Experts hit Dallas Cowboys fans with a bucket of cold water moments after NFL announces Kickoff game vs. Philadelphia Eagles

I really didn't think the NFL would schedule the Dallas Cowboys as the opponent to the Philadelphia Eagles for the league's Kickoff game on Sept. 4. But I guess the ratings projections were too good to pass on. 

The Cowboys will take on the reigning, defending champions in Week 1, shoving Brian Schottenheimer right into the big stage as a first-year head coach. 

Though exciting, the news doesn't come off as a big positive for the Cowboys, who will be dealing with many early-season question marks and will have a much tougher time bringing down the champs than they would later in the year. 

Oddsmakers appear to agree this is a tough matchup for the Cowboys, and they hit fans with a bucket of cold water moments after the announcement by revealing the betting spread for the game: The Eagles are seven-point favorites over Dallas, per DraftKings.

That's certainly a large number but one that's more than understandable. The Eagles have one of the best rosters in the NFL and the Cowboys will be facing plenty of question marks both on a roster and coaching staff level. 

Additionally, the Cowboys are already dealing with injuries as CB Trevon Diggs and LB DeMarvion Overshown are expected to start the season on injured lists.

On offense, Schottenheimer will juggle head coaching and offensive play calling responsibilities for the first time in his career, and he'll do so with serious question marks at running back and across the offensive line, which is particularly important considering the Eagles have one of the fiercest defensive lines in the league. 

Of course, we'll get into detailed previews of the game closer to the big date but for now, we know if the Cowboys are to make a Week 1 statement, it will take a great debut from Schottenheimer. Not to mention, several young players will need to answer the bell. For now, the good news is they've got a date. 

Season starts Sept. 4.