A lot has changed since the last time the Cowboys and Eagles took the field as opponents. This time around, each team is riding a winning streak and looking to take control of their NFC East destiny once and for all.

The division is hanging in the balance, with the winner of this game holding the cards down the stretch and most likely becoming the favorite to earn themselves a playoff spot.

The Line

Cowboys -3.5. O/U 43 points. 

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys shocked the football world a week ago, defeating the New Orleans Saints and cementing themselves back into the NFC contenders conversation. A loss this Sunday can quickly eliminate them from such conversation, however, as they battle the Eagles with a share of first place in the NFC East on the line.

Clearly the story of the 2018 Cowboys has been their defense, a young unit which has stepped up tremendously in recent weeks to keep their ball control offense in every game. But, that same offense has really been coming around, and despite the low point total against the Saints last week, this offense has actually done its job well over this four game win streak.

They’ll need Dak Prescott and company at their best on Sunday as they look to bury their hated rival and bolster their own playoff hopes.

Philadelphia Eagles

After getting demolished by the Saints a couple week ago most thought the Eagles were dead. But, similar to the Cowboys, they have strung together some victories and got themselves back into the playoff hunt.

Whether or not they’ll really give themselves a chance to get into the postseason will be decided on Sunday, however, in this must win game. If they can pull the mini-upset over the Cowboys, they’ll be in full control of the division.

But, the rest of their schedule is no cake walk, with games against the Rams and Texans remaining. It will be a tough road ahead for the Eagles, but it all starts on Sunday in Dallas.

Trends

• The Eagles are 3-8 against the spread their last 11 games.
• The Cowboys are 4-1 against the spread their last 5 games, and 4-2 against the spread their last 6 at home.
• The Cowboys are just 2-5 against the spread their last 7 home games against the Eagles.
• But, the Cowboys are 5-1 at home this season.

Prediction

If the Cowboys want to be taken seriously this season, they’ll win this game. Despite winning two straight Philadelphia has not been very impressive, while the Cowboys have been playing some of their best team football since 2016.

I like the Cowboys -3.5 this week, and expect them to put themselves in a great position to close out the NFC East in the coming weeks.