As the NFL regular season concludes, the playoff picture is still taking shape, and Sunday's NFC East clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders holds significant implications. The Cowboys hit the road for an intense battle at the nation's capital, facing the Commanders at FedEx Field with kickoff slated for Sunday afternoon.
Key Matchup Details:
In a pivotal divisional matchup, the Cowboys enter as three-point favorites, with a game total set at 42.5 points. Dallas (11-5) comes off a narrow 20-19 win over the Detroit Lions, while Washington (4-12) suffered their seventh consecutive loss with a 27-10 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers. The Cowboys hold a historical advantage in the regular-season series, leading 77-46-2, including a convincing 45-10 victory in their most recent meeting on November 23, 2023.
Dallas Cowboys Eyeing NFC East Crown:
The Cowboys find themselves in a tight race for the NFC East crown, tied with the Philadelphia Eagles at 11-5. A win against Washington, or an Eagles loss to the Giants, would secure Dallas the division title and the coveted #2 seed in the NFC playoffs. In their last outing against Detroit, the Cowboys survived a late scare, benefiting from a misstep in a Lions' two-point conversion attempt that would have given Detroit the lead. Dallas prevailed 20-19, showcasing their ability to grind out a victory even when outgained in total offense.
Offensive Strengths and Weaknesses:
This season, the Cowboys boast the league's second-best passing offense, averaging 262.8 yards per game, led by quarterback Dak Prescott. The ground game, featuring Tony Pollard, contributes to their 11th-ranked rushing offense with 118.6 yards per game. Dallas ranks third in scoring offense, averaging 29.4 points per game, while their defense holds firm, allowing an average of 19.1 points per contest.
Injury Report and Player Performance:
Dallas faces some injury concerns, with key players listed on the report, including tackles Tyler Smith and Tyron Smith, guard Zack Martin, and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been instrumental, completing 379 of 554 passes for 4,237 yards with 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season. Receiver CeeDee Lamb leads the team with 122 receptions for 1,651 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Washington Commanders Seeking Redemption:
On the other side, the Commanders aim to play spoiler after a challenging season, marked by a seven-game losing streak. Washington's 4-12 record places them at the bottom of the NFC East, eliminated from playoff contention. In their last game against the 49ers, Washington fought hard but succumbed to a 27-10 defeat.
Offensive Struggles:
Washington faces offensive challenges, ranking 18th in passing with 224.7 yards per game and 24th in rushing, averaging 96.4 yards on the ground. Quarterback Sam Howell, with 3,793 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions, will lead the charge. The team averages 19.9 points per game, but their defense struggles, conceding an average of 30 points per contest.
Injury Report and Player Performance:
The Commanders deal with injury concerns, notably defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and cornerbacks Tariq Castro-Fields, Kendall Fuller, and Christian Holmes. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is limited due to a hamstring injury. Receiver Terry McLaurin leads Washington with 73 receptions for 946 yards and four touchdowns.
As the Cowboys and Commanders prepare for the final showdown of the regular season, fans can anticipate a game filled with playoff implications and intense moments. Will Dallas secure the NFC East crown, or can Washington play the spoiler? Stay tuned for kickoff as these division rivals clash in a battle that could define their respective seasons.