The Philadelphia Eagles are on the brink of clinching the NFC East title, needing a victory against the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. After a disappointing loss to the Washington Commanders, the Eagles are determined to secure their playoff position, albeit with the challenge of starting a backup quarterback. Kenny Pickett, the Eagles' backup, faces skepticism from fans but has a prime opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities. With star receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, along with top running back Saquon Barkley, he has the support to lead the team to victory.
Saquon Barkley, currently the league's leading rusher, is chasing the prestigious single-season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson. He needs 268 yards in the final two games, and with the Cowboys' struggling run defense, he has a chance to achieve this milestone. However, the Eagles must consider whether to rest him in the season finale if they secure the title against Dallas.
On the defensive side, the Eagles may have to rely on Oren Burks, a backup linebacker, due to Nakobe Dean's injury. Burks will face a tough test against the Cowboys' offense, particularly in coverage situations. Meanwhile, Zack Baun, another linebacker, is stepping up despite the absence of his teammate. The Eagles' offensive line, led by Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, will need to perform exceptionally well against the formidable Micah Parsons, who has been a disruptive force this season.
Historically, the Eagles have struggled against the Cowboys, having not beaten them twice in a regular season since 2011. The stakes are high, and with a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, the Eagles are aiming to end that trend. The prediction is a close contest, with the Eagles favored to win 30-20, pushing their season record to 9-7.