Head coach Dan Quinn is going through his first taste of prolonged adversity since becoming Washington Commanders' head coach. They looked weary and unprepared for their Thursday Night Football defeat at the Philadelphia Eagles. Bouncing back positively is crucial.
The Dallas Cowboys come to town in Week 12. Washington hasn't enjoyed the best fortunes in this historic rivalry in recent years. This is a chance to flip the script and bolster their chances of making the postseason in Year 1 of this exciting project.
There will be no Dak Prescott to worry about. The quarterback suffered a significant hamstring tear and is out for the season. Things weren't great before the signal-caller's absence. Dallas' chances have all but vanished without the league's highest-paid player.
Fans will be expecting a win. The Commanders have to deliver to end their concerning slide.
Commanders vs. Cowboys early odds for Week 12
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Commanders are 9.5-point favorites at home to the Cowboys in Week 12. This is the biggest spread advantage for Washington in this fixture in a long while. It's currently available at -110 whichever side of the line you fancy (bet $110 to win $100).
Anyone looking to bet the Commanders' money line can get odds of -480 right now (bet $480 to win $100). The Cowboys are underdogs on the road after a disastrous campaign so far at +370 (bet $100 to win $370).
FanDuel Sportsbook is expecting a mildly entertaining affair between two storied rivals with the over/under set at 44.5 points for the clash.
- Over 44.5 points: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)~
- Under 44.5 points: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Commanders vs. Cowboys prediction for Week 12
The Commanders are coming off a two-game losing run for the first time under Quinn. They need a big response against their NFC East rivals, especially considering how bleak things appear in Dallas after so much hope before the campaign.
This will have a special sentiment for Quinn. He enjoyed a prolific spell as defensive coordinator in Dallas despite being scapegoated for another early playoff exit in 2023. Washington's players will be going the extra mile for their head coach to ensure he gets bragging rights from the contest.
This won't be easy. The Cowboys have plenty of dangerous weapons on both sides of the football. Edge rusher Micah Parsons is a rare breed of defender who can turn any game on its head. They aren't in good form right now, but being complacent is simply not an option.
Getting back to what got Washington this far would be beneficial. The Cowboys' run defense is abysmal, so expect to see a healthy dose of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. This will also make things easier for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels as he looks to get out of his mini-slump.
- Prediction: Commanders win
Providing everyone executes their assignments effectively and the Commanders have maximized their rest period, they have more than enough to beat the Cowboys. Something that would further cement the changing of the tide within the division for good measure.