The NFL’s Christmas Day slate kicks off with a matchup that doesn’t carry playoff implications, but still holds plenty of intrigue - especially for fans of the NFC East. The Dallas Cowboys head to Northwest Stadium to face off against the Washington Commanders in a Week 17 clash where pride, evaluation, and draft positioning are front and center.
No Playoffs, But Plenty on the Line
Let’s not sugarcoat it: both the Cowboys and Commanders have been officially eliminated from postseason contention. But that doesn’t mean this game is meaningless. For players fighting for future roster spots, coaches trying to end the season on a high note, and front offices eyeing draft capital, there’s still plenty at stake.
Washington’s Quarterback Carousel Spins Again
The Commanders are in a tough spot under center. Rookie Jayden Daniels, who showed flashes of promise this season, has been shut down after aggravating an elbow injury.
Marcus Mariota, his veteran backup, is also sidelined - dealing with a hand injury that required stitches, along with a lingering quad issue. That leaves journeyman Josh Johnson as the Week 17 starter.
Johnson, who’s suited up for more NFL teams than most fans can name, steps into yet another emergency role. At 39 years old, he’s seen just about every defensive look the league has to offer. But asking him to lead a depleted offense against a division rival on the road is a tall order - especially behind a banged-up offensive line and with limited weapons at his disposal.
Cowboys Missing Pieces, But Core Offensive Stars Set to Go
Dallas isn’t at full strength either. Several key contributors on both sides of the ball are ruled out or listed as questionable. Still, the Cowboys’ most important offensive players are expected to suit up, giving them a clear advantage heading into this matchup.
For Dak Prescott and the offense, this is a chance to finish strong after a late-season stumble. The Cowboys have cooled off offensively in recent weeks, but facing a Commanders defense that’s struggled all year could be exactly what they need to get back on track.
A Look at the Predictions - And It’s a Sweep
If you’re looking for someone - anyone - giving Washington the edge, you’ll be searching for a while. Across the board, from national analysts to beat writers, the consensus is crystal clear: Dallas is the favorite.
- Vinnie Iyer sees the Cowboys winning 27-23, noting that while Dallas has cooled off, Washington’s defensive woes and quarterback issues open the door for a bounce-back performance.
- Bill Bender predicts a 30-20 Cowboys win, pointing out Dallas’ recent defensive struggles but emphasizing the Commanders’ uncertainty under center as the deciding factor.
And it doesn’t stop there. Every single expert polled by ESPN, MMQB, and CBS Sports is picking Dallas to come out on top.
That’s 26 picks for the Cowboys. Zero for the Commanders.
What to Watch For
- **Can Josh Johnson manage the offense? ** With limited practice reps and a patchwork supporting cast, Johnson will need to rely on quick reads and veteran savvy to keep Washington competitive.
- **Will the Cowboys’ defense show signs of life? ** After giving up over 37 points per game across their last three contests, Dallas needs to tighten things up - even against a backup-led offense.
- **How does Dak Prescott respond? ** With the playoffs out of reach, Prescott still has something to prove as he looks to end the season on a high note and build momentum heading into 2026.
Final Thought
It may not be a playoff preview, but Cowboys vs. Commanders still offers plenty of storylines.
Whether it’s the battle-tested vet stepping in at quarterback, or a Dallas team trying to salvage a disappointing finish, this NFC East matchup has enough juice to make it worth your time on Christmas Day. And if the experts are right, Dallas should be unwrapping a win to close out Week 17.