Eagles already set up to kick off 2025 NFL season with a victory vs biggest rival on Thursday Night Football

Schefter added some more context to the big reveal, saying, "A backstory to the Cowboys-Eagles regular-season opener: Since 2004, 20 defending Super Bowl champions have played in the first game to open the season. Those teams have gone 15-5 in those games, including the Chiefs’ 27-20 win over the Ravens in last season’s opener." 

The Eagles and Cowboys are one of the biggest rivalries in football, which makes them a perfect choice to kick off the 2025 NFL season. These teams have been going at it since 1960 and have played over 125 times, with the Cowboys holding the edge in the all-time series. Their games are always intense, often with playoff spots or the NFC East title on the line, and they almost always deliver some sort of drama. Whether it's a last-minute touchdown or a heated sideline moment, something exciting usually happens when these two meet. Plus, whenever they play in prime time, the ratings are huge.
Starting the season with Eagles-Cowboys guarantees excitement, star power, and a fired-up fan base on both sides, so it was a great call by the NFL.

Can Philly Sweep Dallas Again? 

In the 2024 NFL season, the Eagles absolutely dominated their rivalry with the Cowboys, sweeping both regular-season matchups.

In Week 10, the Eagles traveled to AT&T Stadium and secured a 34–6 victory over a Cowboys team missing starting quarterback Dak Prescott. Jalen Hurts led the offense with four total touchdowns, while linebacker Zack Baun guided the defense that forced five turnovers, including two fumbles and a recovery. The win marked Philadelphia’s first in Dallas since 2017. 

The rematch in Week 17 at Lincoln Financial Field was even more lopsided. Despite resting Hurts, the Eagles cruised to a 41–7 win, clinching the NFC East title. Backup quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee combined for four touchdowns, while Saquon Barkley surpassed 2,000 rushing yards for the season, becoming the ninth player in NFL history to achieve that milestone. Philadelphia’s defense once again dominated, forcing four turnovers, including a pick-six by C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

Things will look a bit different this year when the two teams meet, with Prescott expected to be back at full health and the Eagles featuring some new additions on defense. Still, the changes should not be enough to stop the Birds from securing a prime-time win at home.

On the road, however, could be a different story for Philly.