Eagles vs Cowboys: Week1 NFL Season Opener 2025
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The NFL’s 2025 season opener is a Thursday Night Football event that pits the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys in a classic NFC East showdown. The game kicks off at 8:20 PM ET on September 4, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles’ home stadium in Philadelphia. Fans can catch the action live on NBC, with streaming options available on Peacock and NFL+ for mobile and local viewers. For those in the Philadelphia area, the game will also be broadcast on 94WIP radio, adding to the local fervor surrounding this high-profile matchup.
This game marks the NFL’s traditional season-opening kickoff, a privilege often granted to the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Eagles, fresh off their dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, will host the Cowboys in front of a raucous home crowd. The choice of this intra-division rivalry for Week 1 is a rare one, as it’s only the fourth time the NFL has selected a divisional matchup for the kickoff game and the first Eagles-Cowboys Week 1 meeting since 2000. That year, the Eagles crushed the Cowboys 41-14 in the infamous “Pickle Juice Game,” setting a precedent for memorable season openers between these two teams.
The Rivalry: Eagles vs. Cowboys
The Eagles-Cowboys rivalry is one of the NFL’s most storied and passionate, rooted in decades of fierce competition within the NFC East. These two teams have faced off 126 times since their first meeting in 1960, with the Cowboys holding a slight edge in the all-time series at 71-55. However, recent history has favored Philadelphia, particularly in 2024, when the Eagles swept the Cowboys in dominant fashion, outscoring them 75-13 across two games. The Week 17 matchup, a 41-7 rout, clinched the NFC East title for Philadelphia and propelled them toward their Super Bowl triumph.
This rivalry is more than just statistics—it’s a clash of cultures, fanbases, and legacies. For Eagles fans, beating the Cowboys is a badge of honor, while Cowboys fans, who proudly call their team “America’s Team,” see every win over Philadelphia as a statement of supremacy. The 2025 opener adds extra intrigue, as the Eagles aim to assert their dominance as defending champions, while the Cowboys, under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, look to spoil the celebration and signal a new era in Dallas.
Philadelphia Eagles: Defending Champions with Swagger
The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2025 season riding high after their Super Bowl LIX victory. Led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, who earned Super Bowl MVP honors with 221 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and a rushing score, the Eagles are a formidable force. Their 2024 campaign was a masterclass in resilience, as they navigated a tough schedule that included 11 games against playoff teams and still emerged as champions. Key players like running back Saquon Barkley, who signed a new contract after an elite 2024 season, and All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun bolster a roster that blends veteran leadership with young talent.
Despite their success, the Eagles have undergone some roster changes. They lost offensive lineman Mekhi Becton to the Los Angeles Chargers and linebacker Josh Sweat to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. However, they’ve made strategic additions, including drafting Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell and trading for guard Kenyon Green from the Houston Texans. The Eagles’ offensive line, still one of the NFL’s best, will be a critical factor against a Cowboys defense looking to prove itself under new leadership. Head coach Nick Sirianni, known for his fiery leadership and emphasis on team unity, will have his squad ready to defend their title and set the tone for a potential repeat.
Dallas Cowboys: A New Era Under Brian Schottenheimer
The Dallas Cowboys are entering 2025 with a chip on their shoulder after a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024. The departure of head coach Mike McCarthy paved the way for Brian Schottenheimer, the team’s former offensive coordinator, to take the helm. Schottenheimer faces immense pressure to turn around a franchise that hasn’t reached a Super Bowl since 1995. Quarterback Dak Prescott, who missed both 2024 matchups against the Eagles due to a hamstring injury, is back and healthy, boasting a 9-4 career record against Philadelphia. His new weapon, wide receiver George Pickens, acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, adds an explosive element to the offense with his 16.7 yards per reception average over the past two seasons.
The Cowboys’ defense, led by players like Osa Odighizuwa, will need to step up against Philadelphia’s high-powered offense. After being steamrolled by the Eagles in 2024, Dallas has focused on rebuilding its roster and instilling a new sense of discipline. The season opener represents a golden opportunity for the Cowboys to make a statement, but they’ll face a hostile environment atmeseason opener represents a golden opportunity for the Cowboys to make a statement, but they’ll face a hostile environment at Lincoln Financial Field and a Philadelphia team eager to flex its championship pedigree.
