It will be a key NFC East divisional clash on Sunday afternoon as the Dallas Cowboys head to DC to do battle with the Commanders. Though Washington has already been eliminated from playoff contention, Dallas still has plenty to play for in Week 18. With a win and a Philly loss, Dallas can capture the NFC East crown. They also have an outside shot at the first overall seed, though will require some help along the way.
For the Commanders, the season is over even though head coach Ron Rivera was surprised by that fact last week. Carson Wentz looked like he was already into retirement last time out, so the Commanders will shift to rookie QB Sam Howell on Sunday afternoon. He’ll be making his first-ever NFL start.
The youngest QB in the draft is stepping into a starting role for the Commanders this week
Sam Howell loves to take shots downfield
Howell vs rookie QB's:
Avg Depth of target: 11.0 yds (1st)
% of passes past the sticks: 49.3% (3rd)
Preview DAL @ WAS:https://t.co/zGwmk3oHzG
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 6, 2023
With Dallas having so much to play for to try and make their path to the NFC post-season all the more appealing, Sunday’s divisional clash is certainly one worth tuning into. For Washington, you better believe they will play hard and play intent on spoiling the fun for the Cowboys. For answers on what will go down between Dallas and Washington, continue reading on to find out! For further insight on this battle between two surging squads, continue reading on beneath the posted odds for a full matchup preview, trends, and the latest information to help you make an informed decision for Week 18’s crucial showdown!
Here’s Jahan Dotson making a nice snag from Sam Howell pic.twitter.com/dcMu3EAYTA
— Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_Cadeaux) January 4, 2023
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders Live Odds & Betting History
Betting odds provided by BOVADA
| TEAMS | COWBOYS | COMMANDERS |
| MONEYLINE | -320 | +270 |
| SPREAD | -7.5 (-110) | +7.5 (-110) |
| TOTAL | Over 40.5 (-110) | Under 40.5 (-110) |
| TEAM DATA | COWBOYS | COMMANDERS |
| Overall Record | 12-4 | 7-8-1 |
| ATS Record | 8-7-1 | 7-9 |
| Home/Away Record | 5-3 | 3-5 |
| Points Per Game | 24.3 | 20.3 |
| Points Against Per Game | 21.6 | 21.9 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 239.8 | 209.2 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 132.2 | 105.9 |
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders Prediction
Despite the fact that Washington has said all of the right things in the lead-up to this divisional clash, expect the franchise to use this as an evaluation game of sort on Sunday. They’re banged up and without anything big to play for, it’ll be interesting to see how their depth and youth can fare against a powerful Dallas lineup.
The #Cowboys CeeDee Lamb becomes the first WR since Terrell Owens to earn 3 consecutive games with 100 yards. #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/2WkbmnM1pN
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) December 30, 2022
Defensively, the Commanders will be without a couple of key pieces in Kamren Curl and Ben St-Juste. That’s a key tandem within their secondary, and without that duo, look for Dak Prescott to really be able to hit his targets downfield. CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup can easily win their matchups and Dallas should keep the chains moving via the aerial attack.
Washington is not particularly solid or stingy in defending the run either. Ezekiel Elliott remains a bruising force when he gets going, and he should be able to absolutely dominate here in Week 18. Dallas can truly name their score, and do whatever they’d like to this pedestrian Commanders defense. Something worth watching is how long head coach Mike McCarthy will allow them to stay in the game, while also monitoring other scores from out-of-town.
Majority Cowboys fans here at FedEx Field. Stadium booed the Commanders as they jogged off the field from warm-ups.
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) January 8, 2023
For Washington, Sam Howell will make the start, and despite having a big arm – he doesn’t possess much else. His offensive line is depleted, and his receivers should get swallowed up by the Dallas secondary. Though the Cowboys have been beaten downfield and shown some defensive frailties in recent weeks, look for Dallas to take this matchup seriously, and look to iron out their issues prior to the playoffs. Their pressure should overwhelm Howell, and making his first-ever start, this is surely a tough spot to be thrown into on short notice. Without much time to prepare, look for Howell to struggle to move the chains against a tough Dallas stop unit.
Last time the Commanders and Cowboys met on the field. #CowboysNation #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/tDPhjoLS1l
— ✭Izzy✭ (12-4) (@eadyIofficial) January 5, 2023
Cowboys vs. Commanders Trends To Know:
- Cowboys have won 10 of the previous 13 meetings.
- Cowboys are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
- Cowboys are 30-39 ATS when favored after a win since 2010.
- Home team is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings.
While Howell has to be a slight upgrade over what we saw from Wentz last week, the test will be stiffer against a motivated Dallas first-team. If McCarthy keeps his starters on for the duration of Week 18, this is a game that should not be all that close.
