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The Philadelphia Eagles have the best record in the NFL heading into the final game of the season, but they have some issues to work out. The season-ending injury to Carson Wentz a few weeks back was a critical blow, and while Philly is undefeated since then, it has been a struggle against the Giants and Raiders.
The Eagles have the top seed in the NFC locked up, but they will hope to put an impressive showing together in the Week 17 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. It is possible that Philadelphia rests some injured players, so keep a close eye on that. It remains to be seen how much Dallas cares about this game as it was eliminated from playoff contention with a loss last time out against the Seahawks.
The Cowboys dominated that game statistically but turned the ball over three times. They are better than their 8-7 record might indicate but this team could be mailing it in now that the season is officially a waste. This is a hard game to peg because it doesn’t mean much to either side.
This contest in Week 17 of the regular season will go down Sunday, December 31, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Dallas Cowboys -3
Philadelphia Eagles +3
Over/Under 39.5
Odds Analysis
The oddsmakers are clearly worried about the Eagles’ available personnel in this one, as they are the home underdogs despite having the clearly superior record and the home field advantage. The Cowboys are getting more than 67 percent of the action to cover the spread.
The scoring total is low because Philadelphia might be short-handed, and the “under” is the more popular pick, with nearly 66 percent of the action headed that way.
The Cowboys are listed as the -141 favorites on the moneyline, while the Eagles are the +121 underdogs. Two-thirds of the action on the moneyline is headed to Philadelphia.
Injury Report
Brandon Graham -- The Eagles’ standout defensive lineman injured his ankle against the Raiders and may not play in this one. It makes sense to be cautious with him so he can be as healthy as possible for the playoffs.
Tyron Smith-- The Cowboys’ left tackle has been dealing with a knee injury for much of this year and aggravated the injury last time out. He is a fantastic player but at this point it doesn’t make much sense to send him out there, Expect Smith to sit for this one.
Orlando Scandrick -- Dallas’ cornerback has missed all of December with a back injury. He would be a key player against the Eagles’ talented wide receivers, but it’s unknown if he will be available. The Cowboys may choose to be careful with him since the postseason ias no longer a possibility.
Player To Watch
Nick Foles -- The Philadelphia quarterback has played two games in relief of Wentz. He threw for 237 yards and four touchdowns in a shootout win over the Giants, but only threw for 163 yards with a touchdown and an interception last week in a 19-10 win over the Raiders.
If the Eagles plan on making a deep postseason run, Foles will need to be better. He is expected to play at least some portion of this game, and it may depend how quickly he can find a rhythm.
Nate Sudfeld is also expected to see action. He has drawn positive reviews in practice but game conditions is a whole other ballgame, and the Cowboys could take advantage.
Free ATS Pick
Dallas may not have much left to play for, but it will have a full complement of players in this one. Dak Prescott had a poor showing last time out but is still one of the better young quarterbacks in the NFL. Ezekiel Elliott is back from suspension and will aim to perform well against a strong Philly defense.
The Eagles have too many question marks between the quarterback situation and the possibility of resting players. Take the Cowboys to not only win this game but also cover the spread.
NFL Odds: Cowboys 26, Eagles 17
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