Expert Predictions: Cowboys Expected to Secure a Narrow Victory Over Eagles in NFC East Showdown on Prime Time

Expert Predictions is a regular feature where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his forecasts for upcoming games. To review all previous Expert Predictions, please visit this link.

The Philadelphia Eagles, once the pride of the NFL, now hold the best record in the league, while the Dallas Cowboys are rapidly gaining ground.

This Sunday night, these bitter rivals clash, with the NFC East title and potentially the top seed in the conference hanging in the balance.

As Dak Prescott aptly puts it, “here we go.”

The Eagles, standing at 10-2, are smarting from a resounding 42-19 defeat by the San Francisco 49ers, who similarly dominated the Cowboys (9-3) in a crushing 42-10 Week 5 victory.

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense struggled against the 49ers, and their defense allowed an alarming six consecutive touchdown drives after initially forcing two three-and-outs.

On the other hand, Prescott and the Cowboys are in prime form, averaging a remarkable 42 points per game during a four-game winning streak. However, Micah Parsons and the third-ranked defense in the league conceded 35 points in a recent win over Seattle.

In their previous encounter last month, the Eagles narrowly defeated the Cowboys 28-23 in Philadelphia. The Cowboys had a golden opportunity in the final minute, reaching the Eagles’ 6-yard line before faltering.

Even with a victory in this game, the Cowboys will still need the Eagles to slip up again to seize first place. A win would almost certainly solidify Philadelphia’s position as division champions, barring an unexpected collapse, marking the first repeat division win since 2004.

FanDuel Sportsbook currently favors the Cowboys by 3 1/2 points. Expert Predictions anticipates a close contest.

Prediction: COWBOYS, 27-26

In other matchups:

DETROIT at CHICAGO
Line: Lions minus 3

Jared Goff leads a high-powered Detroit offense, propelling them to a 9-3 record despite a shaky defense that has allowed an average of 28.8 points in their last six games. Meanwhile, the return of Justin Fields and an improved Bears defense keeps Chicago (4-8) in contention.

Best Bet: LIONS, 27-20

TAMPA BAY at ATLANTA
Line: Falcons minus 2 1/2

The NFC South title is up for grabs, and the Buccaneers (5-7) must secure a victory to keep their hopes of a third straight division title alive. Despite the absence of QB Desmond Ridder, the Falcons (6-6) have been finding ways to win.

Upset Special: BUCCANEERS, 20-17

LOS ANGELES RAMS at BALTIMORE
Line: Ravens minus 7 1/2

A three-game winning streak has propelled the Rams (6-6) into the playoff hunt, while Lamar Jackson and the Ravens (9-3) are in pursuit of the AFC’s top seed. Baltimore has struggled to cover the spread when favored by seven points or more.

Prediction: RAVENS, 24-17

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More about NFC East showdown

• Philadelphia Eagles Official Website
• Dallas Cowboys Official Website
• San Francisco 49ers Official Website
• FanDuel Sportsbook