The Philadelphia Eagles will take the field without their star quarterback, Jalen Hurts, as they gear up for their Week 17 match against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on December 29, 2024. Hurts, who has been pivotal to the Eagles' success this season, suffered a concussion during last week's dramatic defeat against the Washington Commanders, where the Eagles squandered what once was a comfortable lead.
The game is scheduled to kickoff at 1 p.m. EST and will be broadcast live on FOX, as well as available for streaming on platforms like YouTube TV and Fubo. While the Eagles (12-3) are vying to clinch the NFC East title, the Cowboys (7-8) are hoping to finish their season strong, riding on the momentum of their recent victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With Hurts sidelined, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett is set to lead the Eagles. Despite his potential, Pickett's rib injury raises questions about his performance effectiveness. His debut as starting quarterback was not inspiring, compiling 143 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Commanders. There is uncertainty surrounding his ability to maintain the Eagles' explosive offense without Hurts at the helm.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, have been rejuvenated after recent games, winning four of their last five. Their backup quarterback, Cooper Rush, has shown improvement, tossing for 292 yards and leading his team to victory with strong performances alongside key players like Rico Dowdle and Brandin Cooks, especially with star receiver CeeDee Lamb out due to injury.
Heading to this matchup, the Eagles are favored by 7.5 points, as they strive to regain their confidence after losing their 10-game winning streak. Betters are wrestling with the Eagles' spread due to the injured Hurts and the unpredictability of Pickett starting. The game’s total is set at 38 points, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding offensive outputs from both sides.
Saquon Barkley will be at the forefront of the Eagles' game plan, needing just 268 yards over his next two games to surpass Eric Dickerson's longstanding single-season rushing record. Barkley's revitalized role and ability to adapt will be pivotal for the Eagles as they approach the postseason.
Historical rivalry adds another layer of drama to this matchup. The last time the Eagles swept the Cowboys was back in 2011. The city celebrates any opportunity to shine against their divisional foe, amplifying the atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field.
Experts highlight the intensity of this rivalry, with memories of battles etched deep within fan lore fueling the anticipation. Will Kenny Pickett be the spark the Eagles need to crack open the Cowboys’ defense? Or will Cooper Rush make the most of his opportunities against a shaky Eagles secondary?
With Hurts unavailable, the focus falls on Pickett to manage the game effectively, minimizing mistakes, and allowing Barkley to dominate the rushing attack. The Eagles' defense will also play a key role, needing to step up against Rush and leverage their home-field advantage.
The prevailing sentiment among analysts leans toward the Eagles remaining a problematic matchup for Dallas, but without Hurts, the dynamics shift significantly. Fans are sure to be glued to their screens as this heated rivalry plays out with playoff stakes hanging precariously.
Whether you’re supporting the Birds or rooting for America’s Team, mark your calendars for December 29 at 1 p.m. EST. The showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys promises to deliver unexpected thrills as both teams aim for their end-of-season goals amid the playoff narrative.