Week 8 NFL Picks: Predicting Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Dallas Cowboys renew their bitter rivalry with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday after climbing back to .500.  Both teams are a far cry from their preseason expectations.  The Cowboys, who are always talented enough to be a playoff team, are lucky to be where they are after playing five of their six games within a touchdown.

The Eagles—thought by many to be destined to go to the Super Bowl—lost four of their first five games.  The Eagles win on Sunday against the Washington Redskins gave a bit of hope that their dream team might not simply be caught up in its own lofty dreams.

Both the Cowboys and the Eagles need a win to look serious.  After see-sawing for the first six games, the Cowboys need to win to show that their heads are on straight.  After slipping back below .500, Tony Romo could kill the season with an additional blown game.  The Cowboys play too close to be on the outside.

The Eagles are racing time.  Another loss puts them in dangerous territory.  Being 2-5 essentially would put them out of the running.  Last season, the San Diego Chargers started 2-5, and then rallied only to fall short in the AFC West race.

Cowboys fans would like nothing more than to see the Cowboys slam the Eagles to put them on the skid.

The Cowboys have several questions to answer to claim their first winning record of the season.

Can the Cowboys pass rush contain Michael Vick?  Will Romo have another mistake-free game?  How will DeMarco Murray follow up his big game?  Can the Cowboys No. 1 rush defense stop LeSean McCoy?  How will Miles Austin and Dez Bryant fare against Nnamdi Asomogha and Asante Samuel?  Will the Cowboys need Dan Bailey to deliver victory?

Tony Romo

22-of-33, 233 yards, 2 TD, INT, 2 rushes, 10 yards

Romo will find some success in the passing game.  The Eagles will challenge him to some degree, pushing him to some hurried throws.  Romo will throw more short passes.  On a couple of occasions, he'll air it out.

After having an easy time against the Rams, Romo will be forced into making some mistakes.  The Eagles will likely push him into throwing an interception.  On a couple more plays, Romo may make some bad reads.

DeMarco Murray

16 rushes, 101 yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 15 yards

Once again, Murray will be active running the ball.  With Felix Jones and Tashard Choice injured, no one can bury this hidden gem on the depth chart.  Murray may not equal his 253-yard outburst from Sunday, but he will be luminous.  On a few occasions, Murray will break runs of 15 yards or more.  

He'll have a few more significant runs.  Murray will make a difference against the Eagles, breaking into the end zone and putting up at least 100 yards.

Miles Austin

5 receptions, 110 yards, 1 TD, 2 rushes, 15 yards

Against the Eagles, Austin will succeed reasonably.  On Sunday, Austin fell relatively quiet against the Rams, catching only two passes for 16 yards.  Despite a tough matchup against Nnamdi Asomugha, Austin will attain his first 100-yard game since Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers.  Austin will break away from Asomugha for a few good catches.  On one occasion, Austin will run away for a deep reception and a touchdown. 

Dez Bryant

4 receptions, 84 yards

Bryant will do fairly well in his matchup against Asante Samuel.  Bryant will be able to gain separation on a couple of plays for nice catches.  For good yardage, Bryant will work underneath to make catches, and then break into the open for yards after the catch.

Don't be confused.  This will be a difficult matchup for Bryant.  Samuel will slow him at the line of scrimmage.  Along the way, Samuel will stay in step with him.

Jason Witten

5 receptions, 51 yards, 1 TD

Jason Witten will find a decent amount of activity against the Eagles.  Romo will have to work the ball to Witten since Austin and Bryant will be covered often by the Eagles' outstanding cornerbacks.  

Witten will take his passes happily.  On a few occasions, Witten will muscle in good passes in the middle of the field.  On one occasion, Witten will grab a touchdown.

DeMarcus Ware

3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble

This will be another field day for DeMarcus Ware.  Ware will take advantage of gaps in coverage by the Eagles' offensive line.  Thus, Ware will break into the backfield and terrorize Vick.

Ware will rack up his game.  Pouncing Vick, Ware will have his fourth multi-sack game of the season.  On one occasion, Ware will strip Vick to force a turnover.  This will be an unforgettable game for Ware.

Dan Bailey

3/3 FG, 3/3 XP

Bailey will frequently appear against the Eagles.  On a few occasions, Romo will need Bailey to jump in and finish drives.  Against the Eagles, Bailey will have his share of field goals.

Prediction

Prediction: Cowboys 30, Eagles 21

The Cowboys will take the first showdown between the two bitter rivals this season.  Winning against the Eagles on the road will be a huge lift for the Cowboys, who have hardly had a jump in the standings.  After this win, the Cowboys will remain in step with the rest of the wild-card contenders.

Much thanks will go to Romo for staying on his game.  Romo might throw an interception, but he will be reasonably under control.  Romo will complete passes for a high percentage.  Also, he'll avoid making big mistakes in the fourth quarter.

Thus, Romo will save the Cowboys from disaster.

The Cowboys will contain McCoy reasonably.  Sean Lee will stay in his gaps and do his best to keep McCoy from breaking free for big gains.  Jay Ratliff will manage to make a decent tackle on McCoy.

Vick will leave this game shaking.  He'll be weary from encounters with Ware.  Also, Anthony Spencer will haunt him a bit.

The Cowboys need a victory to savor, and this one will be delicious.