URGENT UPDATE: The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders are set to face off in a pivotal NFC East rivalry on Christmas Day, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Both teams are looking to salvage pride after disappointing seasons, having already been eliminated from playoff contention.
The Cowboys (6-8-1) enter the matchup on a three-game losing streak, most recently suffering a 34-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, the Commanders (4-11) are reeling from a 29-18 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles, marking their ninth loss in ten games.
This matchup carries significant stakes for both fanbases, as neither team has met expectations this season. The Cowboys are favored by 8.5 points, according to the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, with an over/under set at 50.5 points.
In a surprising twist, the Commanders will start veteran quarterback Josh Johnson in place of the injured Marcus Mariota (hand/quad). Johnson’s experience may provide a spark, albeit he has only thrown for 43 yards in three games this season. Washington also faces personnel challenges, with key players like Chris Rodriguez Jr., Laremy Tunsil, and Daron Payne listed as inactive.
On the Cowboys’ side, Dak Prescott aims to lead his team to victory. The veteran quarterback has thrown for 4,175 yards and 28 touchdowns this season, boasting a completion rate of 68.5%. In his last outing against the Chargers, Prescott completed 21 of 30 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
Fans are eager to see if Prescott can connect with standout receiver George Pickens, who has accumulated 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns this year, showcasing explosive play potential with 21 receptions of 20 yards or more.
As the Cowboys look to turn their season around, SportsLine’s advanced model predicts a high-scoring affair, projecting a total of 56 combined points. This sets the stage for an electrifying game that could offer a thrilling end to the holiday.
For those interested in betting, the Cowboys’ money line stands at -481 while the Commanders sit at +365. Make sure to check out the latest insights and predictions from SportsLine before placing any bets.
The stakes are high for both teams as they take the field on Christmas Day. Will the Cowboys break their losing streak, or can the Commanders find a way to finish their season on a high note? Tune in at 1 p.m. ET to find out.
