Cowboys (11-5) at
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FedExField, Landover, Maryland TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Cowboys by 13
Cowboys’ keys to victory: Dallas should attack Washington’s secondary early and often. The Commanders were without starting cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste against San Francisco last weekend and lost two more to injuries during the game. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott should keep the pressure on Washington’s defense by continually pushing the ball downfield to WRs CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, along with TE Jake Ferguson. Defensively, the Cowboys should load the box to stop RB Brian Robinson Jr. and make whoever starts at quarterback for the Commanders beat them by throwing the ball.
Commanders’ keys to victory: Robinson had an excellent first half in his return from an injury against the 49ers. Washington didn’t use Robinson enough in the second half. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy should follow Detroit’s blueprint of running the ball against Dallas. For the Commanders to have any chance, they’ll need to rely heavily upon Robinson and RB Antonio Gibson.
Matchup to watch: Cowboys’ Lamb vs. Commanders’ secondary. Lamb is having a phenomenal season, while Washington’s pass defense is one of the NFL’s worst. Lamb had 227 receiving yards against the Lions in Week 17. The Commanders held Lamb to 53 yards in Week 12. With so many injuries in Washington’s secondary, it’s difficult to know who’ll match up with Lamb.
Who wins? The Cowboys take the NFC East crown if they win this game.
Cowboys, 35-13