The Dallas Cowboys face their fiercest rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the 2025 NFL season opener on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. For Cowboys fans, this isn't just the first game of the year, it's a shot at redemption and a chance to start the Brian Schottenheimer era on the right foot. The Eagles are fresh off a Super Bowl victory, ready to raise that banner at Lincoln Financial Field. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the history between these teams adds to the drama.
Week 1 offering up a little rivalry redemption for the Cowboys
Dallas and Philly have defined NFC East football over the years. In 2024, the rivalry turned lopsided. The Eagles outscored Dallas 75-13 in their two meetings, including a harsh 34-6 loss at “Jerry World” last November. Now, the league has made this matchup the season opener in primetime.
This year, the Cowboys begin a daunting schedule and one of the toughest in the league, with opponents’ 2024 records combining for a .557-win percentage. Winning in Philadelphia wouldn’t just get revenge; it would be a huge statement to open the season against the NFL’s best.
Dallas struggled against Philly last year
Last season, Dallas got swept by Philadelphia in two ugly losses. The Cowboys managed only 13 points in two games while surrendering 75. That explosiveness, which was a staple of this Cowboys offense (years ago), was nowhere to be found against the Eagles.
These losses to Philly stung more because they were against a rival who was going in a completely opposite direction. The Eagles rolled through to the Super Bowl, while Dallas stumbled to a 7-10 finish, missing the postseason. The gap between these teams looked as wide as the Grand Canyon.
Surely, the NFL chose this matchup for Week 1 with good reason. Cowboys vs. Eagles is one of the league’s best rivalries, especially in primetime. Both teams have strong followings, but this year’s version holds even more intrigue. A new Cowboys regime, a defending champion on home turf, and playoff implications from the opening whistle. The eyes of the nation will be on this divisional clash, setting the tone for the NFC East and the entire league.
Key factors for Brian Schottenheimer’s head coaching debut
The 2025 Cowboys have a different feel. Coaching changes, roster moves and a tougher schedule raise the stakes for this opener. Early success is crucial, and Week 1 offers an opportunity to flip the narrative.
Schottenheimer inherits a team hungry for respect and results. The pressure is immediate as beating the Eagles earns coach instant credibility. Lose, and doubts about the transition creep in already. Schottenheimer’s experience as an offensive coordinator brings optimism, but this is his first shot running the show. His approach in handling high-pressure situations, quarterback management, and in-game adjustments will be tested against a defense that dominated Dallas last year.
Upgrades and outlook
Jerry Jones made a few bold moves in Big D this offseason. Defensive anchor DeMarcus Lawrence is gone, creating questions up front. To help solidify the offense, Dallas added wide receiver George Pickens, guard Tyler Booker and new running backs. Pickens stretches the field and gives Dak Prescott another threat aside from CeeDee Lamb. Booker should upgrade the offensive line, potentially solving protection issues that plagued the Cowboys throughout the 2024 campaign.
Defensively, the loss of Lawrence and others means young players must step up. The focus will be on containing Hurts and countering the Eagles’ multi-faceted attack. The new faces on offense, with Schottenheimer’s play-calling, give Dallas a shot to score early and challenge Philadelphia’s defense in ways they couldn’t last year.
Dallas faces the league’s fifth-hardest schedule, highlighted by five consecutive games against 2024 playoff teams from Weeks 12-16 (Eagles, Chiefs, Lions, Vikings, Chargers). Dallas must capitalize on any early-season opportunity; dropping Week 1 would force them to play catch-up before a brutal mid-season stretch.
Early forecasts have the Cowboys’ win total at around seven or so, but that hinges on what they accomplish within the division. Beating the Eagles on opening night would boost playoff odds and set a tone of toughness against elite competition. A loss could create a slippery slope, given how tight the NFC East race could be.