
Monday Night Football brings one of the NFL’s biggest rivalries back to center stage when the Dallas Cowboys visit the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Both NFC East teams enter at 2-4, making this a potentially pivotal game for two clubs already chasing ground in the division. Dallas has lost two straight following a 23-13 defeat at Green Bay, while Philadelphia has dropped four consecutive games after falling 25-14 at home against Carolina.
Dallas enters as a 4.5-point road favorite, largely because Philadelphia will again be without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is on injured reserve while recovering from a blood clot in his calf. Tanner McKee is expected to remain under center.
Matchup: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles Date: Monday, October 26, 2026 Kickoff: 8:15 PM ET TV: ESPN / ABC Venue: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tickets: As low as $100 Point Spread: Dallas -4.5 Over/Under: 44.5
The Dallas -4.5 spread means the Cowboys need to win by five points or more to cover.
If Dallas wins 24-20, Philadelphia +4.5 would cover because the Eagles lost by only four. If Dallas wins 27-20, the Cowboys cover because they won by seven. Since the spread includes a half-point, there cannot be a push.
Dallas was averaging 27.6 points per game entering its matchup at Green Bay, but the offense has suddenly cooled considerably.
The Cowboys were shut out in the first half against the Packers and eventually lost 23-13. Dak Prescott completed 34 of 54 attempts for 258 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while repeatedly dealing with pressure. Dallas rushed for only 48 yards.
Prescott still has respectable season numbers, completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 1,639 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions through six games.
The Cowboys need to find ways to get CeeDee Lamb involved earlier.
Lamb enters Philadelphia with 48 receptions for 577 yards and four touchdowns, while George Pickens has added 428 receiving yards.
Running back Javonte Williams has rushed for 317 yards, but his biggest contribution has been near the goal line. Williams already has seven rushing touchdowns in six games.
Dallas has enough playmakers to exploit Philadelphia, but the Cowboys cannot allow another game to become dominated by blitz pressure and obvious passing situations.
Philadelphia’s season has taken a sharp downturn.
The Eagles’ 25-14 loss to Carolina was their fourth consecutive defeat, dropping them to 2-4.
McKee made his first start of the season and completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown without an interception. He was sacked three times as Philadelphia generated only 222 total yards.
Hurts’ absence changes the entire Eagles offense.
Philadelphia loses one of the league’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks, particularly in short-yardage and red-zone situations. Hurts had thrown for 933 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 107 rushing yards before going on injured reserve.
That puts more pressure on DeVonta Smith.
Smith caught seven passes for 75 yards and a touchdown against Carolina and leads Philadelphia with 310 receiving yards.
Philadelphia’s defense also needs improvement. Carolina produced 399 yards, controlled possession for nearly 35 minutes and rushed for 126 yards in last week’s victory.
Prop availability and numbers vary by sportsbook, so these are target numbers to consider if offered near these ranges.
Prescott has surpassed 250 passing yards in five consecutive games, throwing for 279, 276, 335, 316 and 258 during that stretch.
Even with Dallas trying to improve its running game, Prescott should have plenty of opportunities against Philadelphia.
Prediction: Dak Prescott — 278 passing yards
Lamb is averaging more than 96 receiving yards per game through Dallas’ first six contests.
After the Cowboys struggled offensively at Green Bay, expect the game plan to emphasize getting their premier receiver involved early and often.
Prediction: CeeDee Lamb — 94 receiving yards
Smith immediately emerged as McKee’s primary receiving option against Carolina.
He caught seven passes for 75 yards and Philadelphia’s only passing touchdown.
With the Eagles potentially playing from behind, another high-target game is likely.
Prediction: DeVonta Smith — 72 receiving yards
Williams has scored seven rushing touchdowns despite averaging only 3.7 yards per carry.
He scored again at Green Bay and remains Dallas’ preferred option around the goal line.
Prediction: Javonte Williams — Anytime Touchdown
Prescott has thrown 108 passes over the last two games. Dallas needs his production but cannot afford another multi-interception performance.
Lamb’s matchup is one of Dallas’ clearest offensive advantages. Expect Prescott to look his way frequently.
McKee protected the football against Carolina, but this is a different challenge under the Monday Night Football spotlight against a division rival.
Smith becomes even more important without Hurts. His ability to generate separation and create yards after the catch could determine whether Philadelphia can sustain drives.
Dallas must handle Philadelphia’s pressure better than it handled Green Bay’s blitz packages. Prescott was hurried repeatedly last week, disrupting the Cowboys’ timing.
The Cowboys also need to establish some type of rushing attack. Dallas averages just 3.7 yards per carry and managed only 48 rushing yards against Green Bay.
Philadelphia needs to make life easier for McKee. Asking him to attempt another 45 passes is unlikely to be a winning formula.
The Eagles must also avoid penalties after being flagged 11 times for 84 yards against Carolina.
The Dallas -4.5 spread requires the Cowboys to win by at least five points.
Philadelphia’s home-field advantage makes that somewhat uncomfortable, especially in an NFC East rivalry, but the quarterback situation creates a meaningful Dallas advantage.
McKee was respectable against Carolina, but Philadelphia produced only 14 points and 222 yards. Dallas, meanwhile, still has Prescott, Lamb, Pickens and Williams leading an offense capable of breaking out.
The 44.5 total is more difficult.
Dallas has scored only 29 combined points over its last two games, while Philadelphia has managed just 31 during its last two. With Hurts unavailable and both offenses struggling recently, the under deserves consideration.
Philadelphia’s defense keeps this competitive early, and Smith makes enough plays to keep the Eagles within striking distance.
Eventually, however, Prescott and Lamb begin winning their matchups.
Dallas protects the football better than it did at Green Bay, Williams finds the end zone and the Cowboys pull away late for an important NFC East victory.
Dallas 24, Philadelphia 17
Betting Category Pick Best Bet Dallas -4.5 Against the Spread Dallas -4.5 Moneyline Dallas Over/Under Under 44.5 Top Prop CeeDee Lamb Over 79.5 Receiving Yards
Final Prediction: Dallas 24, Philadelphia 17
Dallas wins by seven points, meaning the Cowboys would cover the 4.5-point spread. The projected 41 combined points would also finish under the 44.5 total.
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