Anyway you choose to look at it, this Week 7 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles is a must-win game for the Dallas Cowboys, and one that will play a heavy hand in how Jerry Jones and Company decides to approach the rest of the season. The NFC East division title as well as their playoff hopes could all hinge on the outcome of this single game.
With both teams sitting in 2-4, this is a matchup that looks pretty even on paper. Both teams have fallen way below expectations this year and have been dealing
with injuries to key players. The one that never grates around this issue the past should walk away with the “W”, but to do so they’ll have to win certain matchups this week. Below are the ones we’ll watching.
RB Javonte Williams vs. Eagles run defense
A lot of the Cowboys struggles on the offensive side of the ball can be linked to their ineffectiveness in the running game. They’re currently ranked 31st in the league through six weeks, averaging only 76 yards per game. A lot of that has to do with them being forced to abandon the running game due to the fact they’ve been playing from behind nearly every game. That could change this week against the Eagles 19th ranked run defense. If Dallas can get Williams going on the ground, it opens up everything else and makes things much easier.
DT Kenny Clark vs. Eagles C Drew Kendall
Kenny Clark going up against the Eagles new center Drew Kendall is a matchup that should favor the Cowboys. The former 2025 fifth-round pick out of Boston College has taken over the full-time starting job after Cam Jurgens was traded to the Baltimore Ravens and only has a total of four starts under his belt so far in his young career. His inexperience is something Clark can take advantage of, both as a run defender and pass rusher. No. 95 has a chance to be a true difference maker this week and could help sway the game in Dallas’ favor.
Cowboys secondary vs. Eagles QB Tanner McGee
With Saquon Barkley expected to return this week after missing two games with a hamstring injury, the Cowboys defensive game plan will revolve heavily around containing him and putting the game in QB Tanner McGee’s hands. McGee will be making his second start this season after Jalen Hurts was put on IR with blood clots and will be looking to the next QB to victimize Dallas’ struggling secondary. Joey Porter Jr. has improved things, but it’s not enough. Everyone around him needs to step up their game and reinforcements could also help.
