THE STORY: It’s rare that a late-season meeting between these bitter rivals is meaningless. But all the drama was removed when the Eagles inexplicably lost to the Minnesota Vikings in the first Tuesday night game since 1946. Philadelphia would have had an outside chance at a first-round bye had it won, but now it will likely rest a banged-up Michael Vick (quad contusion) and WR DeSean Jackson (foot) along with other key starters. As for Dallas, a season that began with aspirations of becoming the first team to host a Super Bowl will likely end with third-string rookie QB Stephen McGee under center. The Cowboys’ 27-26 loss to Arizona on Christmas night dropped them to 4-3 under interim head coach Jason Garrett.
TV: 4:15 p.m. EST, FOX
OPENING LINE: OFF
WEATHER: One week after a blizzard canceled the Eagles’ Sunday night contest, the weather could play a factor again. Temperatures will be in the mid-40s with a 40 percent chance of rain.
ABOUT THE EAGLES (10-5): Michael Vick’s remarkable comeback has captivated the football world. Vick, who spent 1 ½ years in prison for his role in an illegal dog fighting operation, probably won’t be the MVP of the league only because of the amazing year Tom Brady’s had. Still, the words Vick and league MVP are something most never thought would be uttered in the same sentence after he was released from prison. Philadelphia wrapped up its fourth NFC East title in six years when the Giants loss to Green Bay last week. But the Eagles’ loss to Minnesota locked them in as the No. 3 seed and left Philadelphia with nothing to play for this week. Thus, Vick and the rest of the stars aren’t likely to see much action Sunday.
ABOUT THE COWBOYS (5-10): Dallas has responded well to Garrett, but overall the Cowboys have been one of the biggest disappointments in the league. If the Cowboys finish 5-11, it will be their worst season since 2002. As it stands, it’s their worst campaign since 2004. The defense has been the biggest culprit. A unit that ranked third in the league in scoring last season has allowed the most points (423) in franchise history. Jon Kitna played well (2,365 yards, 16 TDS, 12 INTs) in relief of Tony Romo (broken clavicle), but a sore oblique may keep him out of this contest. McGee, who completed 11 of 17 passes for 111 yards and a score against Arizona, will make his first career start if Kitna can’t go.
WHO'S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Cowboys TE Jason Witten, who was recently named an NFC Pro Bowl starter, has 40 catches for 395 yards and five touchdowns over the last five games. The Eagles’ offensive line allowed six sacks against Minnesota and has been letting Vick get hit repeatedly the last few weeks.
QUARTERBACKS: If Vick is held out, Kevin Kolb will make his fifth career start. The former University of Houston star was the Eagles’ Week 1 starter, but lost his job to Vick while recovering from a concussion. He has thrown for 1,035 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions in seven games. McGee, a star at Texas A&M, may become the first native Texan to start for the Cowboys since Clint Stoener in 2001.
RECENT HISTORY: The Eagles snapped a three-game losing streak to Dallas with a 30-27 victory in Week 14. Dallas outscored Philadelphia 58-14 between last season’s regular-season finale and the wild card playoff game at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys lead the all-time series rival, 55-44.
KEY INJURIES: Cowboys: QB Jon Kitna (oblique, questionable); Eagles: QB Michael Vick (quad, doubtful); DT Trevor Laws (shoulder, questionable); LB Stewart Bradley (elbow, out).
LAST WORD: The Cowboys haven’t been swept by the Eagles since 2006.