Cowboys vs. Commanders on Christmas: What’s Left to Play For in a Lost Season
The Dallas Cowboys will take the field on Christmas Day against the Washington Commanders in what’s shaping up to be a bittersweet holiday showdown. It’s Week 17, and for both teams, the postseason is officially out of reach. That means this game won’t impact playoff seeding-but that doesn’t mean it’s meaningless.
Let’s break it down: This will be the Cowboys’ fourth Thursday game of the season, and it comes just days after they were officially eliminated from playoff contention. They still suited up their starters against the Chargers the very next day, which tells you something about the mindset in Dallas. Even with nothing left to chase in the standings, this team isn’t mailing it in.
Dak Prescott Will Suit Up-And That Matters
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones confirmed that Dak Prescott will play on Christmas Day. That decision raises eyebrows, especially considering the team has nothing tangible to gain.
But it also speaks volumes about Prescott’s leadership and the organization’s approach to finishing strong. It’s easy to shut things down when the postseason dream dies.
It’s harder to keep showing up, especially when the body’s sore, the stakes are low, and the holidays are calling.
Prescott isn’t the only name to watch. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, defensive lineman Quinnen Williams-who missed the Chargers game-and wideout George Pickens, who’s in a contract year, are all players the Cowboys might consider resting.
But so far, there’s been no indication that Dallas is planning to sit any major contributors. That could change, of course, but for now, the team seems committed to playing it straight.
Washington’s Already in Shutdown Mode
Over in Washington, the Commanders have been in self-preservation mode for a while now. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has already been shut down for the season, a move that signals the organization is focused more on protecting its future than salvaging the present. With a 4-11 record and last season’s NFC Championship appearance now a distant memory, Washington is clearly looking ahead.
That contrast in approach makes this matchup a little more interesting than it might seem on paper. Dallas, despite being out of the hunt, is still rolling out its top guys.
Washington, meanwhile, is already planning for 2026. These types of late-season games always have an odd energy-part preseason, part pride, part evaluation.
Draft Implications and the Fan Dilemma
Let’s be honest: when your team’s season is over before New Year’s, the NFL Draft starts creeping into your thoughts. Some fans are already eyeing the 2026 draft order and wondering if a loss might help secure a better pick.
It’s a natural impulse. But rooting against your own team?
That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially on a day like Christmas when football is supposed to feel like a gift.
So here we are-two games left, one of them on a holiday, and a roster full of players still trying to prove something. Whether it’s for a future contract, a spot on next year’s depth chart, or just personal pride, there’s still plenty on the line, even if the standings say otherwise.
A Netflix Exclusive and a Holiday Twist
One more wrinkle: this game will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix. So if you’re planning to watch, make sure your subscription is up to date. It’s a new twist on holiday football, and it adds a little extra flavor to an otherwise low-stakes matchup.
Bottom line? The Cowboys are favored, the Commanders are reeling, and Christmas football is still Christmas football.
No playoff implications, no Lombardi dreams-but still a chance to end the season with something to build on. And in a year like this, that might be all you can ask for.