Philadelphia Eagles v Dallas Cowboys betting tips: NFL picks for first week of the new season

For NFL fans, the wait is finally over as the 2025 season gets underway at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night, with reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, hosting NFC East rivals the Dallas Cowboys.

The Eagles won both games against the Cowboys last season on their way to Super Bowl success and they will expect another year of dominance in the NFC East.

Philly ended the 2024 campaign with a 14-3 record and the Cowboys will be eager to prove a point after trading star edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last week.

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Philadelphia Eagles v Dallas Cowboys Tips

• Philadelphia Eagles -7.5 @ 20/23
• Saquon Barkley – Over 19 Rushing Attempts @ 4/5
• George Pickens – Over 53.5 Receiving Yards @ 17/10
• Spotlight Bet Builder – was 17/4 now 5/1

Eagles to carry on where they left off

The 2025 NFL season starts with an NFC East battle and the reigning champions should get off to a good start.

Dallas decided to trade away Parsons, one of the only players they had who could unsettle Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The Cowboys overhauled their coaching staff in the offseason and while that move may pay off, they need time to gel this season.

Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator from last season, Kellen Moore, is now the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, but the majority of the Eagles’ offence is still intact.

With Parsons now playing his football in Green Bay, it is tough to see the Cowboys generate enough pressure on Hurts and he should guide his team to a routine win.

The Eagles won their two games against Dallas last year, 34-6 and 41-7, so expect another dominant display.

Barkley to maintain heavy workload

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley made a name for himself in 2025 as he rushed for an incredible 2,005 yards and helped his new team win the Super Bowl.

Barkley scored 13 touchdowns and averaged 5.8 yards per carry and he should be the main man in this Eagles offence once again.

While Barkley is explosive, he is also a workhorse and he was a busy man most weeks in 2024. In his 17 regular-season appearances, Barkley rushed 19 times or more in 11 outings.

The Cowboys have famously struggled to stop the run in recent years, which is one of the years they apparently traded Parsons to the Packers, but even if they have more success, expect the Eagles to beat the drum on the ground.

Pickens to make his mark

Wide receiver Pickens earned a contract with the Cowboys this summer after another solid season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pickens caught 59 passes for 900 yards, but he only scored three touchdowns. His arrival takes the pressure of CeeDee Lamb, but the newcomer should be able to make his own statement in Week 1.

His receiving line has been set at 53.5, something he surpassed eight times last season.

With Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott eager to establish a connection between the pair, expect him to turn to Pickens as much as he can.

All odds correct at time of writing*

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