Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles: What to expect and predictions

The Dallas Cowboys have one more regular season game before their postseason begins. Here is what to expect and even some predictions

The Dallas Cowboys close out the 2016 regular season against a familiar foe — the Philadelphia Eagles. With their postseason fates already determined, both teams look to experiment with personnel today.

The 6-9 Eagles are playing for their jobs next season. Expect to see Eagles coaches cycling players onto the field as they work to determine who has a future and who does not.

The Dallas Cowboys look to do much of the same but for entirely different reasons. At 13-2 they have already locked in their postseason seeding (Top seed) and are playing to survive as much as anything.

Escaping the contest unscathed is objective #1 so expect the Cowboys to pull key personnel early and give their role players a bigger part in the offense. Getting a victory is still very important to this young squad as they hope to keep the positive momentum going and set a franchise record for wins in a season.

What else can we expect from the Cowboys today? We ask these guys:

Dan Ruppert, Sport DFW

With the last game of the regular season, the Dallas Cowboys have nothing to really play for. Other than pride, the game against the Philadelphia Eagles means little to nothing at all. Usually we would predict the game plan and final score, this week makes things a little more difficult. Instead, let’s predict how the backups actually do and what to watch for.

With the Cowboys most likely resting Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, Dez Bryant, and others, it looks like Tony Romo and the backups will get some playing time. While it will be good to see Romo knock some of the rust off before the playoffs, the Cowboys must be cautious as they may or may not need him in the playoffs. We can all assume that Darren McFadden will have a huge day as will Brice Butler regardless of who is QB. It would also not be a surprise to see a few practice squad players activated for this game.

This game will allow the Cowboys to gauge their depth at offensive line, defensive line, and at linebacker. I would look for the recently acquired Richard Ash from Jacksonville to try to show he can play. I would also look for Kavon Frazier to get some extended playing time as they may need him in the playoffs in 5 WR coverage. I would also look to Rod Marinelli trying a few things out with his 3-2 dime packages with the backups as well.

Dink Kearney, Sport DFW

The Dallas Cowboys will play their final regular season game of the year against the hated Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboy will play former starting quarterback Tony Romo in this meaningless game. It’s by far one of the worst decisions to let Romo play considering his injury history. And keep in mind, Philly was one of the teams that injured Romo last year.

Since Tony Romo will see some action, I expect him to play at least a quarter to shake off the rust. The gunslinger Romo will go and play all out and remind everyone why he is an elite signal caller. Heck, I wouldn’t be surprised if Romo plays more than one quarter (which is a mistake). If Romo plays to halftime, for example, expect the first team offensive linemen to be in there, too.

With nothing to gain, the Cowboys will take out several starters throughout the game because of the risk of injury. Expect the starters to play no more than two quarters before they’re replaced with the second team. This goes for both sides of the ball.

The Cowboys can’t risk losing any of their starters, especially the offensive linemen. Offensive lineman Tyron Smith is already out, nursing a sprained MCL. I believe the Cowboys will do the same on the defensive side of the ball, too.

Rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott won’t be able to break any rookie records, but will play enough to stay in rhythm and prepare themselves for the playoffs.

Next: It Would Be Crazy To Play Tony Romo

Because the Cowboys won’t play their starters the entirety of the game (and the Eagles have nothing to play for but beat the Cowboys), Philly will use this game as their Super Bowl and beat Dallas. The HATED Eagles will have something to celebrate and brag about in their lowly, pathetic season. And this is the first time I picked the Cowboys to lose this season (hopefully, I’m wrong).

Eagles 28 Cowboys 17

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