When the NFL schedule dropped, plenty of fans probably circled Week 1 and let out a sigh.
Opening the season at Philadelphia against the defending Super Bowl champions?
Yeah — it sounds like a tall order.

The oddsmakers agree, giving the Eagles an early 6.5-point edge.
And after everything that’s unfolded for the Dallas Cowboys over the past 18 months — from playoff heartbreak to coaching changes — it’s easy to see why some people are bracing for a tough start.

But here’s the thing … and prepare for a shock the world setup …

This might actually be the perfect time for Dallas play them.

You have to face the Eagles twice anyway.
You might as well do it in September, when the weather’s warm, the crowd’s still more emotional than hostile, and there’s no cold-weather edge for Philly to lean on.

You might as well face them Week 1, when they’re still riding the high of a Super Bowl banner-raising, still celebrating, and — most importantly — still completely guessing at what your new-look Cowboys team is going to throw at them.

Divisional games are almost always tight, and not because of fresh legs — but because these teams simply know each other too well.
Except this time, the Eagles won’t really know the Cowboys.
New coaching staff. New roster pieces. New philosophy.
It’s a real opportunity to keep them guessing — and strike first.

And if anybody knows how to handle the Eagles, it’s Dak Prescott.

When Dak plays, the Cowboys are 9-4 against Philadelphia.
That’s no accident, either. That’s a trend built on poise, preparation, and experience.

So no, Week 1 against a good team isn’t a bad draw.
It’s a golden chance to start the season swinging — and remind the NFC East that things in Dallas might be changing faster than people realize.