Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys Odds: Who Is Favored To Win Week 18 NFC East Rivalry

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Key Takeaways:

  • Week 18 (January 7, 2024)
  • Spread: DAL -13
  • The Commanders are eliminated from the postseason, and the Cowboys are fighting for playoff seeding.
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Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys Odds: Who Is Favored To Win?

The Cowboys are currently 13-point favorites in Week 18 at sportsbooks in Virginia, meaning Dallas needs to win by 14 or more points to cover the spread. If Washington loses by 12 or fewer, Washington backers win the bet.

The Washington Commanders playoff chances are zero so the game doesn't mean much for them, but Dallas and Dak Prescott are fighting for postseason positioning. However, there is also a chance that Dallas rests some of their starters, so this NFL game could essentially be meaningless. Dallas dominated Washington at home on Thanksgiving earlier this season.

Latest Commanders vs. Cowboys Odds, Updates, & News

While this NFC East clash could be fun to watch, odds are it is not an important game for either team. However, you could change the excitement of the game with several Virginia sports betting promos.

  • πŸ“† December 13: Washington is expected to be mathematically eliminated from the postseason with a loss to the Rams.
  • πŸ“† December 6: The Cowboys beat the Eagles and gained sole possession of first place in the NFC East.
  • πŸ“† November 23: Washington lost to Dallas 45-10 in Week 12.
  • πŸ“† October 31: Washington traded away two of their best players at the trade deadline.

What The Commanders-Cowboys Spread Tells Us

At the moment, the spread of this NFC East clash at VA sports betting apps implies Dallas will be playing for something important in this game. The Cowboys are the far superior team, so this makes sense. However, it is very possible that Dallas will rest Dak Prescott and other starters in this game, and the line will flip. 

Washington wants to continue to see development from Sam Howell, their defense, and more, so Washington could end up being favored. Dallas beat Washington 45-10 in Week 12, so it is clear which team is the better team.

What The Commanders-Cowboys Moneyline Tells Us

The current moneyline at ESPN BET sportsbook Virginia implies that Dallas should win handily, and it makes sense why. Dallas is arguably a top-five team in the NFL, while Washington is expected to have a top-five draft pick. Washington cannot buy a win over their last five games, and there have been no indications that the Commanders will improve this season. 

The only way this line drops is if CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, Dak Prescott, and other starters for America's team do not participate in the game. If they do, the spread will not move much.

Commanders Chances To Win vs Cowboys 

In order for Washington to compete with Dallas, the Commanders defense will need to step it up. This unit is currently the worst in the NFL, so if they cannot get stops, they will not be able to win. Also, Sam Howell and the Commanders cannot turn over the football. Sam Howell is no stranger to throwing interceptions in a game, so he would need to limit the mistakes. 

Dallas should not falter here. Their pass rush will give Washington problems, and their weapons like Tony Pollard, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup should have no problem picking up yards. If you need any more of an explanation, just check out the box score of the 45-10 blowout on Thanksgiving.

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How The Washington Commanders Win vs Dallas Cowboys 

The Commanders can win this game if Dallas benches their starters to keep them healthy for the playoffs. If Dallas does this, Washington should be able to move the ball on offense, so it will all come down to if the defense can get stops. The Cowboys' defense has been the weak point of the team, specifically their run defense, so Washington could try to get Brian Robinson Jr going on the ground.

  • Strength: Washington is one of the top teams in neutral pass rate, meaning they are willing to throw the ball all over the field.
  • Weakness: Washington's defense is 32nd in passing EPA and 32nd in passing DVOA this season.

How The Dallas Cowboys Win vs Washington Commanders

It won't take much for Dallas' starters to beat the Commanders. The Cowboys' defense needs to improve, but other than that, this team has every conceivable edge. Dallas can pressure Sam Howell, force mistakes, and capitalize with their playmakers. Washington allows the most receiving yards of any team in the NFL, so Dak Prescott and Ceedee Lamb should be able to take advantage.

  • Strength: The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, so they should be able to pressure Sam Howell.
  • Weakness: The Cowboys' run defense is suspect, so if they cannot stop the run, Washington could sustain long drives.

List of Cowboys vs. Commanders Prop Bets Available

Prop betting with a sportsbook like BetMGM Virginia is a fun way to get involved in the action. If Washington plays their starters against Dallas' backups, betting on Washington player props could be a great way to attack this matchup. If Dallas plays their starters, there are a ton of options to choose from.

Commanders vs. Cowboys Player Props

  • Terry Mclaurin over Receiving yards
  • Tony Pollard over rushing yards
  • CeeDee Lamb over receiving yards
  • Dak Prescott over passing yards
  • Micah Parsons over tackles

Washington has one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL, but they were able to hold down CeeDee Lamb in the first meeting between these two teams. Brian Robinson Jr. had a good game on the ground, and he could be a target for your best bets in this matchup. Dak Prescott blew his passing yards prop with Caesars Sportsbook Virginia out of the water in this game, and he could be a target, too, if he plays.

Commanders vs. Cowboys Team Props

  • Washington Commanders team total
  • Dallas Cowboys team total
  • Washington Commanders total touchdowns
  • Dallas Cowboys fourth quarter spread
  • Washington Commanders to score two touchdowns

Almost every "over" on Dallas' team total prop cashed on Thanksgiving. Dallas exceeded their touchdown prop, their team total, and they covered the spread. The Cowboys should be able to replicate this output in their Week 18 meeting with Washington.

History of Commanders vs. Cowboys Games

The Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys have played 127 times throughout the years. The Cowboys lead the all time series 77-48-2. Dallas has won four of the last five meetings between these two teams, with their one loss being in Week 18 of last season. The first meeting between these teams was in 1960. This is one of the most renowned rivalries in the history of the NFL.

Recapping the Last Cowboys vs. Commanders Matchup

The last time these two teams played, it was not pretty for Washington. On the National Thanksgiving stage, the Commanders were destroyed 45-10 by the Cowboys. The game was competitive in the first half, but then all hell broke lose for Washington.

Sam Howell threw for 300 yards, but he also threw a pick-six, which gave Dallas a bigger lead. Brian Robinson Jr. ran the ball 15 times for 53 yards, and Curtis Samuel had 100 receiving yards. While these players played well, the defense for Washington was a joke.

Dak Prescott had four touchdown passes, and he threw for 331 yards. Tony Pollard had a touchdown in the game as well. Dallas scored 25 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to absolutely embarrass Washington on National TV.

Washington Commanders Record vs Dallas Cowboys 

The Commanders are in the midst of a four-game losing streak. Since Washington opted to trade two of their best players for draft picks, the Commanders have lost four of five games. To make matters worse, three of those four losses were not even close. The Commanders have been blowout in three straight games, and there is no sign that this team will perform better this season. Washington's front office made it clear that the future is the priority, and the team on the field proves that.

The Cowboys are on the opposite end of the spectrum. Dallas has won five straight games, and now they are in first place in the NFC East. The Cowboys are also gunning for the No. 1 seed in the entire conference. Dallas could still drop back in the NFC standings, especially because they have a tough road ahead, but this team is a surefire playoff team. Dallas is one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season.

Top Commanders vs. Cowboys Games of All-Time

The Washington Commanders (FKA Redskins) and the Dallas Cowboys are two of the most storied franchises in NFL history, and their rivalry goes back to 1960. These teams have played each other 127 times in their history. Here are the best games ever between these two teams. 

Game 1: Week 16, 1979

The NFC East crown was up in the air, and the Cowboys came back from a 34-21 deficit with under five minutes left in the game to secure the win and the NFC East title. Roger Staubach led Dallas on two touchdown drives in under five minutes to punch their ticket to the postseason and eliminate Washington in one victory. Staubach had 336 passing yards in an epic performance. 

Game 2: 1982 NFC Championship

Whoever won this game would go on to play in the Super Bowl. Enough said. Washington was down 21-17 with not much time left before Darryl Grant had a pick-six to give Washington the lead. This punched Washington's ticket to the 1982 Super Bowl, which they ended up winning. 

Game 3: Week 12, 1974

This was quite possibly the most famous Thanksgiving Day game in NFL history. Roger Staubach was injured during the game, and rookie QB Clint Longley took over during the game. Washington was up 16-3, but not for long. Longley threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns to give Dallas the victory. The most epic part? That stat line came in just a quarter and a half of work.

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Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys FAQ:

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