The Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) face the Washington Commanders (4-11) in a Week 17 NFC East rivalry clash on Christmas Day, with both teams out of playoff contention but looking to build momentum for 2026. The Cowboys, despite a disappointing season marred by injuries and a tie, have dominated this series recently, while the Commanders aim to play spoiler at home in a game that could feature high-scoring potential given defensive struggles on both sides. Below is a fully detailed preview covering all aspects.
Venue Location
Northwest Stadium (formerly FedExField), Landover, Maryland. This outdoor venue, home to the Washington Commanders, seats approximately 66,000 fans and features a natural grass surface.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT).
Broadcast: NETFLIX: Ian Eagle, Nate Burleson, Matt Ryan, Sara Walsh (field reporter), Melanie Collins (field reporter)
Westwood One: Jason Benetti, Ryan Harris
Local radio: BIG 100.3 FM and EL ZOL 107.9 FM.
Weather Updates
Expect chilly, overcast conditions typical of late December in the D.C. area. Highs will reach around 46-52°F, with lows dipping to 32°F. There’s a chance of sprinkles early in the day, leading to potentially overcast skies during kickoff, with winds at 5-10 mph and a 20-30% chance of light precipitation. The natural grass could become slick if any rain falls, favoring ball security and potentially limiting explosive plays—bundle up for fans in attendance.
Injury Report
Both teams are battered heading into this holiday matchup, with the Cowboys dealing with more depth issues across the board, potentially forcing backups into prominent roles.
Dallas Cowboys: Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (undisclosed) and wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (knee) did not practice. Cornerback Caelen Carson (hamstring), cornerback Josh Butler (knee ACL, physically unable to perform), guard Tyler Booker (ankle), safety Donovan Wilson (hip), return specialist KaVontae Turpin (shoulder), and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (neck) are limited or DNP. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (undisclosed) is cleared with no designation after missing practices. Running back Malik Davis has no reported issues but monitor for any late updates.
Washington Commanders: Linebacker Bobby Wagner (knee/rest) and quarterback Marcus Mariota (right hand/quad) did not practice. Quarterback Jayden Daniels (left elbow) is limited. Tackle George Fant (knee), defensive tackle Daron Payne (back), and guard Sam Cosmi (concussion, IR) are out or DNP. Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (undisclosed, IR) and wide receiver/PR Jaylin Lane (ankle, IR) are sidelined. Linebacker Nick Bellore (concussion) is DNP.
Player Matchups
This NFC East finale could hinge on the Cowboys’ passing game exploiting Washington’s secondary, while the Commanders’ run defense tests Dallas’ ground attack amid injuries.
DAL QB Dak Prescott vs. WAS S Jeremy Chinn: Prescott ranks second in the NFL with 4,175 passing yards; Chinn’s coverage skills must limit big plays to CeeDee Lamb, especially with Daniels limited at QB for Washington.
WAS QB Jayden Daniels (if active) vs. DAL LB DeMarvion Overshown: Daniels’ mobility (if cleared) tests Overshown’s pursuit, but Overshown’s DNP status could open lanes.
DAL RB Javonte Williams vs. WAS DL Daron Payne: Williams’ rushing faces Payne’s interior presence, but Payne’s back injury may weaken the front.
WAS RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs. DAL DL Quinnen Williams: Croskey-Merritt’s recent form challenges Williams, who is limited with a neck issue.
DAL WR CeeDee Lamb vs. WAS CB Marshon Lattimore: Lamb’s route-running vs. Lattimore’s man coverage could produce fireworks.
These matchups favor Dallas’ offense if Prescott stays protected, but Washington’s younger players may step up.
Recent Team Forms
Dallas Cowboys (last 5 games): L-T-L-W-L. They tied 40-40 in Week 4 vs. unknown, lost 31-14 in Week 3, won 40-37 OT in Week 2, lost 24-20 in Week 1. Struggles include a three-game losing streak entering this matchup, with defensive issues allowing high scores in losses.
Washington Commanders (last 5 games): L-L-W-L-L. Losses include 29-18 to Eagles in Week 16, with earlier defeats to Bengals and others. Wins sparse, like over unknown teams, but form shows defensive lapses allowing 30+ in recent losses.
Series History
The Cowboys lead the all-time series 80-51-2 (including playoffs), with a dominant 14-6 record in the last 20 meetings and 7-3 SU in the last 10. Dallas is 8-2 ATS in those 10, including five straight covers since 2023. The most recent game was a 44-22 Cowboys win on October 19, 2025. Games often go over, with high-scoring affairs in recent years.
Betting Trends
b7-8 ATS overall, 3-4 ATS on the road, 8-2 ATS in last 10 vs. Commanders (including 5 straight). Over in 5 of last 5 road games. Commanders: 5-10 ATS overall, 3-4 ATS at home, 2-8 ATS in last 10 vs. Cowboys. Under in 4 of last 6 games. Game-Specific: Cowboys 7-3 SU in last 10 meetings, with overs in 5 of last 5 Dallas road games vs. Washington. Commanders 1-4 ATS as home underdogs this season.
Historical Betting Results
In the last 10 meetings, Cowboys are 7-3 SU and 8-2 ATS, with a common scoreline around 27-25 favoring Dallas. Overs have hit in 5 of the last 5 road games for Dallas vs. Washington. All-time, Dallas is 87-51-2 vs. Washington, with recent games trending toward Cowboys covers as favorites. In Christmas Day NFL games historically, favorites are 8-4 ATS since 2010, with unders in 7 of 12.
COWBOYS NOTES:
• QB DAK PRESCOTT passed for 244 yards & 2 TDs for 116.5 rating in Week 16, his 61st game with 240+ pass yards & 2 TDs, 4th-most such games by a player in 1st 10 seasons in NFL history. Has 35,612 pass yards & 241 TD passes since 2016, 1 of 8 QBs in NFL history with 35,500+ pass yards & 240+ TD passes in 1st 10 career seasons. Ranks 2nd in NFL with 4,175 pass yards in 2025. Has TD pass in 6 of his past 7 games. Had 264 pass yards & 3 TDs in Week 7 meeting. • RB JAVONTE WILLIAMS has 65+ scrimmage yards in 6 of his past 7 games & TD in 3 of his past 4. Had 116 rush yards & TD in Week 7 meeting. • WR CEEDEE LAMB had 6 receptions for 51 yards in Week 16, his 67th career game with 5+ receptions, most in 1st 6 career seasons all-time. Has 565 career receptions, 2nd-most by a player in 1st 6 seasons in NFL history (Justin Jefferson – 567 receptions, in 6th season). Had 110 rec. yards & TD in Week 7 meeting. • WR GEORGE PICKENS led team with 7 receptions for 130 yards & TD in Week 16. Ranks 3rd in NFL with 1,342 rec. yards this season. Has 75+ rec. yards in 3 of his past 4 games on road. • TE JAKE FERGUSON ranks tied-2nd among TEs with 80 receptions & tied-3rd with 7 TD catches this season. • LB DEMARVION OVERSHOWN has 7+ tackles in 2 of his past 3 games. • LB SHEMAR JAMES (rookie) had 7 tackles, sack & FF in Week 7 meeting. • CB SHAVON REVEL (rookie) had 9 tackles & PD in Week 16. Aims for 5th in row with 5+ tackles. Has PD in 2 of his past 3. • CB TREVON DIGGS had season-high 6 tackles in Week 16. • S MARKQUESE BELL had 1st FF this season in Week 16. Had 6 tackles & PD in Week 7 meeting. • S MALIK HOOKER had 7 tackles & TFL in Week 16. Aims for 3rd with 6+ tackles.
COMMANDERS NOTES:
• QB MARCUS MARIOTA has 2+ TD passes in 2 of his past 3 games at home. • QB JOSH JOHNSON has completed 213 passes for 2,340 yards & 13 TDs in his career. • RB JACORY CROSKEY-MERRITT (rookie) had rush TD in Week 16. Ranks 5th among rookies with 671 rush yards & 4th among rookie RBs with 6 rush TDs this season. Aims for 3rd in row with rush TD. • RB CHRIS RODRIQUEZ had team-high 63 rush yards & had rush TD in Week 16. Aims for 5th in row at home with rush TD. • WR TERRY MCLAURIN has 70+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 at home. Aims for 3rd in row vs. Dal. with TD catch. • WR DEEBO SAMUEL aims for 5,500 career rec. yards (5,431). Had 71 rec. yards in last game vs. Dal. (10/27/24). • LB BOBBY WAGNER led team with 10 tackles & had 2 TFL & sack in Week 16. Has 7+ tackles in 15 straight games this season, longest active streak. Ranks 4th with 147 tackles in 2025. Ranks 1st with 1,979 tackles since 2012. Aims for 5th in row vs. Dal. with 8+ tackles. • LB VON MILLER has sack in 2 of his past 3 games. • LB FRANKIE LUVU had 8 tackles in Week 16. Aims for 4th in row vs. Dal. with TFL. Has 8+ tackles in 3 of his past 4 vs. Dal. • DE JACOB MARTIN had sack & FF in Week 16. Had 0.5 sack in Week 7 meeting. • DT DARON PAYNE aims for 3rd in row with 5+ tackles at home. Has TFL in 2 of his past 3 games vs. Dal. • CB MIKE SAINRISTIL had PD in Week 16 & aims for 4th in row with PD. Had 2 PD in Week 7 meeting & aims for 4th in row vs. Dal. with PD. • CB JONATHAN JONES had season-high 8 tackles in Week 16. • S QUAN MARTIN has 7+ tackles in 3 of his past 4. • S JEREMY REAVES has PD in 2 of his past 3 at home.
Game Odds
Dallas Cowboys – 7
Washington Commanders 50.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, December 24, 2025
