The Philadelphia Eagles begin their defense of their NFL Championship when they take the field against their rival, the Dallas Cowboys, on Thursday night to kick off the 2025 NFL season. Philadelphia looks to be a top team in the league once again and returns with most of the key players that led to their Super Bowl success. The Dallas Cowboys are a team in transition after trading their best player, Micah Parsons, to the Green Bay Packers right before the season started.
How will the Eagles handle their success? How will the Cowboys react to the loss of one of their best players? We will find out this Thursday night when the NFL season kicks off.
Thursday Night Football Odds
This line opened with the Eagles favored by seven points at the NFL odds boards. It took a quick dip to 6.5, but after the Micah Parsons trade, it is as high as eight at some sportsbooks.
Because of the impact of the Parsons trade and the way that fans view that move, I would expect the Eagles to continue to take money until kickoff. If you like the Eagles, you should get in now. If you like the Cowboys, you might want to wait to place this bet.
Thursday Night Football Picks
Dallas Cowboys +8
Usually, in football, we like to break down the matchups on the field when making these picks. Especially in Week 1, there are usually no motivational issues for any team. However, we do need to question the mental makeup of the Dallas Cowboys team and how they will respond to losing such an integral part of their organization and a bona fide team leader.
Quotes coming out of the Cowboys camp did show some concern about the direction of the franchise and the outlook for this year following such a shocking move in the offseason.
However, 8 is a lot of points in a divisional matchup. The Cowboys still do have a potent offense that should be able to keep up against the Eagles’ elite defense. The Cowboys added weapons at wide receiver with George Pickens and running back with Jaydon Blue, and have a fully healthy quarterback, Dak Prescott, who participated in training camp and has shown MVP-level ceiling before. If the Cowboys’ offense is clicking, they should be able to score, even against one of the league’s top defensive units.
They say sometimes the toughest bets to make are the best bets to make, and this is definitely a tough click. However, we’re going to assume the Cowboys can rise above the noise, play their best, and go toe to toe with the defending champs. Take the Dallas Cowboys plus the points.
Expert Pick: Dallas Cowboys +8 (-110) at BetMGM
Over 47.5
There’s one thing we know about the Cowboys this season: they have a great offense and a suspect defense. When looking at teams like this, there’s only one way to go while looking at the total. Give me the over!
The combination of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens will be too much for the Eagles’ defense to stop. Also, forget about the idea that this Cowboys defensive unit will be able to stop the vaunted juggernaut that is the Eagles offense.
The Eagles will be able to get whatever they want against this Cowboys’ defense. I expect a balanced dose of rushing and receiving, and both being executed with a great level of success. There are going to be some fireworks for this opening night. Bet the over.
Expert Pick: Over 47.5 (-110) at BetMGM
Thursday Night Football Prop Bets
Jaydon Blue Anytime Touchdown
After the decline of Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys have had problems sustaining the rushing attack that made them one of the top offenses in the league. The Cowboys addressed that this offseason with the addition of Jaydon Blue.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has raved about Blues’ versatility all offseason. The Cowboys will look to use their new weapon and make a statement against their rival. Whether it be catching a pass out of the backfield or quick scamper into the end zone, I expect Blue to reach paydirt tonight and cash the anytime touchdown prop.
Expert Pick: Jaydon Blue Anytime Touchdown (+400) at Caesars
DeVonta Smith Over 54.5 Receiving Yards
Eagles number one wide receiver AJ Brown missed a lot of time during training camp, but he will be available during Week 1.
However, the Eagles will be leaning on DeVonta Smith, who could be a number one on multiple teams. Smith is an excellent receiver, and the fact that he got so much training camp run being the team’s top target will translate into tonight’s game. Oftentimes, Smith will be matched against the number two CB for the Dallas Cowboys, which will be a more advantageous matchup.
Look for QB Jalen Hurts to find DeVonta Smith early and often as he goes over his receiving yards prop.
Expert Pick: DeVonta Smith Over 54.5 Receiving Yards (-115) at Caesars
Log On and Place These Bets Now
The NFL lines move quickly as bettors rush to get down money on their favorite teams. There is no market as sharp as the NFL and usually these line moves are correct. Also, the player prop market can be a volatile market because small amounts of money can move the line significantly. Therefore, in order to maximize your profit season long, you need to get the best of the number. Do that by placing these bets now.
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