The NFL season kicks off with a bang, and no matchup is generating more buzz—or more misguided bets—than the Week 1 clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. According to FOX Sports, the Eagles are listed as -7 favorites, yet bettors are throwing their money at the Cowboys like they’re the second coming of the 1990s dynasty. Spoiler alert: they’re not. Let’s break down why betting on Dallas could be the biggest blunder of the opening week.
The Betting Frenzy: Cowboys Cashing In on Hope
At BetMGM, the Cowboys are the darlings of the betting world. Dallas +7 is the most-bet team in tickets for Week 1, and they’re the second-most-bet team in handle. The moneyline? Cowboys +260 is the most-bet underdog for the opening slate. This game is also the most-bet matchup of Week 1, with the point total being the second-most-bet in Overs. It’s clear: fans see dollar signs flashing with a potential Cowboys upset. But are they betting with their heads or their hearts?
The allure is obvious. A +260 moneyline means a big payday if Dallas pulls off the improbable. However, the numbers don’t lie, and the Eagles have been a nightmare for Cowboys fans in recent history. Betting on Dallas might feel like a bold move, but it’s starting to look like a trap.
Eagles Domination: A Recent History Lesson
Let’s rewind to last season, where the Eagles didn’t just beat the Cowboys—they embarrassed them. In their first matchup in November at Jerry World, Philadelphia cruised to a 34-6 victory. The second game? An even more brutal 41-7 beatdown in front of Philly’s home crowd, with Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee running the show at quarterback. That’s right—75 points to Dallas’s measly 13 across two games. Dak Prescott or no Dak Prescott, the Cowboys were outclassed in every way.
Before last year’s massacre, the rivalry was more competitive, with each team trading wins. The Cowboys did take the series in 2021, but that was their only triumph in the last five years before Philly’s 2024 dominance. Oh, and let’s not forget: the Eagles finished last season 14-3 and hoisted the Super Bowl trophy, while the Cowboys limped to a 7-10 record. The gap between these teams is wider than the Grand Canyon.
Why the Eagles Are the Smarter Bet
On paper, the Eagles are the no-brainer choice. They’ve won three straight home games against Dallas, and their 2024 campaign proved they’re a well-oiled machine. The -7 spread might not offer the same juicy payout as the Cowboys’ moneyline, but it’s a safer bet for a reason. Philadelphia’s offense is explosive, their defense is suffocating, and they thrive in big moments—especially at home.
So why are bettors flocking to Dallas? It’s the classic underdog allure. The promise of a massive return on a long-shot bet is tempting, but it’s a mirage. The Cowboys’ 2024 performance showed they’re far from contenders, and expecting them to suddenly flip the script against a Super Bowl champion is wishful thinking at best.
The Final Word: Don’t Fall for the Trap
Week 1 is always full of surprises, but betting on the Cowboys to upset the Eagles is a gamble that’s more reckless than rewarding. The numbers, the history, and the momentum all point to Philadelphia continuing their dominance. Sure, the Eagles’ -7 spread won’t make you rich overnight, but it’s a bet you can place with confidence. Meanwhile, Dallas backers might want to save their money for a less lopsided matchup.
When the dust settles on September 7, 2025, don’t be surprised if the Eagles are celebrating another blowout and Cowboys fans are left wondering why they fell for the hype. Bet smart, not starry-eyed.