Cowboys Vs Commanders

• Date & Time: Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 4:25 pm ET

• Location: AT&T Stadium (Dallas)

• TV: FOX SI+2Vegas Odds+2

• Spread / Moneyline: Washington favored by about 2 to 2.5 points. Covers.com+4SI+4SI+4

• Over/Under: Around 53.5 to 54.5 points Covers.com+3SI+3Doc's Sports+3

So right off the bat: bookmakers expect a close, high-scoring game.

🔍 Team Form & Storylines

Cowboys

Strengths & concerns:

• The offense is still one of Dallas’s best assets. Dak Prescott has been efficient, and when the receivers are healthy, the passing game is dangerous. NBC Sports+4Covers.com+4Vegas Odds+4

• The defense? It’s shaky. Dallas allows a ton of passing yards. Early previews note the Cowboys permit the most passing yards in the league (≈ 269.5 per game) Vegas Odds

• Run defense risk: The Commanders run game is among the best in the league (Washington averages ~151 rushing yards per game) Vegas Odds+1

• Injury watch: • CeeDee Lamb is questionable (recovering from a high-ankle sprain) The Times of India+1 • KaVontae Turpin hopes to return this week Blogging The Boys • Others like Jack Sanborn, Ajani Cornelius, Tyler Booker have questionable tags. SI+2NBC Sports+2

If the Cowboys’ offense has to carry the team — which seems likely — they’ll need big games from Prescott, receivers, and the running backs to keep pace.

Commanders

Strengths & concerns:

• Washington’s run game is a big part of their identity. They can lean on that to control tempo, especially vs. a Dallas defense that’s been vulnerable against the ground. Vegas Odds+2SI+2

• Jayden Daniels is a focal point. His ability to make plays is key. But consistency and turnovers have been issues lately. SI+3Hogs Haven+3Hogs Haven+3

• Turnovers have haunted Washington recently. In their last game, multiple turnovers cost them a win. Hogs Haven+1

• Injuries & questionable players: Terry McLaurin (WR), Dorance Armstrong, Eddie Goldman are all listed as questionable. SI+1

The Commanders need to balance run and pass — get enough from Daniels but make the Cowboys defend both.

⚔️ Key Matchups to Watch

1. Cowboys’ secondary vs. Washington receiversWith Dallas giving up so many passing yards, if McLaurin or other WRs get open, Washington could exploit it.

2. Washington’s run game vs. Dallas front sevenIf the Commanders can dominate the trenches and force Dallas to defend the run, they’ll open up play-action and passing lanes.

3. Dak Prescott & Dallas passing attack vs. Washington’s defenseDallas needs to force Washington to respect the pass. If they can make Daniels uncomfortable, they might tilt the game.

4. Turnover battleGiven recent performances, whoever protects the ball better probably wins.

5. Health & depthIf Dallas is missing key receivers, their offense will be less potent. Same for Washington on defensive or offensive threats.

🧮 Prediction & What I’m Betting (Fan’s Take)

My gut says this is going to be a shootout. Both teams have shown they can put up points, both defenses have had rough spots, and I think the winner will be the one who makes fewer mistakes and wins the turnover battle.

• Lean: Commanders win and cover (~–2 to –2.5)

• Lean Over: Total likely to exceed 53–54 points

• Closing line: Commanders –2, Over/Under ~54.5 SI+5SI+5Vegas Odds+5

Dallas can win — but they’ll need a near-perfect offensive day, tighter coverage, and for Washington to make mistakes. If I were a Cowboys fan, I’d still be nervous going into this one.