We have an NFC East battle on tap for “Monday Night Football” this week, as Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles. While fans used to bemoan these NFC East primetime matchups, there’s reason to be excited about this one. The Cowboys have a versatile offense that can find success on the ground and through the air, while the Eagles have an underrated defense and a prospective franchise quarterback in Jalen Hurts.
The Cowboys won their first game of the season last Sunday over the Los Angeles Chargers thanks to a last-second field goal, while the Eagles fell to the San Francisco 49ers in what was a defensive matchup. The winner of this game could end up deciding who sits atop the division as we enter Week 4.
The Cowboys lead the all-time series, 67-53, while the Eagles have won two out of the past three meetings. Below, we will break down this matchup from a gambling perspective and examine the line movement, Over/Under and player props to consider. First, here’s how you can watch Sunday’s matchup.
All NFL odds are via Caesars Sportsbook.
How to watch
Date: Monday, Sept. 27 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
TV: ESPN | Stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds: Cowboys -3.5, O/U 51.5
Line movement
Latest Odds: Dallas Cowboys -3.5
This line has bounced around half a point all week. It reopened at Cowboys -4 last Sunday before falling to Cowboys -3.5 for just a bit before going back up by the end of the day. Then, on Friday, it again fell to Cowboys -3.5.
The pick: Cowboys -3.5. The Cowboys are likely riding high after their Week 2 win, even though it wasn’t a perfect performance. It was interesting how they relied on the ground game this past week after hitching their wagon to Prescott’s arm in the season opener. Everyone will have eyes on the offensive play-calling Monday night. The home-field advantage will likely play a huge role in this game with it being the Cowboys’ 2021 home opener. It could be a close affair, but I’ll take Dallas to cover.
Over/Under 51.5
Latest Odds: Over 51.5
This total reopened at 52 last Sunday night and bounced around quite a bit Monday. It went as low as 50.5 but closed Monday at 51. It then received a bump up to 51.5 on Tuesday.
The pick: O 51.5. Cowboys’ home opener in primetime? My lean is to the Over. I don’t think the Cowboys are going to score only 20 points this week, and I think Dak passes the ball more than 27 times. Eagles games haven’t hit the Over yet this season, but the Cowboys’ defense should give them the opportunity to score some points this week.
Jalen Hurts props
Passing touchdowns: 1.5 (Over +115, Under -145)
Passing yards: 248.5 (Over -115, Under -115)
Passing attempts: 34.5 (Over -125, Under -105)
Passing completions: 21.5 (Over -130, Under +100)
Longest passing completion: 36.5 (Over -120, Under -110)
Interceptions: 0.5 (Over -145, Under +115)
Rushing attempts: 7.5 (Over -130, Under +100)
Rushing yards: 54.5 (Over -120, Under -110)
I have no read on passing touchdowns for Hurts in this matchup. He threw three in Week 1 and zero in Week 2. My lean is to the Over with plus money. I also like the Over on passing yards since it looks like the Eagles will have to pass the ball to keep up with Prescott and Co. Hurts hasn’t thrown an interception yet this season, and the juice at +115 for zero picks is enticing.
Dak Prescott props
Passing touchdowns: 1.5 (Over -145, Under +115)
Passing yards: 300.5 (Over -115, Under -115)
Passing attempts: 36.5 (Over -120, Under -110)
Passing completions: 25.5 (Over +105, Under -135)
Longest passing completion: 40.5 (Over -110, Under -120)
Interceptions: 0.5 (Over +100, Under -130)
I like Prescott Over 25.5 completions — especially at plus money. Yes, the Cowboys ran the ball a ton in Week 2 but I expect more of a healthy mix Monday night. That, plus the Over on passing touchdowns, may be the only best bets I have for America’s quarterback. His performances in Week 1 and Week 2 were pretty different, so this game will give us more of a measuring stick in terms of what to expect moving forward.
Player props
Quez Watkins receiving yards: Over 27.5 (-115). I published a fun Week 3 bold predictions article earlier this week, and one was that Watkins explodes on “Monday Night Football” for 150 yards. That’s just a bold prediction, so don’t bet the house on this prop, but I do like the Over. He caught a 91-yard bomb against the 49ers last week, and I think he could be good for one big play against the Cowboys. I don’t know why Nick Sirianni doesn’t do more with this kid.
Tony Pollard receptions: Over 2.5 (+105). Pollard seemingly took over the backfield last Sunday. I’m not saying he does that again Monday night, but he has caught at least three passes in both games so far. With plus money on my side, I’m convinced to take this prop.
Jalen Reagor receiving yards: Over 36.5 (-120). Reagor caught just two passes for five yards last week but had a 36-yard touchdown called back. If the Eagles are down early and have to keep the ball in the air, he’s going to get his chances to make some plays.
