In most seasons, “Eagles Week” is a time to celebrate in the NFC East. The Dallas and Philadelphia franchises have been the crème de la crème of the division in recent seasons. Only one time since the 2016 season has a team other than the Cowboys or Eagles claimed NFC East crown. It’s why the rivalry runs deep and why both teams circle each other on their regular season calendars each year.

2024 might put an end to that. The Commanders’ rise, coupled with the Cowboys’ fall, indicates it might be a changing of the guard at the top of the NFC East. Dallas has fallen out of most reasonable playoff forecasts and is now on pace for a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. With 2024 serving as a reset year in many ways, the Week 10 matchup just doesn’t mean much anymore.

While the Eagles seem to be clicking on all cylinders, the Cowboys are injured beyond all recognition. Viewers dialing in hoping to see the likes of Dak Prescott will be sadly disappointed when Cooper Rush gets the start in his absence.

Out for an undetermined period of time due to a hamstring tear, Prescott’s 9-4 record against the Eagles will have to stand. No. 4 has been wildly successful against Philadelphia in the past, something that no doubt boils the blood of those from the City of Brotherly Love.

Micah Parsons will get eased back into action this week, but Eagles killer DeMarcus Lawrence is still out. Carl Lawson and Chauncey Golston are a far cry from the Parsons and Lawrence duo everyone’s accustomed to.

The Cowboys are nearly unrecognizable and NFL irrelevant at this point in the season. This reality has indefinitely paused their rivalry for not only this Week 10 matchup, but also likely the Week 17 matchup as well.

The 2024 Eagles have their sights set on the Super Bowl. Their 6-2 start has them positioned near the top of the conference alongside the Detroit Lions. Even with bigger goals in sight they’re sure to take delight in beating the pants off the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon.

The Cowboys are in a much different situation heading into the week.

Few want to overtly tank the season but all efforts to win feel like a lost cause. Even with a healthy Prescott, Dallas was struggling to move the ball. The Cowboys need to reinvest in the skill positions and the offensive line needs reps in order to improve. The growing pains of 2024 seem like a necessary evil the Cowboys must endure.

For Dallas, the 2024 season is about getting to 2025. Unfortunately, that puts a damper on what’s traditionally been one of the most anticipated weeks of the season.

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