Dallas @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 31, 2017 ) Dallas 6, Philadelphia 0

The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys have played down to expectations in 2018, with the former recording more losses this season (four) than last (three) while the latter routinely has failed to get its offense in gear. But with the NFC East being mediocre at best, the division rivals bid to improve their standing at the other's expense on Sunday night in Philadelphia.

Carson Wentz has held up his end of the bargain with 1,533 passing yards and 12 touchdowns against just one interception in his last five games for the well-rested Eagles, who return from their bye week just one game behind NFC East-leading Washington. Wentz will have a new weapon in his arsenal in the form of Golden Tate, who was acquired from Detroit for a third-round pick at the NFL trade deadline. Dallas welcomed a new addition in the form of Amari Cooper for a first-round selection from the Oakland Raiders, and the wideout paid immediate dividends with five catches for 58 yards and a touchdown in a deflating 28-14 setback versus Tennessee on Monday. That contest was at home for the Cowboys, who have seen the road unkind to the tune of four losses in as many games outside of AT&T Stadium.

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Eagles -7. O/U: 43

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (3-5): While Philadelphia relies on a bevy of backs, Ezekiel Elliott is the unquestioned star in Dallas' backfield and the 2016 NFL rushing leader provided bulletin-board material by understating the importance of Sunday's game. "One hundred percent, yeah. It's a must-win. Being a division game, that makes it that much more important," said the 23-year-old, who will be facing the league's second-ranked rushing defense. Dak Prescott received a vote of confidence for his future from owner Jerry Jones this week, but the quarterback will need to make plays with his arm should the Eagles elect to stack the box against Elliott. Prescott has seven touchdowns (five passing, two rushing) in his last three games overall, although he totaled just 324 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in a pair of games versus Philadelphia last season.

ABOUT THE EAGLES (4-4): Golden Tate is no stranger to both the Cowboys and the intense rivalry between the teams, as the 30-year-old decimated Dallas with eight receptions for 132 yards and two scores in the Lions' 26-24 setback on Sept. 30. "I've heard about (the rivalry) on social media," Tate said. "Our fans have expressed their passionate dislike for the Cowboys. It's going to be a great game. I'm happy that my first game gets to be at home against such an intense opponent." Fellow wideout Alshon Jeffery has recorded 14 touchdowns in his last 17 games, although he was held in check by outspoken cornerback Jalen Ramsey during Philadelphia's 24-18 win over Jacksonville in London on Oct. 18. Zach Ertz found the end zone versus the Jaguars and has an NFL-best 61 receptions among tight ends.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Dallas rookie Leighton Vander Esch (63 tackles) will need to step up in the absence of fellow LB Sean Lee, who reportedly could be sidelined four to six weeks with a strained hamstring.

2. Philadelphia RT Lane Johnson is expected to play on Sunday despite sustaining a Grade 2 MCL sprain in Week 8.

3. Cowboys WR Cole Beasley (team-leading 36 catches) had just two receptions for seven yards in a 37-9 loss to the Eagles last season.

PREDICTION: Eagles 23, Cowboys 19