Both Eagles and Cowboys' fans had this game circled on the calendar before this season got underway. The two bitter division rivals have combined to win the past four NFC East titles.
Dallas was the clear favorite to win the division crown in 2020 followed by Philadelphia. Washington and New York were afterthoughts at much longer betting odds. Fast forward four months later and the entire NFC East is an afterthought this season with a combined record of 20-35-1.
The Football Team in Washington sits at the top of the division standings at 6-8 with two games to play. The Eagles are bringing up the rear at 4-9-1 with all four teams still in contention for the NFC East title and an automatic playoff berth.
Washington can seal its fate as the division champ this Sunday with a win against Carolina as a one-point home favorite. Should they lose, the winner of Sunday's Eagles at Cowboys' game would keep their title hopes alive. New York is also in the race at 5-9.
Philadelphia is currently a 2 1/2-point road favorite over Dallas with the betting line for the total set at 49 1/2 points. Jalen Hurts will remain the starting quarterback for the Eagles after giving the team a rare spark over the past three games.
Even though the team is 1-2 with Hurts under center, the offense has averaged 22 points a game. Carson Wentz was pulled from the lineup due to his poor play after the offense failed to cross the 17-point threshold three games in a row.
The Cowboys have won their last two games with the return of Andy Dalton at quarterback. He has been filling in for the injured Dak Prescott for most of the season.
Either of these teams would probably benefit more from a loss in terms of a more favorable position for next year's draft. Finishing last would also secure a more advantageous last-place schedule for the 2021 season.
Yet, it just seems fitting that the winner would go on to win the division title while Washington and New York Giants live up to those initial expectations by continuing to falter down the stretch.
Philly won the first meeting this season with a sloppy 23-9 victory at home. The Cowboys still have the 4-2 edge both straight-up and against the spread in the last six games between the two bitter rivals.
As part of my weekly NFL picks for the popular sports betting site Scores and Stats, I took the Eagles at the opening -1 1/2-point spread. I am still betting that way with renewed confidence that Hurts can lead them to their biggest win of the year.
Philadelphia thrives on controversy and Wentz has gotten off rather easy despite his horrendous play this year. If Hurts can find a way to squeeze this team into the playoffs ala Nick Foles style, it all but guarantees a colorful offseason in the City of Brotherly Love.
For all of this Sunday's top NFL plays, please click through to: Dave's Top 10 Best Bets for NFL Week 16.
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