5 Questions That Could Define Cowboys-Eagles NFL Season Opener

The countdown is on! Thursday night at 8:20PM (EST), the NFL season kicks off with a bang as the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles face off in the first game of the 2025 season. While the rivalry is a story in itself, a deeper look into the advanced metrics and probabilities within Dimers' Player Projections hub reveals some truly fascinating numbers for this matchup.

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1. Who will score the first touchdown in Cowboys-Eagles?

All eyes will be on the Eagles’ backfield and the dynamic presence of their star weapon, Saquon Barkley, in Thursday Night Football. According to the data, he has the highest probability of any player in the game to score the first touchdown of the season at a compelling 15.6%. This stat underscores Barkley's role as a potent red-zone weapon and suggests the Eagles are likely to get him involved early. The Cowboys' defense will have to contain him from the first snap, or they risk falling behind quickly.

2. Will Jalen Hurts pick up where he left off in Super Bowl LIX?

The Eagles' offense doesn't just rely on Barkley. Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, a master of both passing and rushing, boasts a staggering 20.0% probability of scoring two or more touchdowns against the Cowboys. This is a testament to his elite production and his central role in the team's scoring attack. It’s an exceptionally high number for any player, but for a quarterback, it showcases just how dangerous he is in scoring situations. Dallas' defense will need a flawless game plan to keep Hurts from having a multi-touchdown night.

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3. Could Javonte Williams be the Cowboys' secret weapon?

While the Cowboys are known for their passing game, don't sleep on the ground. Javonte Williams, now a key part of the Dallas backfield, has a 6.9% probability of scoring two or more touchdowns. This is a relatively high percentage for the former Broncos running back and signals that he should be a significant red-zone threat for the Cowboys. If the Eagles’ defense focuses too heavily on stopping the pass, Williams could be the surprise workhorse who finds the end zone and dictates the pace of the game.

4. Can CeeDee Lamb carry the Cowboys to victory in TNF?

Amidst all the touchdown talk, CeeDee Lamb's raw production remains a constant. With a predicted 74.8 receiving yards and 6.0 receptions, he is clearly the centerpiece of the Cowboys' passing offense. This consistency means he will be a challenge for the Eagles' secondary all night. No matter the situation, you can expect quarterback Dak Prescott to rely on Lamb to move the chains, especially in critical third-down moments. He is the anchor of their air attack, and his performance will be key to the Cowboys' success.

5. Is A.J. Brown still a top-5 receiver?

While many expect A.J. Brown to still have a huge impact, his stats for this matchup suggest a very specific type of impact. His 1.1% chance of scoring three or more touchdowns may seem small, but it's actually solid for a single player in one game. This number speaks volumes about his ability to create explosive plays and showcases his extremely high ceiling. If Brown can get hot, he has the potential to break the game wide open and force the Cowboys to rethink their entire existence.

Conclusion: What this NFL player projections data tells us about Cowboys vs. Eagles

The data highlights a clear contrast: the Eagles' offense appears to be a machine built on creating and capitalizing on a high number of touchdown opportunities, with Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley projected for massive scoring potential. The Cowboys, on the other hand, seem to be relying on the consistency of their star receiver and the potential for a "secret weapon" in Javonte Williams to keep pace.

In short, this matchup is a battle between consistent production and explosive playmaking. The team that can best execute their scoring game plan - and prevent their opponent from doing the same - will most likely walk away with the win.