The Philadelphia Eagles will launch their Super Bowl title defense against NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys on September 4, marking the NFL’s first intra-division kickoff game since 2019 and a rare Week 1 clash between these historic foes.
Primetime spotlight for NFC East showdown
Announced Monday ahead of the full schedule release, the Eagles–Cowboys matchup headlines NBC’s Thursday Night Football opener, breaking from the league’s tradition of featuring non-division games to start the season. This marks the first Week 1 meeting between the teams since 1999 and pits Dallas’ new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer against a revamped Philadelphia defense. Quarterback Dak Prescott’s return from a 2023 hamstring injury adds intrigue, as the Cowboys aim to snap a three-year playoff drought.
Fox doubleheader sets December drama
On December 20, the Eagles face the Washington Commanders in a Saturday Fox broadcast, part of a twin bill alongside Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears. The games will compete for viewership against College Football Playoff first-round matchups airing on ESPN and TNT.
Peacock secures exclusive Week 17 showcase
NBC’s streaming platform Peacock will exclusively broadcast a Saturday night game in Week 17 (December 27), selected from a pool of playoff-relevant matchups. This follows Peacock’s 2023 exclusives, including the Eagles’ Brazil opener and an AFC wild-card game. Local NBC affiliates will air the game in competing teams’ markets.
Historical context underscores rivalry
The Eagles–Cowboys opener is just the fourth intra-division kickoff game since 2002, echoing the 2019 Packers–Bears matchup that celebrated the NFL’s 100th season. While the defending champion typically hosts the opener, the league prioritized its most-viewed rivalry—Dallas holds an active seven-game Thursday win streak, including annual Thanksgiving contests.
Global ambitions and streaming shifts
The NFL will announce seven international games Tuesday, continuing its expansion into global markets. Peacock’s growing role—evidenced by 2023’s Eagles–Packers Brazil game and Bills– Chargers Week 16 broadcast—signals the league’s streaming pivot.
With the full schedule dropping Wednesday, the Eagles– Cowboys opener sets the stage for a season blending tradition and innovation.