Cowboys @ Eagles Week 16 Preview

The biggest game of the the season for both teams. When the schedule was released this past offseason most experts highlighted this game for the NFC East title. If Dallas wins, they win the division and eliminate the Eagles. If Philadelphia wins, then the Eagles would be in the drivers seat for the division and have to win week 17 at the Giants to be crowned division champs. But, in order for week 17 to matter for the Eagles then they need to defeat the Cowboys in front of their home crowd at Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday afternoon at 4:25 on Fox!

Dallas:

Key Players:

QB Dak Prescott- If Prescott can hit his open receivers and and take care of the ball Dallas should have a good chance in this one. The Cowboys skill players are much more equipped for success than the Eagles defense.

RB Ezekiel Elliot- Zeke has been an Eagles killer over the years and the Cowboys are coming off their most dynamic rushing game of the season. Dallas will run Zeke into the ground this week as their playoff lives are on the line.

WR Amari Cooper- A dynamic receiver who can get open and make plays after the catch. Sounds like a recipe for disaster for Jalen Mills and Ronald Darby.

G Zack Martin- If Martin can push around the Eagles front four in the rushing game, the Eagles stand no chance at stopping Zeke.

T Tyron Smith- The Eagles pass rush has been inconsistent this season, and if Smith can give Prescott time to throw he will rip apart the Eagles secondary.

LB Jaylon Smith- A LB with great sideline to sideline speed, he is going to be tasked with stopping the Eagles RB duo of Sanders and Scott in the passing game, as well as potentially Ertz and Goedert. Smith will play a big role in the Cowboys success or demise this Sunday.

DE DeMarcus Lawrence- If Lane Johnson is out this week, Lawrence is in for a big game.

X-Factor:

WR Michael Gallup- A speedy receiver who has great ability after the catch has the potential to give the Eagles secondary some fits.

Key Stats:

27.0 points per game (5th)

134.0 rushing yards per game (6th)

443.6 total yards per game (1st)

6 total INT’s (31st)

Philadelphia:

Key Players:

QB Carson Wentz- Wentz has led two straight fourth quarter comebacks keeping the Eagles season alive. He is playing without a majority of his offensive weapons and will need to take care of the ball if the Eagles want to win this one.

RB Miles Sanders- A very explosive player who is developing as a rusher, Sanders will also need to have a big game receiving to keep Dallas off balance.

TE Zach Ertz- Wentz’s most reliable weapon will have to have a big game against the division rival for Philadelphia to have a chance.

T Lane Johnson- A banged up ankle could hold Johnson out in this one. Philadelphia needs him against DeMarcus Lawrence or it could be a long night for Eagles fans.

G Brandon Brooks- The most dominant guard in football needs to pave rushing lanes for Miles Sanders and Boston Scott as the Eagles will need to control the tempo in this game and have their trademark long drives.

DT Fletcher Cox- Cox needs to blow up plays in the backfield this week and find a way to slow down Ezekiel Elliot. He needs to play like the best defensive player on the field this weekend.

LB Nigel Bradham- The LB will be big in finding a way to slowing down Elliot and might get matched up with Jason Witten who has been a historic Eagles killer.

X-Factor:

WR Greg Ward- A receivers who has spent most of the year on the practice squad has stepped up big in recent weeks. The Eagles need someone other then Ertz to step up in the passing game this weekend on the perimeter and Ward can be that guy.

Key Stats:

23.0 points per game (12th)

121.4 rushing yards per game (11th)

2nd in time of possession

36.0 sacks (13th)

Game Preview:

Each team enters this game at 7-7 and are at the end of very disappointing seasons that could lead to sweeping changes in each organization. But, with that being said each team still has their playoff hopes right in front of their eyes. In week seven, Dallas dominated Philadelphia 37-10 at AT&T Stadium. This time though, the game will be played outdoors in about 30 degree temperatures in Philly. The Cowboys are a different team in the cold and outdoors outside of their lofty stadium. With that being said though, Dallas found their identity last week against the Rams where they pounded the rock for 263 total rushing yards. Expect them to do the same this weekend with Zeke, as he has had his fair share of success against Philadelphia. If the run game isn't working early though, Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup should be able to have their way against the Eagles shaky secondary.

With all that being said, Philadelphia still stands a chance in this one. The atmosphere at the Linc should be insane and the Birds will use that towards their advantage. The Cowboys have the more talented and healthy roster, but other than last week they have been playing some of the worst football in the NFL in recent weeks. Carson Wentz has had two great back to back games and the Eagles young skill players like Greg Ward, Boston Scott, and especially Miles Sanders have been coming up clutch with big plays. If Wentz can take care of the ball and convert on third downs while having the ball for long periods of time, the Eagles will have a chance. But, if they get in a shootout then Dallas will prevail. Lane Johnson's health will also have a big impact on the outcome of this game.

Prediction:

Dallas 31 Philadelphia 23

The Cowboys offensive firepower will be too much for Philadelphia's inconsistent defense.

*ALL STATS VIA ESPN*