Playoff Preview (Eagles @ Cowboys)

Philadelphia @ Dallas (Sat. 8:00, NBC)
In the most anticipated matchup of the Wild Card round, these two bitter NFC East rivals meet for the third time this season and the second time in two weeks. Dallas embarrased the Eagles in both regular season games and looking to win their first playoff game since 1996. The Eagles have one at least one playoff game every time they made the playoffs under Andy Reid.
The keys for the Eagles to win this matchup are to make sure their offense does not stall like last week in Dallas. Donovan McNabb and his arsenal of young weapons need to have a big game to ensure a date with the Saints next weekend. The running game must get going against the aggressive Dallas defense to give the Eagles' offense balance. With Brian Westbrook just getting back to full strength from his two concussions, look for him to get the ball more often than he has in the past two weeks. The Eagles' defense look better in the second half of last week's game and gave Philly fans some hope that their defense could put a stop to the Cowboy offense. The revolving door of starting linebackers has hurt the Eagles since training camp opened and is the biggest concern on a defense whose secondary and line are strong.

For the Cowboys, since their win in New Orleans to break the Saints undefeated run, they have been on fire in December. Tony Romo has been able to find Jason Witten, who seems like he can not be stopped right now, and Miles Austin for big gains. The running game got going last week against the Eagles with Felix Jones running along the outside of the field, which created a good change of direction with Marion Barber being stonewalled up the middle. On defense, the Cowboys just need to play half as good of a game that they played on Sunday and they should be good. Jai Ratliff's rush up the middle cause trouble for Eagles center Nick Cole and opened up the middle for DeMarcus Ware and company to plow right through the line. The Cowboys must not be over aggresive since the Eagles are one of the best screen teams in the league and will take advantage of the front seven looking for sacks.

5 Players to Watch for the Eagles
C Nick Cole
QB Donovan McNabb
CB Asante Samuel
WR DeSean Jackson
TE Brent Celek
5 Players to Watch for the Cowboys
DT Jai Ratliff
QB Tony Romo
CB Mike Jenkins
WR Miles Austin
TE Jason Witten
Key Matchup: Cole vs. Ratliff
Prediction: Eagles