It might not matter as much as we wanted it to, but it's hard to not be excited about the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys colliding in a December clash.

The Cowboys are obligated to win as the former MVP favorite quarterback won't suit up for the Eagles. But could this game be tougher than anticipated? And what's the best bet to make this week?

Let's dive in.

This season we're 11-3 (!!!) betting Cowboys' games in this weekly series of Betting the Cowboys. 

Last year, we had a positive record of 9-7 on this weekly series. That's a 56.3% hit rate, over the goal of hitting 52.4% which would be our breakeven rate on -110 odds.

The odds

• Spread: Dallas Cowboys -4.5 (-119)
• Moneyline: Philadelphia Eagles +175 / Dallas Cowboys -205
• Total: 46.5

The public isn't afraid of a backup quarterback

Per Action Network, 64% of the bets are on the Eagles.

Before news on Jalen Hurts hit our phones, the betting spread sat at -1, favoring the Cowboys. Since then, the line has moved around the 4-5 points before finally settling in. Fans are taking the 13-1 team and the points. Not surprising.

Trends

• The Eagles are 1-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last five road games.
• The Cowboys are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. NFC East foes.
• Over is 7-2 in Eagles' last nine games overall.
• Over is 4-0 in the Cowboys' last four games overall.

The pick: Cowboys and Eagles will put up points

There are two huge concerns about the Cowboys defense. We've broken those down all week long but here's a quick reminder:

1. Kelvin Joseph at outside corner is a liability. Or whoever starts in his place.
2. Leighton Vander Esch leaves a huge hole in the middle of the defense.

Since Week 10, the Cowboys are the 13th-best defense in DVOA. While that's not a terrible place to be in, it's clear that this hasn't been the same dominant unit as it was early in the season.

That will leave some openings for Gardner Minshew, who loves to take deep shots and will be playing behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Nick Sirianni's team can also exploit the Cowboys' second-level defense.

But I trust the Cowboys to win this one on offense. Despite interceptions being everyone's favorite talking point, Dak Prescott is playing at a very high level. Paired with a strong running game, I expect Dallas to move the ball against the league's 20th rushing defense.

Give me the over, which is on the right side of 47.

The bet: OVER 46.5

Season bets: 11-3

Last season bets: 9-7 (56.25%) 

Odds via Covers

Featured image via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports