Philadelphia @ Dallas preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 1, 2017 ) Dallas 13, Philadelphia 27

The Dallas Cowboys will enter Sunday night's home tilt versus the surging Philadelphia Eagles without star running back Ezekiel Elliott, and perhaps decorated Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tyron Smith. After seeing his team's offense remain stuck in neutral without both studs last week, quarterback Dak Prescott may need to outduel fellow second-year quarterback Carson Wentz at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

After throwing for 15 scores in his previous seven games, Prescott used his legs with a play-action touchdown run in Dallas' 27-7 setback to Atlanta last week. The 24-year-old only threw for 176 yards - and for a 5.87 average - due in large part to constant pressure, with defensive end Adrian Clayborn recording six of his team's eight sacks to disrupt any offensive continuity. While the Cowboys saw their three-game winning streak halted, Philadelphia has emerged victorious in seven in a row and could put a stranglehold on the NFC East title should it avenge last season's 29-23 overtime loss in Dallas. Wentz threw for just 202 yards in that outing, but the 24-year-old has thrown 17 of his NFL-best 23 touchdown passes in the last five games and guides the league's second-ranked offense at 31.4 points per contest.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Eagles -3.5. O/U: 48.5

ABOUT THE EAGLES (8-1): Offseason acquisition Alshon Jeffery has three touchdowns in his last two games and also found the end zone in two of his last three meetings with Dallas. Zach Ertz aims to return from a two-game absence due to an ailing hamstring and pick up where he left off, as the 27-year-old has five touchdowns in his last four contests. Ertz leads all NFC tight ends in receptions (43), yards (528) and TDs (six) this season and reeled in 13 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns versus the Cowboys last season.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (5-4): While Elliott's absence is due to his suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Smith could sit out his second straight game as a result of a groin injury that prevented him from practicing on Wednesday and Thursday. Byron Bell received first-team reps in his place in favor of Chaz Green, who started and struggled at Atlanta. Alfred Morris rushed five times on the opening drive last week and finished with 53 yards on 11 carries. Dez Bryant has been slowed by an ailing knee, limiting him to just 39 yards receiving in two of his last three games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Philadelphia DE Brandon Graham, who leads the team with five sacks this season, had just eight tackles in two meetings with Dallas in 2016.

2. Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence leads the NFL with a career-best 11.5 sacks, but will be tested by Eagles RT Lane Johnson.

3. Philadelphia bolstered its depth along the offensive line by signing former New York Giants T Will Beatty to a one-year contract this week.

PREDICTION: Eagles 27, Cowboys 23