How to watch: Commanders vs. Cowboys | Game Preview (10-18-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Peter Casey-Imagen
ARLINGTON, TX— This Sunday marks the first meeting of the season between the Washington Commanders (3-3) and Dallas Cowboys (2-3-1) in a fierce battle between NFC East rivals at AT&T Stadium. Sunday’s meeting will be the first official showdown between quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Dak Prescott. Prescott missed both of last year’s contests against Washington due to a season-ending hamstring injury.
Betting Odds
Washington is slightly favored over Dallas in Sunday’s contest by two points. The over / under is set at 55 points.
Injury Report
Dallas
● S Juanyeh Thomas:
● G Trevor Keegan: (Out)
● CB Treyvon Diggs: Concussion (Out)
● DE Marshawn Kneeland: Ankle (Questionable)
● CB Caelen Carson: Knee (Has been on IR but has been participating in practice at a full capacity this week, could make his season debut
Washington
● WR Deebo Samuel: Heel (Questionable)
● TE Zach Ertz: Shoulder (Questionable)
● DE Dorance Armstrong: Hamstring (Questionable)
● G Sam Cosmi: Knee (Has been ramping up with full practice sessions and was designated to return on October 1st from his ACL injury he suffered in the NFC Divisional game last year. He could make his season debut Sunday.
● WR Terry McLaurin will miss his fourth straight contest Sunday but could be close to returning by next week, Dan Quinn stated that they want to be careful with McLaurin’s quad injury since the nature of it is soft tissue, and make sure he’s 100% when ready to return.
● WR Noah Brown was put on IR this week with his groin issue and will miss the next four contests.
How to watch the game?
Location: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
Start time: 4:25 p.m.
Where can I watch: Fox
The NFC East is up for grabs
The Philadelphia Eagles sit in first place in the NFC East with a record of 4-2. However, they are losers of their past two games (Broncos and Giants) and have seen trouble with the offensive consistency and secondary play. Sunday’s game can insert the winner of this matchup into the running for control of this division. If Washington wins and Philadelphia loses to Minnesota, they will take the top spot due to their divisional record. A Dallas win will put them in second place due to their opening season loss to Philadelphia but see them trail Philadelphia by one game.
The Wide Receiver Room is Depleted
Washington had a practice session this week that saw the receiver room led by Luke McCaffery, Jaylin Lane, Chris Moore, Robbie Chosen, Ja’Corey Brooks, and recently released Tay Martin. Not a sight that the Commanders’ faithful want to hear or see. On the other hand, this provides a great opportunity for the younger receivers such as McCaffery, Lane, and Brooks to step into bigger shoes and show that they can handle any moment when their number is called upon. McCaffery and Lane have been doing it for the past month now but will look to increase that production further. Veterans such as Chosen, Moore, and the newly signed former first-rounder Treylon Brooks will hopefully be a collective veteran presence that can make big catches when Jayden Daniels looks their way.
Players to watch
● Dallas CeeDee Lamb: Dallas gets its star receiver back from injury and he’ll look to attack a passing defense that ranks 23rd in yards allowed per game. Lamb is a top-five receiver that can hurt you in all three phases through the air, he has big play potential on every ball that comes his way. Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, and Trey Amos will have their hands full and need to have all eyes on 88.
● Washington Quan Martin: Martin had a tough performance in the Chicago game and I expect him to bounce back with a strong performance like he’s done the entire season. Martin needs to lead the secondary communication and make sure everyone knows where they need to be and their assignments. Another important key is TACKLING. Led by performance.
History vs. Dallas Cowboys
I. This marks the 131st meeting between the two historic NFC East rivals, with Dallas ahead in the series with a record of 79-49-2.
II. These two teams split last season’s series.
III. Washington hasn’t defeated Dallas in back-to-back games in Dallas since the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Final Take
Washington is facing one of the worst-ranked defensive units in the league, and despite the injuries they face in their receiver room, they still have one of the best QBs leading them, with a ground attack that ranks second in the league. If their defense can limit the explosive plays and make the run game non-existent then their path to victory is much simpler.
