FRISCO, TEXAS — As the NFL regular season approaches its conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys face a pivotal Week 17 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys (7-8) travel to Philadelphia to take on the NFC East-leading Eagles (12-3) in a game that could have significant playoff implications for both teams. Despite the Cowboys’ up-and-down season, they remain in the playoff hunt, while the Eagles are looking to lock up a top playoff seed in the NFC.
Series History
The Cowboys hold a historical edge in the regular season series, leading 71-56. However, Philadelphia has been the dominant team in recent meetings, winning three of the last five matchups. The most recent contest, a 34-6 victory for the Eagles on November 10, 2024, was a tough one for Dallas. When the teams met in Philadelphia last season, the Eagles edged out a 28-23 win on November 5, 2023. The Cowboys’ last win came at home in a 33-13 victory over the Eagles on December 10, 2023. Dallas will look to avenge their earlier loss and continue their success in December, where they’ve won seven of the last nine meetings with Philadelphia.
Jalen Hurts’ Injury Status
A key storyline heading into this game is the health of Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts, who has been one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks this season, is in concussion protocol and has yet to practice this week. With Hurts unlikely to play, the Eagles will turn to backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. While Pickett’s experience has been limited, he will be tasked with leading an offense that relies heavily on both the passing and running games.
The question will be how effectively the Eagles can operate without Hurts under center. Hurts’ mobility and ability to make plays with his legs have been crucial for the Eagles’ offensive success this season. However, running back Saquon Barkley could see an even larger workload, as he carried the ball a season-high 29 times in a heartbreaking loss to the Washington Commanders last week. Barkley’s role in this game could be pivotal, especially as the Cowboys’ defense gears up to stop the run.
Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb Shut Down for Season
Dallas is also dealing with a significant injury concern of its own. Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been shut down for the remainder of the 2024 season due to a shoulder injury that has worsened. Lamb, who has 101 receptions this season, is expected to recover without surgery and should be ready for next season. His absence leaves a void in the Cowboys’ passing attack, but the team will rely on other receivers, including Michael Gallup and Brandon Cooks, to step up in his place.
Lamb’s absence could put additional pressure on backup quarterback Cooper Rush, who has performed admirably when called upon. Rush has completed 17 of 27 downfield pass attempts (10+ yards) for 328 yards and six touchdowns in his last three games. However, the Eagles’ defense, which has allowed just 9.3 yards per attempt—third fewest in the NFL—will present a tough challenge. Philadelphia’s defense has also been opportunistic, with nine of its 10 interceptions coming on downfield passes. Rush will need to be cautious, but his success on deep throws could be key to the Cowboys’ offense.
Record-Breaking Achievements
As the Cowboys prepare for Sunday’s game, a couple of individual players are closing in on record-breaking feats. Kicker Brandon Aubrey has made 36 field goals in 2024, tying his own franchise record from last season. With one more successful field goal, Aubrey will set a new Cowboys’ record for most field goals in a single season.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Micah Parsons leads the team with 9.5 sacks. With just half a sack on Sunday, Parsons will reach 10 sacks on the season and become the fifth player in NFL history to record double-digit sacks in each of his first four seasons, joining the ranks of legends like Reggie White, Derrick Thomas, and Dwight Freeney.
What to Expect in Week 17
As both teams gear up for this crucial matchup, the Cowboys will aim to extend their success in December, where they’ve been particularly strong in recent seasons against the Eagles. They will also need a big performance from their defense, led by Parsons, to take down an Eagles team that has proven difficult to beat in Philadelphia.
With Hurts likely out for the game and Lamb sidelined for the rest of the season, this game will hinge on the performances of Cooper Rush, Saquon Barkley, and both defenses. Can the Cowboys capitalize on the Eagles’ QB uncertainty and defensive vulnerability on downfield passes? Or will the Eagles’ running game, led by Barkley, be enough to keep the Cowboys at bay?
This NFC East showdown promises to be a high-stakes, hard-fought battle with playoff implications for both teams. With both teams dealing with key injuries, the Week 17 matchup will be a true test of depth and resilience.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 PM ET from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
