Commanders at Cowboys Game Preview (9-18-26)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: AP Photo
AT&T STADIUM — The Washington Commanders head south to meet their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in week two of the 2026 NFL season. Both Washington and Dallas are coming off losses to a divisional opponent and are looking to avoid a 0-2 start. For Washington star quarterback Jayden Daniels, he’s looking to lead the offense to a rebound after it struggled mightily through three quarters and to earn his first career win against Dallas.
Game Details
● Date: September 20th, 2026
● When: 4:25 p.m.
● Where: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
● How to listen: Official Washington Commanders Radio Broadcast
● How to watch: Fox
Injury Report
Washington
● LB Frankie Luvu (Out)- Groin
● TE Chig Okonkwo (Out)- Hamstring
● WR Jaylin Lane (Out)- Groin
● LB Odafe Oweh (Questionable)- Calf
● LB K’Lavon Chaisson (Questionable)- Knee
● LB Dorance Armstrong (Questionable)- Knee
● DE Charles Omenihu (Questionable)- Ankle
Dallas
● S Malik Hooker (Doubtful)- Forearm
● LB DeMarvion Overshown (Questionable)- Hamstring
History On The Road Against Dallas
The Commanders have an 18-44-2 record against Dallas on the road all-time. The Cowboys have won 8 of the past 10 meetings at AT&T Stadium, highlighting the recent dominance in this series.
Storylines To Watch
Washington and Dallas both feel an urgency to come away with a win in Sunday’s contest. Starting the season 0-2 in the NFC East is not a recipe for postseason success or a positive seed. Both offenses struggled in week one, unable to move the ball well on drives, stalling out, and failing to find the end zone.
Key Matchups To Watch
CeeDee Lamb & George Pickens Against Washington’s Secondary
The Cowboys have two top-20 wideouts in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, who pose a huge threat to the Washington defense. The duo was both held to under 50 yards and five catches or less each last week.
On Washington’s side, cornerbacks Rasaul Douglas, Mikey Sainristil, Amik Robertson, and recently signed veteran Issac Yiadom take the challenge of slowing the duo down. I expect Washington defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to continue his heavy blitzing 3-4 scheme, looking to generate pressure at the line to help the secondary in zone.
Terry McLaurin vs. DaRon Bland
McLaurin has his history up against Bland, highlighted by a spectacular goal-line fading catch over Bland for the game-winning touchdown in Week 17 of the 2024 season. McLaurin had four targets for two catches and only 14 yards in week one at Philadelphia. That’s not going to cut it for Washington’s No. 1 wideout, and they’ll need elite production to win games this season. I expect offensive coordinator David Blough to scheme in early targets for McLaurin, starting on Washington’s opening drive. Bland is not a travel corner, but I expect him to play to McLaurin’s side in coverage.
Final Verdict
The Commanders’ defense has to limit the big plays on Sunday and keep everything in front of them, especially in the secondary. The pass rush and linebackers were aggressive and flew around well last week; that must continue if the secondary is going to be successful. Offensively, don’t move away from the running game so quickly; “Bill” ran the ball well at times last week and was getting good run lanes from his offensive line. Get Terry involved from the jump; Diggs has to make his catches, and the tight ends have to step up without Chig Okonkwo. Finally, protect JD5 and hold up in blocking for him.
