3 bold Commanders predictions at the Cowboys in Week 12

Commanders cover the spread

Not many are expecting the Washington Commanders to keep this game close. Most sportsbooks have Ron Rivera's men as 12.5-point underdogs on Thanksgiving afternoon at the Dallas Cowboys, which is a fair reflection of where these two teams are heading this season.

That said, the Commanders have played their best football versus franchises deemed as superior up to now. Aside from the Buffalo Bills game, they've exceeded expectations despite falling short against the Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks, which provides some hope a big effort can arrive in Week 12.

This is all about pride and how much resolve remains. It'll be tough - there's no getting away from that - but the noises coming from the locker room suggest that the Commanders are going to go down fighting if another losing campaign is their eventual fate.

In all likelihood, Ron Rivera's immediate future depends on how the Commanders perform. Even if they don't do enough to claim their first NFC East victory of the campaign, putting up a strong effort and emerging with some semblance of credit is the minimum requirement.

It might be difficult, but we're backing the Commanders to cover the 12.5-point points spread. If quarterback Sam Howell has anything to do with it, they'll keep swinging right until the end.