2026 NFL Kickoff: Eagles vs. Cowboys Season Opener Preview
The wait is over—tonight the Philadelphia Eagles begin their title defense by hosting the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET, with the defending Super Bowl champions favored by 7–8.5 points at most sportsbooks. It’s a high-stakes start, complete with a banner-raising ceremony and fresh storylines on both sidelines.
Major Storylines
- Eagles’ Title Defense: Philadelphia lost some depth in the offseason but retains its offensive core of Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith. Week 1 is their chance to set a championship tone right away.
- Cowboys’ New Look: Dallas moved on from Micah Parsons in a blockbuster trade to Green Bay, reshuffled its defense under coordinator Matt Eberflus, and welcomes head coach Brian Schottenheimer. On offense, new signing George Pickens joins Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to add firepower.
Statistical Edges
- Eagles on the ground: Led the NFL in rushing EPA last year. A big test for a Dallas front seven that struggled vs. the run.
- Cowboys through the air: Prescott remains efficient when healthy. The Lamb–Pickens duo will challenge an Eagles secondary integrating new faces like Adoree’ Jackson.
Special Teams & X-Factors
- Dallas: Kicker Brandon Aubrey has been reliable from long distance. Returner KaVontae Turpin averaged 33 yards per kickoff return vs. Philly last year.
- Philadelphia: Special teams were a weak point in their Super Bowl season—containing Turpin is critical to avoid game-changing plays.
Betting Outlook
The Eagles are consensus favorites (-7 to -8.5), but some bettors see value in Dallas at +8.5. Week 1 volatility and the Cowboys’ offensive upgrades make them a live underdog despite Philadelphia’s home-field advantage.
Intangibles
- Banner Night: The Eagles will raise their championship banner in front of a packed home crowd, adding emotional weight to the opener.
- Coaching debut: Schottenheimer’s first game in charge of Dallas introduces unpredictability to their game plan.
Key Details at a Glance
| Category | Eagles | Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Result | Super Bowl Champions | Missed playoffs, major overhaul |
| Quarterback | Jalen Hurts | Dak Prescott |
| Offensive Edge | League-best rushing EPA | Passing game with Lamb & Pickens |
| Defense | New secondary pieces | Lost Parsons, new coordinator |
| Special Teams | Weakness in 2025 | Aubrey’s leg, Turpin’s returns |
| Vegas Line | -7 to -8.5 favorites | Underdogs; sharp money at +8.5 |
Bottom line: Eagles–Cowboys delivers everything you want in an NFL opener: champions defending their crown, rivals in transition, and early stakes for the NFC East. Whether Philadelphia rolls or Dallas shocks, the first chapter of the 2026 season begins with fireworks in South Philly.