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DFS Showdown Breakdown Cowboys vs. Eagles

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Joe Pepe | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 11:15 AM ET

The NFL season is finally back, which means we begin the year with a DFS Showdown Breakdown. In Week 1, we get to start with the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Dallas Cowboys, who have made their own earth-shattering news lately. This matchup is an NFC East rivalry that brings out the best (or perhaps the worst) in the respective fan bases, inspiring genuine passion for the game.

We love to play DFS and try to predict how this game will break down so we can walk away with some extra cash. This article will include some of our favorite plays and a few sleepers to help you create a winning lineup.

*All information will be based on DraftKings Showdown information *

This week, we start with the #1 player in the NFL according to his peers:

Saquon Barkley $11,200

Everyone has hammered home Saquon Barkley’s 482 touches from last season, but the concern for injury, especially in Week 1, doesn’t scare us away. We know the Eagles’ offense runs through Barkley, and when we combine that with the Cowboys’ defense, we know we have a match made in heaven. The Cowboys’ defense tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns allowed in the position. The same defense(now missing Micah Parsons) also allowed the sixth most receiving yards to the running back position.

Everyone sees the green 32nd next to Jalen Hurts, which will guide the Newbie to DFS to slot him into the captain slot; however, Saquon has that beautiful 20th OPRK, which is more than good enough for a back of his talent.

Jalen Hurts $11,000

Speaking of Jalen Hurts, we can not forget the Super Bowl MVP facing one of the worst passing defenses, which just traded its best pass rusher. The Cowboys’ defense surrenders the 12th-most passing yards and the sixth-most passing touchdowns.

We know Jalen Hurts can hurt you with his legs (Hello, you beautiful Tush Push you!); however, the Cowboys allowed the most rushing yards to the quarterback position last year. They couldn’t stop them from crossing the goal line as they allowed ten total rushing touchdowns to quarterbacks, which is the most in the NFL last season. The Cowboys allowed 22.5 fantasy points per game (FPPG) to the quarterback position, and we would be foolish to look away from a man who can easily have three total touchdowns Thursday night and elevate our DFS Showdown Breakdown lineups.

Dak Prescott $9,000

I can hear you as you read this article, “Joe, you love the Eagles! You are going to hate the Cowboys all day!” Let’s make this clear, you are right! However, money talks in DFS, so let’s not forget Dak Prescott. Prescott is an easy set-it-and-forget-it this season, most weeks. The organization added George Pickens to CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson while forgetting that you need a competent running back.

Prescott may need to throw the ball 50 times this game to win, and although the Eagles’ defense was the best in the NFL last year, they have a leak in their CB2 department that “America’s team” can take advantage of on Thursday night.

Miles Sanders $4,000

Zig while they zag? It’s a chance. Javonte Williams is an option, too, because he can pass protect and has reliable hands. However, I will throw a dart at the revenge narrative here while Jaydon Bkue struggles with his lower-body injury. If Miles Sanders is going to matter, this is the moment.

Brandon Aubrey $4,800

First things first, watch the weather. A kicker is only as good as the weather; some rain is forecasted. Right now, it’s only 20% so I’m not afraid of the fantasy gods crying upon this game. Instead, my theory on kickers is this:

Which team has a strong offense that can be stopped but an equally potent defense? That would be the Cowboys. Plus, Aubrey was the K1 in all of fantasy last year, so we know they will use his strong leg to throw extra points on the board and in our fantasy lineups.

George Pickens ($8,000) NOT CeeDee Lamb ($10,800)

Sounds crazy, right? Yes, Lamb is an excellent wide receiver, but honestly, you have to sacrifice your salary somewhere. George Pickens should be facing off against whoever plays most of the snaps at CB2. Lamb will draw Quinton Mitchell on the outside while drawing Cooper Dejean on the inside. Neither matchup screams automatic win for Lamb, which could mean you overpay for a player and receiver with mediocre results.

With his immense talent, Pickens can be the slate breaker each week. Plus, a fun side note after the Parsons trade: Don’t put it past Jerry Jones to tell his coaching staff to feature his newest shiny toy as a way to move on from the poor feedback they received recently.

NO EAGLES RECEIVERS

The price is tough, and if you get Jalen Hurts, you pseudo-roster the receivers too. We aren’t pushing them this week because the pricing is hard to fit in unless you build an onslaught lineup with a 4:2 or 5:1 Eagles build.

Kavontae Turpin $2,800

You get explosive plays on special teams, and the Cowboys realized his athleticism last year and began to involve him in the offense. He could sneak a deep pass or an end-around into the endzone.

Will Shipley $2,000

The Eagles are a better team than the Cowboys, which could lead to a blowout. In that scenario, we could enter into a period of ‘garbage time’ for Shipley, which could help feed families in 2025.

These players will be the perfect addition to your DFS Showdown Breakdown and help you cash in Week 1!