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When the NFL schedule was released, a Week 7 Monday Night Football matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys likely promised a battle for NFC East supremacy. Instead, both teams enter the primetime clash at 2-4, far from the contenders many expected. The Eagles have dropped four consecutive games for the first time since the 2020 season under Doug Pederson, while the Cowboys have lost two straight. Despite their struggles, neither team is out of the division race, as the New York Giants lead the NFC East with a 3-2-1 record.
Philadelphia has had Dallas's number recently, winning three of the last four meetings dating back to the Eagles' Super Bowl-winning campaign in 2024. However, both teams have glaring issues that will be under the microscope on Monday night.
Special Teams Could Be the Difference
The Eagles' special teams units, coordinated by Michael Clay, have been costly in recent weeks. In London, a 52-yard kickoff return allowed proved decisive in a loss, and a week later, a partially blocked punt gave the Carolina Panthers possession at their own 48-yard line midway through the fourth quarter. Carolina capitalized with a touchdown drive that sealed the game. Injuries have forced Clay to shuffle personnel, contributing to the breakdowns. For Dallas, return specialist KaVontae Turpin is not expected to play after suffering rib cartilage damage on the opening kickoff against the Green Bay Packers in Week 6.
Eagles Offense vs. Cowboys Defense
Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker, formerly the Eagles' defensive backs coach, helped develop Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean into Associated Press first-team All-Pro selections before being hired by the Cowboys in the offseason. However, Dallas's defensive woes have persisted under Parker. The unit ranks 30th in total defense and is last against the run, surrendering nearly 150 yards per game on the ground. Last week, the Eagles managed just 32 rushing yards against a Panthers defense that was allowing 168 yards per game. The Cowboys brought in veteran defensive coach Mike Pettine as a consultant last week to assist Parker. Rookie safety Caleb Downs leads Dallas with 43 tackles. For Philadelphia, the expected return of Saquon Barkley should provide a significant boost to the running game. Additionally, wide receiver DeVonta Smith showed chemistry with quarterback Tanner McKee last week, catching seven passes for 75 yards and a 19-yard touchdown in his first game back after a two-game absence.
Eagles Defense vs. Cowboys Offense
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott and the Cowboys' passing attack ranked second in the league last year but has slipped to sixth in 2025. The decline has contributed to lower scoring outputs, with Dallas putting up just 16 and 13 points in its last two losses. The Eagles' defense has its own issues: Cooper DeJean has struggled with tackling, safety Drew Mukuba has had difficulty in pass coverage, and the linebacker position has become a revolving door with Jihaad Campbell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. splitting reps.
Prediction
With both teams desperate for a win and neither playing up to expectations, Monday night's game could come down to which team executes better in key moments. The Cowboys' defensive struggles against the run may open opportunities for Barkley, but the Eagles' special teams miscues and inconsistent defense may prove too much to overcome. Expect a close, hard-fought NFC East battle.
Prediction: Cowboys 24, Eagles 20