Eagles-Cowboys: Stephen A. Smith Predicts Winner of NFL Season Opener

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 11:58 AM ET

The 2025 NFL season is set to get underway on Thursday, as the historical rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles will be restored. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has long been known for his bold takes on every team in professional sports, especially the Cowboys.

Smith's love-hate relationship with Cowboys' fans has been well-documented over the years. His social media posts laughing after Dallas losses and his statement of "what can go wrong, will go wrong," referring to the Cowboys, combine for an amusing back-and-forth.

On Thursday, Smith, a former print journalist in Philadelphia, gave his prediction for who will win the season opener between the hated rivals in the "City of Brotherly Love."

"It's gonna be a blowout," Smith said on ESPN's "First Take." "It's gonna be competitive for a half. I got two interceptions coming [from Dak Prescott]. I got the Philadelphia Eagles running away with it. The Philadelphia Eagles pull away and win by at least 14."

This prediction for a blowout victory by the Eagles may not seem far-fetched. Philadelphia won both matchups against the Cowboys last season by a combined score of 75-13. Although Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott missed both games with injury, those scores were jarring for Cowboys fans.

Now, with star EDGE Micah Parsons traded to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys' defense will have to contain Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley.

The Eagles are 8.5-point favorites, according to ESPN BET, as the defending Super Bowl champions look to begin their 2025 campaign with a statement victory.

Dallas visits Philadelphia at 8:20 p.m. ET Thursday on NBC.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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