Cowboys vs Eagles: players to watch in the 2025 NFL Kickoff

The 2025 NFL season will begin with the reigning champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, taking on the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Super Bowl LIX winners will have to face their divisional rivals in a statement game as they look to reassert themselves among the league’s elite.

Barkley unleashed: Eagles-Cowboys opener preview

The night will be loaded with star power – and the Eagles will also hold a banner-raising ceremony to celebrate the second championship in the franchise’s history. Among the many big names on the field, here are the key players to watch from each side in the season opener.

Saquon Barkley, RB, #28

Running back Saquon Barkley was named 2024 Offensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for MVP after setting the Eagles’ all-time rushing record. With Micah Parsons no longer in Dallas, he should find even more room to run against the Cowboys’ defense.

Jihaad Campbell, LB, #30

Philadelphia lost several key defenders in free agency and used the draft to reload. Their first pick was linebacker Jihaad Campbell out of Alabama, now a starter in Vic Fangio’s system as one of the two inside linebackers. With Zack Baun playing the ball hawk role, the rookie will be tested in coverage against the Cowboys’ passing attack.

George Pickens, WR, #3

Dallas acquired wide receiver George Pickens in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers to take pressure off CeeDee Lamb and free him from constant double coverage. Pickens will quickly become one of Dak Prescott’s favorite targets with his ability to make acrobatic catches, but he faces a tough matchup in Week 1 against Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Adoree’ Jackson.

Sam Williams, DE, #54

With Micah Parsons traded to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys were left with a glaring hole on the edge. Dante Fowler Jr. had been expected to start opposite Parsons, but the job now falls to Sam Williams. The defensive end, in his third year as a pro but with just two full seasons after tearing his knee ligaments last year, carries the heavy responsibility of replacing the NFL’s highest-paid defender.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.