A memorable triumph over the Atlanta Falcons got the Washington Commanders into the postseason at the first time of asking under the new regime. That represents an outstanding accomplishment, but the hard work is just getting started.
The Commanders have a new prize to aim for this weekend at the Dallas Cowboys. They surged into the sixth seed after the Green Bay Packers were beaten by the Minnesota Vikings. Holding onto it could arguably provide Washington with an easier path to making noise in the knockout rounds.
Dallas is standing in their way of that. The Cowboys haven't reached their preseason hype once again. This could also be Mike McCarthy's final game as head coach with his contract up for renewal this offseason. There's just no telling how things are going to unfold in that regard given general manager/owner Jerry Jones' fumbling of team affairs over the last year.
Can the Commanders capitalize on this uncertainty? Or will the Cowboys have enough resolve to end their underwhelming campaign on a high?
Commanders at Cowboys game details
- Date: Sunday, January 5
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: AT&T Stadium
- TV channel: FOX
Commanders at Cowboys early odds for Week 18
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Commanders are 4.5-point favorites at the Cowboys in Week 18. This is available at -110 depending on which side of the points spread takes your fancy (bet $110 to win $100).
Anyone wishing to wager the Commanders' money line can get odds of -220 currently (bet $220 to win $100). The Cowboys are underdogs despite boasting a decent record against their division rivals in recent seasons at +184 (bet $100 to win $184).
FanDuel Sportsbook is expecting a moderately entertaining contest with the over/under set at 44.5 points for the clash.
- Over 48.5 points: -104 (bet $104 to win $100)
- Under 48.5 points: -118 (bet $118 to win $100)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Commanders at Cowboys prediction for Week 18
Dan Quinn made his intentions clear when speaking about Washington's regular-season finale at the Cowboys. He won't be resting any players and wants his players to continue with the same mindset in pursuit of locking up the sixth seed.
That's the message and his players should follow suit. They've achieved every expectation and more so far. Keeping the same mentality will only help build additional momentum before the playoffs begin.
The Cowboys are in vacation mode. Their heavy loss to the Philadelphia Eagles shows just how far this team has fallen in 2024. Injuries haven't helped, but it's clear that some on the roster have already checked out.
Washington cannot take the Cowboys lightly. They were soundly beaten by Dallas during their first meeting earlier this season at Northwest Stadium. Avenging this defeat and giving Quinn bragging rights over his old employers provides sufficient urgency despite locking up their postseason spot.
- Prediction: Commanders win
Considering what's at stake for the Commanders and the fact Dallas is just going through the motions right now, a final-day victory is more than attainable if complacency doesn't become an issue.