They saw each other in Week 1 to open the NFL season, and things have changed so much for both the Eagles and the Cowboys since then. How much? The Eagles are 8-2, leading the NFC East and holding the No. 1 spot in the overall conference standings. Dallas is 4-5-1, but feeling like it is on the upswing after revamping the defense at the league's trade deadline.

The best rivalry in the NFL renews on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas as the Eagles, wearing their Kelly Green jerseys (5-0 since 2023) on the road for the first time since the 1996 season, take on the Cowboys and look to extend their lead in the division and stay atop the NFC.

It won't be easy. It never is. Here are some storylines for the 4:25 PM start (FOX) as both teams look to make a statement ...

1. How much better is the Dallas defense now?

Struggling all season, the Cowboys did something about their defense at the trade deadline, acquiring linebacker Logan Wilson from Cincinnati and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets. More than that, Dallas also welcomed back linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, a blitzing, playmaking defender as a rookie a season ago, and rookie cornerback Shavon Revel, Jr., from injury. Dallas looked good defensively on Monday night in its win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Williams in particular. He had 1.5 quarterback sacks, dominated against the run, and demanded double teams as the Cowboys built some confidence.

2. Eagles offense in focus

This has been a season-long conversation as the Eagles look to get something going on a consistent basis offensively. Quarterback Jalen Hurts and Co. have done some good things on offense – namely scoring touchdowns 75 percent of the time in the red zone, best in the NFL, and protecting the football – Hurts has just three giveaways, with 22 total touchdowns scored – and that has helped the Eagles win 8 of their first 10 games.

How do the Eagles attack the Cowboys? The addition of Williams, teamed with tackle Kenny Clark, has given Dallas a formidable twosome inside against the run. The Cowboys are aggressive in coverage, and they will go after Hurts with the blitz game. This is a chess match worth watching, of course, and the Eagles are looking for explosive plays, a reliable running game, and some touchdowns because ...

3. Philadelphia's defense faces the best passing game in the NFL

We know this. We've seen this plenty of times. Quarterback Dak Prescott has two awesome wide receivers in George Pickens (58-908-7 TD) and CeeDee Lamb (40-557-2 TD). Tight end Jake Ferguson has 60 receptions and seven scores. Prescott completes 70 percent of his passes and has 21 touchdown passes. The offensive line is really good. So is the running game, with Javonte Williams leading the way with 809 yards and the Cowboys average 4.66 yards per carry.

But here comes an Eagles defense that is playing great, great football. Newcomer Jaelan Phillips has been a difference-maker on the edge. Linebacker Nakobe Dean is playing downhill against the run. The Eagles are solid everywhere. They have depth and the back end has been improving each week. This is a great, great matchup – an unstoppable force against an immovable object. Fun stuff.

4. Want a good stat to watch? How about "explosive plays?"

Each week here, there is an emphasis on the turnover ratio, and that doesn't change. But in this one, against this offense and with the inconsistencies the Eagles have had with the football, explosive plays are worth measuring – runs of 10-plus yards and pass plays of 16-plus yards. The really huge chunk plays absolutely change the course of games. So, yeah, Vic Fangio knows his defense is going to give up something against an offense this good on a fast turf indoors, but he doesn't want to give up the big, big plays more than anything. And the Eagles' offense could really use some huge gains to make life easier.

5. Special teams are going to have an impact

How about that stop on fourth down by the Eagles against Detroit on the fake punt? Kinda turned things around, right? Expect special teams to play a big part in this one. Dallas placekicker Brandon Aubrey is a freak and a threat on field goals from, well, 70 yards and in, really. Return man KaVontae Turpin is always a threat and the Eagles circle his number and strategize against him all week. The Eagles haven't had that really big return yet, so keep an eye on Xavier Gipson because he's due. Jake Elliott has been great all season, as has punter Braden Mann. Flipping the field in games like these can make the difference between a win and a loss.

6. What "unknown" factor will make the difference in this game?

You could start by looking at Fred Johnson, the starter at right tackle with Lane Johnson out. He has a large responsibility, but he's been in this position before and knows what is expected of him. Cam Jurgens is questionable, so if he is cleared to play (UPDATE: Jurgens was cleared on Saturday), that's a plus for the Eagles. Dallas is healthy and understands that a loss would be very, very detrimental to its playoff hopes.

Cornerback Adoree' Jackson played a good game against Detroit and is going to have his hands full with the Cowboys' receivers. Prescott threw Jackson's way quite a bit in the opener and the Eagles adjusted nicely in the second half – during which they pitched a shutout against Dallas.

Tank Bigsby is more involved in the offense, working in tandem with Saquon Barkley in the running game, so he could factor into the game, especially if the Eagles attack the edges in the running game. Jahan Dotson was a big part of the win over Detroit and has good chemistry with Hurts in the passing game.