouTubeTVSunday, Sept. 7Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots, 1 p.m. on CBSPittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets, 1 p.m. on CBSTampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. on FoxMiami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. on CBSArizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. on CBSNew York Giants at Washington Commanders, 1 p.m. on FoxCarolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. on FoxCincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. on FoxTennessee Titans at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m. on FoxSan Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. on FoxDetroit Lions at Green Bay Packers, 4:25 p.m. on CBSHouston Texans at Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m. on CBSBaltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills, 8:20 p.m. on NBCMonday, Sept. 8Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m. on ABC
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#23 Jaydon Blue (RB)#50 Shemar James (LB)#58 Mazi Smith (DT)#69 Ajani Cornelius (T)#75 Hakeem Adeniji (T)#76 Trevor Keegan (G)#99 Perrion Winfrey (DT)
Just three players in the 2025 NFL player pool are 40 years old or older: Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Jets kicker Nick Folk, and Browns quarterback Joe Flacco.Â
Rodgers will turn 42 during the season, with a birthday coming the first week in December.Â
Here’s the full list of the oldest players in football:Â
QB Aaron Rodgers, Steelers: 41 years old (Dec. 2, 1983)Â K Matt Prater, Bills: 41 years old (Aug. 10, 1984)Â K Nick Folk, Jets: 40 years old (Nov. 5, 1984)Â QB Joe Flacco, Browns: 40 years old (Jan. 16, 1985)Â C/LS J.J. Jansen, Panthers: 39 years old (Jan. 20, 1986)Â C/LS Jon Weeks, 49ers: 39 years old (Feb. 17, 1986)Â P Thomas Morstead, 49ers: 39 years old (March 8, 1986)Â C/LS Morgan Cox, Titans: 39 years old (April 26, 1986)Â QB Josh Johnson, Commanders: 39 years old (May 15, 1986)Â DL Calais Campbell, Cardinals: 39 years old (Sept. 1, 1986)Â
The Pittsburgh Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins with six. Pittsburgh and Dallas have the unique distinction of playing each other more than any other team combination in Super Bowl history with three matchups. The 49ers have eight total Super Bowl appearances and have five rings to show for it, the most recent coming in 1994.Â
Rest of the field:
This deal involved just two players and two draft picks. Here’s the breakdown:
Dallas Cowboys receive:
Green Bay Packers receive:
1. QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (+500)T-2. QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (+600)T-2. QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (+600)4. QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (+650)5. QB Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (+900)T-6. QB Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (+1800)T-6. QB Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (+1800)8. QB Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (+2000)9. QB C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (+2500)T-10. QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (+3000)T-10. QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3000)
The Cowboys parted ways with Mike McCarthy after the team went 7-10 during the 2024 NFL season.Â
McCarthy coached the 2024 NFL season in the final year of a five-year contract he signed with Dallas ahead of the 2020 campaign. His contract was set to expire on Jan. 14, 2025, but the two sides split up in the days before that deadline.
McCarthy finished his Cowboys career with a 49-35 regular-season record but posted just a 1-3 mark in the postseason.
Rookie Jaydon Blue is inactive for Thursday’s game; the Cowboys are only dressing two traditional running backs. They are as follows:
Williams was already expected to be Dallas’ backfield leader. The 25-year-old free-agent signee ran for 513 yards and four touchdowns with the Denver Broncos last season but averaged just 3.6 yards per carry over his final two seasons with the team.
Prescott signed a record-breaking contract extension with the Cowboys on eve of the 2024 NFL season. The terms of the deal were as follows, per Spotrac.com:
Term: 4 yearsTotal value: $240 millionAverage annual value (AAV): $60 millionGuaranteed money: $231 million
The deal was tacked onto the one year remaining on the four-year, $160 million contract he signed with the Cowboys ahead of 2021 free agency. That will tie Prescott to the Cowboys through the 2028 campaign, his age-35 season.
Mike Tirico will handle play-by-play duties during the game, with Cris Collinsworth providing color commentary and Melissa Stark reporting from the sidelines.
NBC’s weekly “Football Night in America” pregame show will begin at 7 p.m. ET and feature insight from a panel of analysts, including Maria Taylor, Jason Garrett, Chris Simms, Mike Florio, Devin McCourty, Tony Dungy, and more.Â
Saquon Barkley has a special handshake with his daughter that he performs with her before every game.
The Eagles’ fight song is called, “Fly Eagles Fly,” or technically, “The Eagles’ Victory Song.”
If you want to sing along, here are the lyrics to “Fly, Eagles, Fly” that will be sung after touchdowns and victories.
Fly, Eagles, Fly
On the road to victory (Fight, Fight, Fight)
Fight, Eagles, Fight
Score a touchdown 1-2-3 (1-2-3)
Hit ‘em low
Hit ‘em high
And watch our Eagles fight
Fly Eagles Fly
On the road to victory
E-A-G-L-E-S!
Eagles!
Graham was a defensive end for the Eagles from 2010 to 2024. The 2010 first-round pick totaled 76.5 sacks over his 15 seasons with the team and won two Super Bowls.
Graham made the Pro Bowl in 2020 and was an All-Pro second-teamer in 2016. He retired during the 2025 offseason after winning Super Bowl 59.
The Eagles have won two Super Bowls. They beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52 after the 2017 NFL season and earned their second title via their 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59.