Cowboys (12-4) at Commanders (7-8-1)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FedExField, Landover, Md.

TV: Fox

Tipico Sportsbook line: by 4 ⁄2

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Cowboys

keys to victory: With Philadelphia’s Week 17 loss, the Cowboys will play everyone vs. Washington. The Dallas offensive game plan should be to attack a depleted defense with the passing game. Both the 49ers and Browns found open holes in Washington’s secondary over the last two games, meaning WRs CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup and TE Dalton Schultz could all have big games. Defensively, the Cowboys should relentlessly pressure whichever quarterback Washington chooses to start.

Commanders’ keys to victory: First, do not start Carson Wentz at quarterback. If the they start rookie Sam Howell at quarterback, you should see a heavy dose of RB Brian Robinson Jr. Howell’s athleticism could make the RPO tough to defend for Dallas, which has had some difficulty stopping the run.

Matchup to watch: Cowboys LB Micah Parsons vs. Commanders offensive line. Parsons has enjoyed plenty of success against the Commanders in his short career. While Washington should be concerned about all of Dallas’ pass rushers, it all begins with slowing down Parsons. The Commanders have struggled to slow down top pass rushers this season and have no chance at upsetting the Cowboys if they can’t protect the quarterback.

Who wins? A few weeks ago, this game looked like it could have major playoff implications for both teams. Now, the Cowboys are playing for a chance at the potential No. 1 overall seed in the NFC. The Cowboys have everything to play for and are the better team.

Cowboys, 31-17

Cowboys’

Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire