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Predicting the Final Score of Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys

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By @GregSulik

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Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports

This is exactly what Thanksgiving showcase games are all about. The 8-3 Dallas Cowboys host the 8-3 Philadelphia Eagles in a massive showdown atop the NFC East on Thanksgiving Day, with the winner taking control of their own destiny in the division. This is the first of two games these teams will play against each other in the next three weeks, and we will learn quite a bit about this divisional race.

This game should be an entertaining one, with the Eagles ranking 4th in the NFL in total offense and 3rd scoring offense, while the Cowboys rank 6th and 7th, respectively. The Eagles are more inclined to get things done through the air, even if that often comes in the form of short passes to LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles. On the other hand, the Cowboys’ bread and better is running DeMarco Murray behind an offensive line that is arguably the best in football.

It will be interesting to see which defense will rise to the occasion, as neither has dazzled this season. On paper, Dallas’ 16th ranked defense holds the edge over Philadelphia’s 26th ranked unit. A key stat here is that the Eagles lead the NFL in turnovers with 27, something that could turn the tide in the Cowboys’ favor. The Eagles’ -8 turnover differential indicates a team that is somewhat lucky to be 8-3, and those types of mistakes could be very costly against a team as good as Dallas.

Neither team has impressed against legitimate playoff contenders this season, with the Eagles going 1-3 in those games and the Cowboys 1-2 (2-2 if you’re impressed by the win over the New Orleans Saints, which I’m not). All three of the Eagles’ losses have come against quality opposition on the road, while all three of the Cowboys’ losses have come at home, two of which were against good teams. Something has to give here.

The Eagles rank second in the NFL in sacks, and pressuring Tony Romo will be vital to their success. They need to hold Murray’s productions to at least a reasonable levels while limiting the big plays from Dez Bryant. Offensively, Mark Sanchez has to protect the ball, while McCoy, Jeremy Maclin,and the rest of the Eagles’ playmakers need to turn in big games.

From a Dallas perspective, takeaways are the key to the game. The Eagles have turned it over 11 times in their three losses, so pressuring Sanchez and forcing mistakes is the best way to shut down the high powered Eagles offense. When they have the ball, nothing is going to change. Murray will get at least 25 carries, and if the Cowboys can control the game on the ground while protecting Romo well enough to allow him to make a few key plays, they will be in great shape.

There should be plenty of points on the board in this one, but the signs point in the Cowboys’ favor. Don’t expect them to run away with the game, but the Cowboys should be able to do just enough to earn a huge home win that puts them into first place in the division.

Final score prediction: Cowboys 31, Eagles 27

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