Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Cowboys hope to avoid making history against Eagles in Week 18

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Randy Gurzi | Last updated Dec 29, 2024 11:05 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys are on the road in Week 17, to play the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s the second and final meeting between the NFC East rivals this season.

Their last matchup was a 34-6 victory for the Eagles, which was also the first game this season where Dallas had to start Cooper Rush in favor of an injured Dak Prescott.

For Rush, it was his second loss in as many starts against Philly.

Not only would a win Sunday be significant for Rush, but it would keep Dallas from making the wrong type of history. Should the Eagles win, it would be just the second time they swept Dallas in 18 years and the first since 2011.

If the Eagles beat the Cowboys tomorrow, it will be only the second time in the last 18 years that Philadelphia has swept the season series. The last time the Eagles did it was in 2011
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 28, 2024

One factor helping Dallas in this one will be the absence of Jalen Hurts. With him in the concussion protocol, the Eagles will turn to Kenny Pickett who is making his first start in over a year.

Pickett is better than he gets credit for, and was 14-10 in two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Having said that, he’s not as difficult to deal with as Hurts.

The Cowboys don’t have a shot at the postseason but have been playing with a lot of fight in recent weeks. Hopefully that will be enough to keep the Eagles from going 2-0 against them in 2024.

Cowboys vs. Eagles: 3 keys to victory for NFL Week 17

Cowboys' final injury repo rt for Week 17 vs. Eagles: 3 players ruled out

Cowboys 3-round mock draft: Dallas stockpiles offensive firepower

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Megan McElaney gets special honor

NFC East Power Rankings after Week 16: Cowboys can play spoiler

Meet Kelcey Wetterberg: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader

This article first appeared on Dallas Cowboys on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: