Cowboys vs Raiders Recap

November 18, 2025

The Dallas Cowboys delivered a powerful performance last night, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 33-16 in an emotional Monday Night Football contest. Playing their first game since the tragic loss of teammate Marshawn Kneeland, the Cowboys rallied to secure a crucial victory, improving their record to 4-5-1 and keeping their season hopes flickering.

Dak Delivers, Pickens Shines

After a shaky start that saw the Raiders take an early lead, the Cowboys offense found its rhythm in the second quarter and became practically unstoppable. Quarterback Dak Prescott put on a masterclass in efficiency, completing 25 of 33 passes for 268 yards and carving up the Raiders' defense with four touchdown passes to four different receivers—CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, George Pickens, and Ryan Flournoy.

The standout performance of the night belonged to wide receiver George Pickens. Despite starting the game on the bench due to a coach's decision, Pickens responded with fire. He finished the game with a staggering nine catches for 144 yards and a touchdown, proving once again why he's one of the most explosive talents on the roster.

The Defense Steps Up

While the offense put points on the board, the defense kept the Raiders at bay. The newly acquired defensive pieces, notably defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (1.5 sacks) and linebacker Logan Wilson, injected a new ferocity into the unit.

The Cowboys’ defense held the Raiders to field goals through most of the game, forcing them to settle for three kicks in the first half alone. They consistently pressured quarterback Geno Smith, registering four total sacks and securing a critical interception to stifle any attempted comeback. The Raiders' only real success came on a late, inconsequential touchdown drive.

A Win Dedicated to a Teammate

This game was about more than just football. The team dedicated the hard-fought victory to the memory of Marshawn Kneeland, playing with an obvious emotional intensity and unity.

This win is exactly what the Cowboys needed heading into a tough stretch of their schedule. It shows their resilience and their potential when all three phases of the game are clicking.

What's Next?

The Cowboys now look ahead to a massive NFC East showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles, while the Raiders will try to regroup as they prepare to face the Denver Broncos.

Did the Cowboys' performance convince you they are true playoff contenders? Let us know in the comments below!