This is a big one with plenty of storylines to follow. The Eagles play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday and whenever these teams meet, it's always important. In this one, though, the Road to Victory is several layers deep.

Without further ado, let's examine …

1. Starting at quarterback for the Eagles …

The Eagles ruled Jalen Hurts out on Friday as he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol. Kenny Pickett is preparing to be the starting quarterback on Sunday. If that is how it plays out, what does it mean for the offense? That is the No. 1 storyline here. Pickett has gained valuable practice time and that's given him some added timing and chemistry with his offensive mates, so how would the offense look if he plays? What would it mean for Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore? How would Dallas play Pickett? Hurts is able to break down defenses with his legs, something few quarterbacks can do. Pickett has mobility and some running ability, but how would that factor into the game? The Eagles had time with Pickett last week at Washington and he did a good job, and an added week of time on the field should certainly help him in game action. How the Eagles adjust to what Dallas is doing is going to be key.

2. Injuries are a factor for Dallas, too

The Cowboys won't have star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is among the very best in the NFL. He has had a marvelous season, even with the quarterback change in Dallas. The Eagles did a fantastic job on Lamb in the first game, limiting him to 21 yards on six catches. But he has had big games against the Eagles in the past, so he is always a big factor in every game he plays. Without Lamb, who does quarterback Cooper Rush favor? Tight end Jake Ferguson is a good possession receiver and to add to that linebacker Nakobe Dean is doubtful with an abdomen injury. The Cowboys have Brandin Cooks back in the lineup and he's a veteran with big-play ability. Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo, and Jalen Brooks are some young receivers Dallas wants to see step up. KaVontae Turpin is a game-breaker whenever he has the football in his hands. But losing Lamb is a big blow to the Dallas offense, no doubt.

3. Setting the tone early

We know how much this game means and we know the Eagles are wearing Kelly Green jerseys and it's just going to be a festive, intense atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles were not pleased with the way last week's game at Washington ended, so the best way to get that taste out of their mouths is to start the game with a purpose and execute effectively. In other words, take a lead and get the crowd up out of their seats and don't give Dallas any momentum or sense that the Cowboys can win this football game. Early success is important.

4. Special teams are on alert

Turpin is a special kind of player in the return game – he leads the NFL with a 34.4-yard average on kickoff returns (with one touchdown) and he averages 10.9 yards per return on punts. Turpin had kickoff returns of 47 yards and 36 yards in the first meeting between the teams, so the Eagles are very well aware of how dangerous he is. Turpin had just one fair catch on punt returns back on November 10. Dallas gets him the ball on offense with jet sweeps and handoffs and short passes and the defense will be tuned into that, but don't sleep on kicks. Turpin breaks games open.

5. Micah Parsons leads an aggressive Dallas defense

To their credit, the Cowboys put on a defensive clinic with the way they flew around on Sunday night in their win over Tampa Bay. They were physical and opportunistic and purposeful. Leading the way, as always, was Micah Parsons, who has had a lot to say the last couple of weeks about the Eagles and the fans and this game – to paraphrase, he doesn't like the Eagles or Eagles fans. What makes Parsons a special player is that he backs up his words. He is an exceptional pass rusher who will spend much of his time playing over right tackle Lane Johnson. Parsons had two quarterback sacks in November and wins with speed and the ability to shed blockers and work his way up the field away from chip blocking and schemes that slide his way. He's a great player, a game wrecker, and the Eagles cannot let him disrupt the offense.

6. Third downs are critical

Dallas has struggled this season, but the Cowboys are really good – ranked fourth in the NFL – in third-down defense, allowing only a 35.2 percent conversion rate. This is an area where the Eagles know they need to have success, so working to get the offense into third-and-manageable situations is vital. Do not let the Dallas defense, which will bring pressure, get its teeth into third-and-long plays throughout the game. Look, a lot of things matter here – turnover ratio, red zone play, discipline throughout, penalties – but third downs rank right at the top of the list. And that's on both sides of the ball. Dallas has struggled to run the football all season, so the Eagles' defense has to clamp down. Who knows what happens in this game because, as we've seen throughout the years, this rivalry has produced some pretty crazy moments.