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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles meet Monday night in Philadelphia, with both teams needing a win after disappointing starts to the 2026 season. The Cowboys and Eagles both enter the NFC East showdown with identical 2-4 records, one game ahead of the 1-4-1 Washington Commanders but still behind the division-leading New York Giants at 4-2-1.
Dallas has lost two straight with their offense struggling to stay consistent, while Philly has lost four straight and faces an even bigger challenge after franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts was ruled out for the rest of the season. Tanner McKee will make his second straight start, with the Cowboys listed as narrow 4.5-point road favorites.
Speaking on CBS Sports' Sunday coverage, former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson sent a blunt message to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, saying he believes Prescott and the Cowboys have a major opportunity to take control of the division.
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"If I'm the Dallas Cowboys, if I'm Dak Prescott, I'm licking my chops right now," Wilson said. "This division is mine. It's got to be mine, and I think the key part to all this is when Dak Prescott gets that football in his hands, he's got to be the guy that really drives the offense and drives that team ... The Dallas Cowboys have to win this division. If you're the Dallas Cowboys, this opportunity that they have because nobody else has their starting quarterback, besides Jayden Daniels, and those guys are struggling in Washington."
Wilson also argued that Dallas needs to run the ball more effectively, get better defensive performances, and make sure Prescott gets the football to CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, but emphasized that they're still talented enough to win the division.
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Despite their struggles, the Cowboys remain in the NFC East race because none of the other four teams have established themselves as a clear favorite.
The Giants currently lead the division after Sunday's 27-21 overtime win over Houston, but J.J. McCarthy was on the trade block for a reason, and it's still unclear whether he can be relied on as the starter over a full season. Washington, meanwhile, has won just a single game behind a struggling and injury-prone offense, and Philadelphia is now dealing with injuries of its own, notably to Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley, their three best offensive players.
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Prescott gives Dallas an established starting quarterback, and the offense has proven it can put up points. Lamb, Pickens, and running back Javonte Williams give them enough firepower to keep up with anybody. If the defense can improve to become even an average unit, this should be a playoff team.
Dallas can't take control of the division with one win, especially with the Giants just pulling ahead. But beating the Eagles in Philadelphia would move the Cowboys up to 3-4 on the year and give them huge momentum heading into the second half of the season.
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