Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles Pick

Dallas Cowboys (3-5 SU, 3-5 ATS) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (4-4 SU, 3-5 ATS)
When: November 11, 2018, 8:20 PM EST
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TV: NBC
BY: Rick Wise

Point Spread: DAL +6.5/CIN -6.5
Over/Under: 43

Takeaways From Week 9

The Dallas Cowboys sank further into the NFC East abyss Monday night after a 28-14 loss to the Tennessee Titans, setting up a crucial division showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday night that will either salvage their season or close the book on it.

Amari Cooper proved his worth Monday night. Giving up a first round pick for the 4th year Alabama product was a heck of a gamble, to say the least. But Cooper displayed a level of athleticism and speed in his debut that Dallas hasn’t had in quite some time. He finished with 5 catches for 58 yards and 1 touchdown, but more importantly he showed that no one will be able to cover him 1-on-1.

The Cowboys conceded 340 total yards of offense to the Titans so they definitely weren’t spectacular, but linebackers Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch were. Each recorded nine tackles and showcased an outstanding ability to adapt to whatever formations are thrown at them with athleticism and physicality. Vander Esch also proved that he’s as adept at rushing the passer as he is at dropping back in pass coverage.

The Eagles had a bye on Sunday but beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-18 two weeks ago at Wembley Stadium in England in a game that saw Carson Wentz throw three TD passes to three different players and the defense do just enough to record the victory.

Josh Adams could be the workhorse running back the Eagles so desperately need. He carried 9 times for 61 yards in the game and it was the first time all season the rookie was allowed to find a rhythm and actually make an impression. Adams has the speed and power to be the go-to guy on the ground for Philly and this looks to be the beginning of that relationship.

The Eagles moved Jordan Matthews from the slot to the outside and he had his best game in a couple years. Matthews was brought in to be a slot receiver, catching mostly short underneath stuff for minimal gains. Against the Jags, Matthews lined up on the outside and had himself a day. He caught four passes for 93 yards, including a 36-yard catch and run in the fourth quarter that showed he’s a lot faster than people think.

The Historicals

As NFC East rivals, these two teams have a long and bitter history. Their rivalry was ranked number one overall in the NFL in 1992 and 2014 seasons and their first meeting took place back in 1960. The Cowboys lead the series 66-52-0 and their last 10 matchups are split right down the middle, with each team winning five. The Eagles have won three of their last five meetings however, dating back to 2015.

Injury Concerns

For Dallas, listed as questionable for Sunday’s game are WR Tayvon Austin (groin), LB Joe Thomas (foot), TE Geoff Swaim (knee), DT David Irving (ankle), DE Taco Charlton (shoulder), LB Sean Lee (hamstring).
For Philadelphia, listed as questionable for Sunday are RB Darren Sproles (hamstring), S Corey Graham (hamstring), CB Jalen Mills (foot), CB Sidney Jones (hamstring), LB Nathan Gerry (ankle).

When the Cowboys Have the Ball

The Cowboys have employed a fairly balanced attack through much of the season. They’re throwing the ball 55.53% of the time versus running it 44.47%. They got away from that against Tennessee, attempting 32 passes and 19 runs, and it may have cost them the game. Against the Eagles, who rank in the middle of the road defensively in virtually every category, getting back to the run and allowing Ezekiel Elliot to carry the ball 20-plus times could be paramount.

When the Eagles Have the Ball

The recent addition of wide receiver Golden Tate will be huge for Carson Wentz. Tate’s elusiveness and run after the catch ability will make this offense that much more dangerous. He just got into town after being acquired for a third round pick around the October 30 trade deadline so it could take him a little while to get acclimated to his new offense. But when he does, look out. For now, the Eagles are passing the ball 61.62% of the time and running it the other 38.8%. Against the Cowboys’ 5th-ranked pass defense and 10th-ranked run defense, Wentz will need to bring his best.

Betting Trends

• Dallas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
• Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
• The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Dallas’s last 17 games
• Dallas is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
• Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas’s last 5 games on the road
• The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Dallas’s last 10 games when playing Philadelphia
• Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
• Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
• Philadelphia is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
• Philadelphia is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 6 games
• Philadelphia is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at homeThe total has gone UNDER in 8 of Philadelphia’s last 9 games at home
• The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia’s last 10 games when playing Dallas
• Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
• Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas

Weather Report

It’s expected to be clear and cold at game time for this one with temperatures of 37 degrees and 5 mph SSW winds with 64percent humidity.

Rick Wise’s Pick

Dallas +6.5