The Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys tonight in the first of two NFC wildcard matchups this weekend. And if the playoff history of both teams hold true, then the Eagles should advance in the NFC playoff race.

The Cowboys haven’t won an NFC Wildcard game since 1996 (losing it’s last 5 wildcard appearances in 2007, 2004, 2000,1999 and 1997). Secondly, Eagles coach Andy Reid is 4-0 in wildcard games while Wade Phillips is 0-4.

But not so fast! The Cowboys have won the first two games this season against the Eagles by a combined score of 44-16. And even more importantly, the Cowboys have a new swagger, a new stadium and a QB who is playing his best ball coming into the NFC Wildcard Weekend.

In the regular season, the Cowboys had the 2nd overall offense (6th in passing/7th in rushing). Their opponents, the Eagles, were 11th overall in the NFL offensively (10th in passing/22nd in rushing).

Defensively the Cowboys are ranked 9th overall (20th against the pass/4th against the rush) while the Eagles are 12th overall (17th against the pass/9th against the rush).

When you look at the matchups in this game you need to look at the big play threat of Eagles WR DeSean Jackson. Although he has been outstanding all year, against the Cowboys he has only 5 catches for 76 yards in their two meetings. But the Eagles have other go-to players on offense, including TE Brent Celek, RB Brian Westbrook and QB Donovan McNabb.

One of the biggest factors for the Eagles offense is the loss of Center Jamall Jackson to injury just two weeks ago. The Dallas Defense, led by LB DeMarcus Ware should be able to put a lot of pressure on McNabb.

When it comes to the Cowboys offense, they seem to be hitting their stride. Another major factor to consider is the fact that the Eagles linebackers have been in disarray all season, and the secondary has gambled and gotten burned too many times.
QB Tony Romo and TE Jason Witten should have a field day against the Eagles defense.

This is a breakout year for the Cowboys. They have dominated the Eagles, have their “mojo” back and are playing their best ball at the right time. The Cowboys are favored by 4 points and the under/over is 45 points.

Thenflthisweek.com prediction:

Cowboys 31 Eagles 14