Cowboys vs Eagles Betting Preview: NFL Kickoff Game Analysis and Best Bets

The 2025 NFL season kicks off with a marquee NFC East showdown as the Dallas Cowboys travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles on Thursday, September 4th at 8:20 PM ET. This highly anticipated matchup features the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles hosting a Cowboys team looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign.

Current Betting Odds at bet105

The betting market has established clear expectations for this divisional rivalry game. At bet105, the Philadelphia Eagles are favored by 8 points with odds of -107, while the Dallas Cowboys are getting +8 points at -103. The total points line is set at 47.5, with the over priced at -109 and the under at -103. For moneyline bettors, the Eagles are heavily favored at -434, while the Cowboys offer significant value at +358.

Eagles Enter as Heavy Home Favorites

Philadelphia enters riding tremendous momentum from their championship run. The Eagles dominated 2024 with a 14-3 record before capturing their first Super Bowl title since 2017 with a convincing 40-22 victory over Kansas City. The defending champions have established themselves as the clear NFC East favorite.

The Eagles’ offensive attack remains one of the NFL’s most dynamic, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and star running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley’s addition proved transformative, leading the league in rushing yards during their championship run. Hurts’ dual-threat capability adds another dimension that opposing defenses struggle to contain.

Philadelphia’s home field advantage at Lincoln Financial Field cannot be understated. The Eagles have been nearly unbeatable at home, riding an impressive winning streak. The passionate Philadelphia fanbase creates an intimidating atmosphere that historically challenges visiting teams in primetime games.

Cowboys Seeking Redemption After Disappointing Season

Dallas enters with significant motivation after a forgettable 2024 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs entirely. The Cowboys’ 7-10 record was largely attributed to quarterback Dak Prescott’s season-ending hamstring injury that limited him to eight games. With Prescott healthy, Dallas believes they can return to playoff contention.

The Cowboys made significant offseason moves, notably acquiring wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens brings elite deep-ball ability and averaged 18.1 yards per reception in 2023, giving Prescott another weapon alongside CeeDee Lamb. This improved receiving corps should provide Dallas with offensive firepower to compete with high-scoring opponents.

However, Dallas faces defensive challenges after trading star pass rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay. This move significantly impacts their ability to generate pressure, which could prove problematic against mobile quarterback Hurts.

Betting Analysis and Value Opportunities

The 8-point spread reflects the significant gap between these two teams’ current trajectories. Philadelphia’s status as defending champions, combined with their home field advantage and recent dominance in this rivalry, justifies their position as substantial favorites. The Eagles swept the season series in 2024 by a combined score of 75-13, demonstrating their clear superiority in recent head-to-head matchups.

However, the large spread creates potential value for bettors willing to back the Cowboys. Dallas has historically performed well as underdogs in divisional games, and the motivation factor of facing their biggest rival in a nationally televised season opener cannot be ignored. The Cowboys covered the spread in five of their final seven games last season, showing improved performance as the year progressed.

The total of 47.5 points appears reasonable given both teams’ offensive capabilities and the potential for a competitive game. Philadelphia’s explosive offense should be able to move the ball effectively, while Dallas has the weapons to keep pace if Prescott remains healthy. The under might offer value if the Cowboys’ defensive adjustments prove effective or if early-season rust affects offensive execution.

Key Factors to Consider

Several critical factors could influence the outcome and betting value in this matchup. Philadelphia’s secondary has undergone changes with the departure of veteran cornerback Darius Slay, potentially creating opportunities for Dallas’s improved receiving corps. The Eagles will likely start either rookie Andrew Mukuba or the inexperienced Sydney Brown, which could be exploited by Prescott and his targets.

Weather conditions and player health will also play crucial roles in this outdoor September game. Any late-week injury reports or adverse weather could significantly impact the total points and potentially shift the spread. Bettors should monitor these developments closely as kickoff approaches.

The psychological aspect of this rivalry cannot be overlooked. Dallas enters with significant motivation to prove their 2024 struggles were an aberration, while Philadelphia faces the challenge of avoiding a championship hangover. The pressure of defending their title in the season opener could create unexpected opportunities for the underdog Cowboys.

Final Betting Recommendations

Based on the current odds at bet105, the Cowboys +8 presents the most attractive betting opportunity. The large spread accounts for Philadelphia’s championship pedigree and home field advantage, but may overvalue these factors in what should be a competitive divisional game. Dallas has the talent and motivation to keep this game within a touchdown, making the points valuable.

The moneyline value on Dallas at +358 also merits consideration for bettors seeking higher-risk, higher-reward opportunities. While Philadelphia is clearly the better team, divisional games often produce unexpected results, and the Cowboys have enough talent to pull off an upset if everything falls into place.

For the total, the under 47.5 at -103 offers slight value, particularly if defensive adjustments and early-season timing issues limit offensive production. Both teams may start conservatively as they work out early-season kinks, potentially leading to a lower-scoring affair than the market expects.

This NFC East showdown promises to deliver excitement and betting value for those willing to dig deeper than the surface narratives. The defending champion Eagles are rightfully favored, but the Cowboys possess the talent and motivation to make this a memorable season opener.