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The NFL season roars back to life with a colossal NFC East rivalry as the Dallas Cowboys journey to Lincoln Financial Field to clash with the Philadelphia Eagles in the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Kickoff Game. Scheduled for Thursday, September 4, at 8:20 p.m. ET, this opener is more than just a game; it’s a high-stakes DFS battleground where millions will be won and lost on platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings.
The Eagles enter this contest as formidable 8.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 47.5, signaling an expectation for offensive fireworks. For daily fantasy football enthusiasts, identifying those crucial DFS sleepers and crafting diverse lineups will be paramount on this single-game slate.
Barkley’s Dominance vs. Cowboys: A Key DFS Consideration
All eyes will be on Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who proved to be a thorn in the Cowboys’ side last season, rushing for an astounding 233 yards in their two matchups. Will he replicate that success and anchor your NFL DFS lineups for the Kickoff Game? His Vegas rushing line is currently set at 93.5 yards, a testament to his expected impact.
On the other side of the ball, wide receiver George Pickens is set to make his Cowboys debut, adding an intriguing new dynamic to Dallas’s aerial attack. Is Pickens a must-have for your NFL DFS strategy, or should you pivot to established stars like DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, or CeeDee Lamb?
Expert Insight from Mike McClure
Before you lock in any NFL DFS picks for this epic Cowboys vs. Eagles clash, it’s crucial to consult the insights of SportsLine daily fantasy expert Mike McClure. A legendary professional DFS player with over $2 million in career winnings, McClure’s methodology is second to none. He leverages a powerful prediction model that simulates every snap, accounting for matchups, statistical trends, and injuries to uncover the best DFS values.
McClure’s track record is exceptional. In 2023, he remarkably finished tied for first in the DraftKings Millionaire Maker twice and secured a FanDuel Millionaire win. His followers have consistently seen significant returns. Now, McClure has meticulously analyzed the 2025 NFL Kickoff Game between the Cowboys and Eagles and has unveiled his top daily Fantasy football picks. You can access his exclusive picks and analysis at SportsLine. Additionally, new players can receive $50 in Pick6 credits at DraftKings when they play $5.
McClure’s Top Picks: Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts
Saquon Barkley: A Rushing Juggernaut
One of McClure’s cornerstone NFL DFS picks for Thursday is Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley enjoyed a sensational 2024 season, etching his name into the history books as only the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 or more yards in a single season. The former Penn State star concluded the 2024 campaign with an impressive 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, complemented by 33 receptions for 278 yards and two receiving scores.
His success against the Dallas defense in 2024 was undeniable, even without finding the end zone. He amassed 233 rushing yards and caught three passes for 15 yards. The absence of Micah Parsons, following last week’s trade, could further open up running lanes for Barkley, making him an even more enticing DFS option. Discover McClure’s full roster recommendations here.
Jalen Hurts: The Dual-Threat MVP
Another integral part of McClure’s optimal NFL DFS strategy involves rostering Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. In 2024, Hurts showcased his elite talent, throwing for 2,903 yards with 18 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions, achieving an impressive 103.7 passer rating across 15 regular-season games. He carried that momentum into the postseason, earning Super Bowl MVP honors after throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing score, and setting a Super Bowl record for most rushing yards by a quarterback (72).
Hurts’ dual-threat ability significantly elevates his DFS value. The former second-round pick has scored double-digit rushing touchdowns in four consecutive seasons, including an impressive 14 in 2024. In his lone appearance against the Cowboys last season, Hurts threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 56 yards and two scores. See who else to roster here, and new users can utilize the latest FanDuel promo code to receive $300 in bonus bets if their initial $5 wager wins.
Unlock Your Winning Lineup
McClure isn’t stopping there. He’s also identified another undervalued player who could deliver an explosive performance in the 2025 NFL Kickoff Game. This crucial pick could be the differentiator between a winning tournament entry and an empty slate.
To access this game-changing insight and all of McClure’s NFL DFS picks, visit SportsLine now. Discover the optimal NFL DFS picks, rankings, advice, and stacks from a daily Fantasy expert with over $2 million in winnings, and position yourself for success in this thrilling Kickoff Game!