Key Matchups to Watch
This game will hinge on several critical matchups that could determine the outcome. Here are the top battles to keep an eye on:
- Jalen Hurts vs. Dak Prescott: The quarterback duel is always a focal point in Eagles-Cowboys games. Hurts, coming off a Super Bowl MVP performance, is a dual-threat dynamo who can hurt defenses with his arm and legs. Prescott, meanwhile, is a proven veteran with a knack for performing in big games. With only three head-to-head meetings due to injuries and rest, this matchup is a rare treat for fans.
- Eagles’ Offensive Line vs. Cowboys’ Defensive Front: Philadelphia’s offensive line, anchored by stalwarts like Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, is one of the NFL’s best. They’ll face a Cowboys defensive line that’s looking to rebound after a lackluster 2024. If Dallas can generate pressure, it could disrupt Hurts’ rhythm, but the Eagles’ line has a history of dominating in the trenches.
- Saquon Barkley vs. Cowboys’ Run Defense: Barkley’s explosive running style was a game-changer for Philadelphia in 2024. The Cowboys struggled to stop the run last season, and containing Barkley will be crucial to keeping the game close.
- George Pickens vs. Eagles’ Secondary: Pickens’ ability to stretch the field could test Philadelphia’s revamped secondary, which lost some key contributors this offseason. If Prescott and Pickens connect on deep balls, it could open up the Cowboys’ offense.
Historical Context and Stakes
The Eagles and Cowboys have a rich history of memorable Week 1 matchups, though they’ve been rare. The 2000 season opener, known as the “Pickle Juice Game,” saw the Eagles use pregame hydration tactics to outlast Dallas in scorching heat, marking a turning point for the franchise under Andy Reid. This 2025 matchup carries similar weight, as it’s a chance for the Eagles to cement their status as a dynasty in the making and for the Cowboys to signal a return to contention.
For Philadelphia, a win would set the tone for a grueling 2025 schedule that includes a Super Bowl rematch against the Chiefs in Week 2 and five prime-time games. For Dallas, a victory would not only spoil the Eagles’ banner-raising ceremony but also give Schottenheimer a signature win to kick off his tenure. The stakes are sky-high, as both teams know that NFC East supremacy often hinges on these head-to-head battles.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere
Lincoln Financial Field will be electric on September 4, as Eagles fans pack the stands to celebrate their team’s Super Bowl victory and unleash their disdain for the Cowboys. The banner-raising ceremony, featuring the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX championship ring designed by Jason of Beverly Hills, will add an extra layer of excitement. The ring, with its innovative wing-release mechanism and inscription honoring coach Nick Sirianni’s philosophy of unity, will be a focal point of the pregame festivities.
Cowboys fans, known for their passionate and widespread support, will also make their presence felt, creating a charged atmosphere that only this rivalry can produce. For those attending, tickets are available through platforms like VividSeats, though prices start at a premium due to the game’s high demand. For fans watching at home, NBC’s broadcast, featuring commentators like Mike Tirico, will capture every moment of the action, while Peacock and NFL+ offer streaming options for cord-cutters.
Predictions and Expectations
This game is poised to be a close contest, with the Eagles favored by 7 points according to early ESPN Analytics, reflecting their home-field advantage and recent dominance over Dallas. However, the Cowboys’ revamped roster and Prescott’s return make them a dangerous underdog. Analysts predict a high-scoring affair, with the over/under set at 46.5 points, as both offenses have the potential to exploit defensive weaknesses.
The Eagles’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and lean on Barkley’s running game could give them the edge, but Dallas’ passing attack, led by Prescott and Pickens, could keep them in the game. Expect a hard-fought battle that comes down to the fourth quarter, with Philadelphia’s home crowd potentially making the difference in a 34-27 Eagles victory.
How to Watch and Follow Along
- Date and Time: Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 8:20 PM ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, NFL+ (mobile/local), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV (with free trials)
- Radio: 94WIP (Philadelphia area)
- Tickets: Available through VividSeats, starting at $474
Fans can also follow along on social media, with the NFL and team accounts on platforms like X providing real-time updates and highlights. For those looking to dive deeper, NFL Network’s Schedule Release ’25 on May 14, 2025, will offer analysis and breakdowns of this game and the full 2025 schedule.
The Eagles vs. Cowboys season opener on September 4, 2025, is more than just a game—it’s a celebration of football’s return, a clash of titans, and a chance for both teams to make an early statement in the NFC East race. With the Eagles raising their Super Bowl banner and the Cowboys ushering in a new era, this prime-time showdown promises to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether you’re cheering from the stands, watching on NBC, or streaming on Peacock, this is one game you won’t want to miss. Get ready for a night of heart-pounding action as two of the NFL’s biggest rivals battle it out under the bright lights of Lincoln Financial Field.