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The NFL season roars back to life with an electrifying divisional clash as the Dallas Cowboys travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 NFL Kickoff Game. Scheduled for Thursday, September 4, at 8:20 p.m. ET, this highly anticipated matchup pits two NFC East powerhouses against each other. The Eagles enter as 7-point favorites, with the over/under set at 46.5, promising a high-stakes contest for both fans and daily fantasy sports (DFS) players.
Millions of dollars will be on the line across FanDuel and DraftKings, making strategic lineup construction crucial. Identifying DFS sleepers and building lineup variance will be paramount for this single-game slate. With star power on both sides, who should you trust in your NFL DFS lineups?
Barkley’s Dominance Against Dallas: A Key Factor?
One of the most compelling narratives heading into this game is the Eagles’ dynamic running back, Saquon Barkley. In his 2024 campaign with the Eagles, Barkley proved to be a nightmare for the Cowboys’ defense, rushing for an impressive 233 yards across their two meetings. But should he be a cornerstone of your NFL DFS lineup for the Kickoff Game?
Barkley enjoyed a historic 2024 season, becoming only the ninth player in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. He finished with an astounding 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, complemented by 33 receptions for 278 yards and two receiving scores. While he didn’t find the end zone against Dallas last season, his yardage production was undeniable. The potential absence of Cowboys star Micah Parsons (due to a back injury and ongoing contract negotiations) could further open up running lanes for Barkley, making him an even more enticing DFS option.
New Faces and Familiar Threats: Wide Receiver Showdown
On the Dallas side, wide receiver George Pickens is set to make his highly anticipated Cowboys debut. Will Pickens be a reliable option for your NFL DFS strategy, or should you pivot to established stars like DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, or CeeDee Lamb? The receiver battle promises to be a highlight, offering numerous high-upside plays for DFS enthusiasts.
Expert Insight: Mike McClure’s Top DFS Picks
Before finalizing any NFL DFS picks on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel for this Cowboys vs. Eagles showdown, it’s essential to consult expert analysis. SportsLine daily Fantasy expert Mike McClure, a legendary professional DFS player with over $2 million in career winnings, offers invaluable insights.
McClure’s success stems from a powerful prediction model that meticulously simulates every snap of NFL action, factoring in matchups, statistical trends, and injuries. This methodology allows him to uncover the best DFS values, which he shares exclusively with SportsLine members. His track record includes multiple first-place finishes in major tournaments, including tying for first in the DraftKings Millionaire Maker twice and winning the FanDuel Million once in 2023. Anyone who has followed his advice has seen significant returns.
McClure’s Top Picks: Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts
McClure has locked in his top daily Fantasy football picks for the 2025 NFL Kickoff Game, and among them are Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
As mentioned, Barkley’s 2024 season was historic, and his past success against the Cowboys makes him a compelling choice. His ability to churn out yardage, even without finding the end zone, provides a high floor for DFS players.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is another key component of McClure’s optimal NFL DFS strategy. In 2024, Hurts demonstrated remarkable efficiency, throwing for 2,903 yards with 18 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions, achieving a stellar 103.7 passer rating across 15 regular-season games. He carried this elite performance 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 capability significantly elevates his DFS value. The former second-round pick has consistently delivered in the rushing department, scoring double-digit rushing touchdowns in four consecutive seasons, including 14 in 2024. In his sole appearance against the Cowboys last season, Hurts torched them for 202 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with 56 rushing yards and two more scores.
Uncovering the Undervalued Player
Beyond the star power, McClure is also targeting an undervalued player who could deliver explosive numbers in the 2025 NFL Kickoff Game. This sleeper pick could be the differentiator between winning big in tournaments and cash games, or falling short. To uncover this crucial pick and the rest of McClure’s comprehensive NFL DFS analysis, visit SportsLine.
New players can also take advantage of exciting offers, including $50 in Pick6 credits at DraftKings when they play $5, and a FanDuel promo code offering $300 in bonus bets if their initial $5 bet wins.
Final Thoughts for Your DFS Lineups
As the 2025 NFL Kickoff Game approaches, the clash between the Cowboys and Eagles promises high drama and significant DFS opportunities. Leveraging expert insights, understanding player matchups, and recognizing potential value plays will be key to success. Whether you’re building around the proven dominance of Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts or seeking that hidden gem, strategic planning is essential for this highly anticipated season opener.
