Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Bold predictions for Week 16
When the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles meet in Week 16, the NFC East is on the line. Bold predictions for the crucial matchup on Sunday.
In an odd year for the NFC East, it’s fitting that it essentially comes down to one game between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in Week 16 to determine who will win the division. Every team has been disappointing but these two have had the most bright spots and whoever has the last one at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 16 will reap the rewards.
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys have been immensely frustrating, partially due to Jason Garrett‘s lackluster coaching but also due to their uneven performances. When at their best, as Dallas was a week ago in dismantling the Rams, this team looks like a Super Bowl contender. However, they’ve also lost to the Jets and Bears this season, which says all you need to know about this rollercoaster.
As for the Eagles, Doug Pederson‘s team simply has been far lesser than what most expected them to be. Carson Wentz has been fine but not great, the weapons on offense have been ravaged by injuries and the defense has been a dumpster fire, the secondary in particular. In truth, they’ve squeaked by in many cases just to get to 7-7 and have a chance to win the NFC East.
In the first matchup between these two rivals, the Cowboys dominated in a 37-10 win in Dallas. Will the fortunes change in Philadelphia, or will America’s Team win their second straight division title on the road? To figure it out, let’s make five bold predictions for the marquee Week 16 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.
5. Gallup, Cooper combine for 225 yards receiving
The Eagles secondary has been struggling all season. There are virtually no teams in the league that haven’t been able to take advantage of them no matter whether Ronald Darby, among others, has been healthy or not. However, the Cowboys didn’t exactly light the world on fire in the passing game when these two rivals met back in Week 7.
Dak Prescott was fine as he went 21-of-27 for 239 yards, one touchdown and one interception but the Cowboys were decidedly not airing it out. In fact, only one Dallas pass-catcher (Amari Cooper) finished the game with more than 40 receiving yards, though Cooper did end with 106 yards to his credit.
While Dallas’ ability and willingness to run the ball won’t go away, we’ll see more shots down the field to take advantage of the Philadelphia secondary on Sunday afternoon. Both Cooper and second-year wideout Michael Gallup will gouge the Eagles on the outside and end up with some monster plays.
The result will be a combined 225-yard effort from the Cowboys’ top-two pass-catchers.