Dallas faces a stiff Week 1 test on the defensive line against Philadelphia. Interior anchors Osa Odighizuwa, Solomon Thomas, Mazi Smith and Kenny Clark must hold the line and shed blocks, while edge contributors Marshawn Kneeland, Dante Fowler Jr., and Donavan Ezeiruaku pressure Hurts’ downhill runs. Philadelphia’s zone schemes and Barkley-driven short-yardage plays loom large, with Landon Dickerson health lingering. Perrion Winfrey’s status adds depth questions. A disciplined, gap-smart run defense could tilt the game in Dallas’ favor and boost fantasy upside for the Cowboys’ line.

Dallas named six captains for 2025: Osa Odighizuwa, Donovan Wilson, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aubrey and C.J. Goodwin. Schottenheimer aimed for four steady leaders but players voted in six, with no extra captain for Week 1 against Philadelphia. The lineup highlights leadership across defense, offense and special teams, signaling a unified, authentic voice for the season.

Wilson’s surprise ascent pairs with Lamb’s steady influence on offense, while Prescott anchors the quarterback room. Aubrey, a kicker, underscores special teams prominence, and Goodwin adds return-game leadership. The mix suggests fantasy angles: Lamb stays a primary target, Aubrey could impact scoring through kicks, and defensive leaders like Odighizuwa and Wilson could elevate IDP value.