The 3-7 Dallas Cowboys travel to Washington to play the 7-4 Commanders. Our Cowboys vs Commanders prediction is for Dallas to keep it within 10 and for the teams to score more than 45 points.
Dallas-Washington is one of the NFL‘s most storied rivalries.
Head-to-head, the Cowboys lead 78-48-2.
Offshore Odds: Dallas is a Heavy Underdog
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | +10 (-108) | +430 | O 45 (-108) |
| Commanders | -10 (-112) | -550 | U 45 (-112) |
The Cowboys’ Season is in Ruins and Getting Worse
For the Cowboys, injuries are an excuse for their disastrous season, but not the excuse.
They were reasonably healthy to start the season but still sat at 3-5 when quarterback Dak Prescott went down for the season with a hamstring injury. Linebacker Micah Parsons has been dealing with a high ankle sprain. Ballhawk defensive back DaRon Bland has not played in 2024 because of a foot injury. Trevon Diggs, CeeDee Lamb, and Zack Martin have had nagging injuries.
Still, that does not account for the poor roster construction. Their running game has been atrocious, 31st in the league in yards per game. Critics point to owner/GM Jerry Jones’ decision not to make an offer to Derrick Henry. But had the Cowboys signed Henry, the odds are they’d be in a similar situation…only they’d have an unhappy Derrick Henry.
In the last two games, Dallas was outscored by Philadelphia and Houston by a combined 68-16. Part of that is on backup quarterback Cooper Rush. Given the circumstances, it makes little sense for Dallas to think of anything other than the 2025 NFL Draft, get the highest position possible, and give the backup’s backup Trey Lance a long look.
Washington Needs to Get Back in the Win Column
After a 7-2 start, Washington lost back-to-back games to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Washington’s next three games are against Dallas, Tennessee, and New Orleans. Three wins against weaker, wounded opponents would likely punch their ticket to the playoffs.
Rookie quarterback and early-season sensation Jayden Daniels has slipped in recent weeks, mostly because he hasn’t been scrambling as much. Although Washington head coach Dan Quinn downplayed Daniels’ rib injury, the QB is obviously protecting it by staying in the pocket and running only when necessary.
It’s a fine line between constraining him and ensuring he’s healthy for the playoffs. Daniels will go all out in a must-win game.
Cowboys vs Commanders Prediction: Dallas Will Fight, but Lose
Rush can’t consistently get the ball downfield. The Dallas running game with Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott is nonexistent so they won’t take advantage of Washington’s shaky run defense.
A 10-point spread is substantial for a rivalry game and if Rush plays poorly, Lance could and should get his shot. Perhaps he can give a spark.
Washington will win, but expect Dallas to keep it within 10 and the teams to score over 45 points.
-
Tags:
Leave a Comment