Here's how critical Philadelphia's game at Dallas will be on Thanksgiving Day: The winner can start thinking about a home postseason game, maybe even a bye for the wild-card round. The loser winds up needing to win the rematch in 17 days to be viable in the NFC East.
A sweep by either the Eagles or Cowboys, both 8-3, makes that team a contender for top record in the conference. It also puts the loser in a scrambling position just to make the postseason.
A juicy serving, no doubt, with the Cowboys a 3-point favorite over the Eagles.
"Now, it's all about Dallas," Eagles linebacker Trent Cole says. "If you can't get excited for this game, you shouldn't be playing football."
The Cowboys actually have a slight disadvantage in that they were on the road last Sunday night, beating the Giants. Philly was home in the afternoon and defeated Tennessee.
"I think the excitement and adrenaline can override how tired you are," tight end Jason Witten says. "It's a great opportunity for us. You can't worry about anything else. Just get through it and move forward."