Eagles have too many playmakers for Cowboys

First place in the NFC East is on the line when the Eagles and Cowboys clash this Sunday. Both teams have been through up-and-down seasons, mixed with brilliant moments and brutal letdowns. A letdown in this game will prove costly when it comes to playoff positioning—or making the playoffs at all.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Sunday, Nov. 8 at 8:20 p.m. ET

NFL odds: Eagles -3

The Cowboys have quietly won three straight games. Tony Romo is much-improved during that stretch, tossing eight touchdowns and no interceptions. His passer rating has surpassed 100 in each of those games and, even better, he makes his first start of November—traditionally the best month of his career. Dallas’s committee running game has been very effective though a tad subdued the past two weeks, when it averaged 114 yards per game.

The “D” is back in Big D after a slow start. DeMarcus Ware’s brilliant play has lifted a Cowboys defense that was struggling to rush the quarterback but, during Dallas three-game winning streak, Ware has recorded five sacks. This unit could still afford to give up a few less points per game, but sportsbook fans have watched it improve in three consecutive weeks.

Philly’s defense has actually faired quite well this season if you remove a Week 2 blowout against the Saints. Subtract those 48 points from the equation and the Eagles are allowing just 14 points per game. That said, they haven’t exactly faced many teams with Hall of Fame skill players, let alone Pro Bowlers—the Chiefs, Buccaneers, Raiders and Washington are among Philadelphia’s victims. If you’re making sports picks and taking Philly, bear in mind the Dallas offense will be a huge test.

It’s been pure dynamite on offense for Philadelphia, though. The Eagles arguably have more big-play ability than any other team in the NFL with Donovan McNabb, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy all making contributions. Hell, even fullback Leonard Weaver managed a 41-yard touchdown run last week. These dynamic playmakers are averaging 29 points per game.

Both teams have much to prove since this game marks the best competition they’ve faced all season. In this matchup, the edge goes to Philly and the Eagles. They simply have too many weapons to count right now, plus the defense will get a big edge thanks to a noisy home crowd that will disrupt Dallas’ offensive play calling. Bet on the Eagles with your NFL picks.