Earlier in the week I picked the Eagles to beat the Cowboys on Sunday, 20-17. I thought the Birds would hold serve at home, finish 14-2 for the year, remain perfect at home and in the NFC East, and go into the playoffs in two weeks with momentum.
After careful consideration, I'm amending my pick, with a record of 15-0 on the line picking Eagle games this season.
I had this gnawing feeling in my gut to take Dallas when I made the original pick. Dallas has nothing to play for. But they do have revenge and can spoil the Eagles' perfect record at the Linc. The Cowboys could finish 9-7 and will cry all off-season "If we didn't lose Elliot for six games." Winning an extra game may change their draft slot next spring by a notch or two.
The key point is that the Birds will play their starters, including QB Nick Foles, for maybe a quarter or a half. The Cowboys will play their main guys the entire game. So even if Philly gets the lead before Coach Pederson takes the starters out, it would be up to the defense to hold the lead, and back-up to back-up Nate Sudfeld would need to hold the lead.
It's not gonna happen.
I hate to pick Dallas over the Eagles, even in a meaningless game such as this, and I hate to think of the obnoxious Cowboy fans having any reason to smile after New Year's Eve, but realistically, Dallas will probably win
For the Birds to pull this one out, even with second or third-teamers, would be icing on the cake of a magical season. Even if the Eagles lose, 13-3 is outstanding. A first-round bye and home field advantage through-out the playoffs is amazing. As long as the starters play well in the limited time they play, they will build some confidence and momentum going into the postseason.
With the temperature expected to be in the teens, and the wind chill around zero, I wonder how many hearty fans will be in the stands. Maybe more in the parking lot tail-gating and drinking. Certainly a lot of fans at Xfinity Live and every other sports bar in the Delaware Valley.
There was a time you would never give away Cowboy tickets, but considering the meaningless of the game, on New Year's Eve, and the bitterly cold weather, I would suppose many fans who have never been to an Eagles game before will be there tomorrow.Season ticket holders, if not in the suites, will be warm at home.
Finally, the team activated CB Sidney Jones for the game. Good news. it means Jones, their second-round pick last spring, is healthy to finally play. He may give the defense a spark. As important, Jones can continue to practice with the squad. I'm looking forward to check out the highly-touted Jones.
Also, LaGarrette Blount needs 21 yards to have a $300,000 bonus kick in. Guard Stafan Wisnieski is supposed to play, but hopefully not much. Let him continue to rest his injured ankle.
With that said, here is , my adjusted pick : Dallas 27 Eagles 17
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