For the first time in the 2025 season, the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÏÂÔØÈë¿Ú will square off against the Washington Commanders, beginning their pair of matchups with the initial one being at AT&T Stadium.
It's a rivalry that stretches back to the genesis of the Cowboys in 1960, the most recent contests proving there's no love lost, as the Cowboys marched into the nation's capital to steal one in an instant classic in 2024, only for the Commanders to repay the favor in Arlington to close out the regular season.
Dan Quinn returns for another go at his former team, and Dak Prescott looks to lead his No. 1-ranked offense against a defense that boasts more than one familiar face — both teams vying for the No. 2 spot in the NFC East this week.
So what will happen Sunday? The staff writers offer up their weekly picks:
Patrik: Hell, I can't call it. I'm being serious here. On one note, I've seen Dak Prescott maintain his MVP-level of play through six games and, without CeeDee Lamb, reveal a jaw-dropping chemistry with George Pickens that hints at just how lethal the offense can be when the trio is whole again, but I've also seen it stall a time or two when Dallas could ill-afford it. I've seen Javonte Williams and rushing attack be one of the best in the league for five games, but then I saw them slowed to a crawl in Week 6. I've seen the defense sack Justin Fields five times, but then I've seen several games with the opposite being true. I've seen the Commanders also lose to the same Bears that defeated the Cowboys, and also to a Chargers team that lost to the Giants. Neither of these teams are predictable, but since I won't predict a tie, I'll give a slight edge to the Cowboys for playing at home in this one (though that's not exactly a guaranteed advantage nowadays, either). 40-37, Cowboys
Tommy: With how much parity there is in the league nowadays, you can bank on most games being pretty close down the stretch. That's more or less what I'm expecting in this game, especially given how the Cowboys and Commanders played each other last year in both of their meetings. These are two very different teams from a year ago, but they do share one thing in common: Inconsistency. Part of each of their issues have stemmed from injuries, but turnovers and other aspects of the game have come to bite them too. Ultimately, I think that Dallas having a good chance of getting CeeDee Lamb, KaVontae Turpin and Tyler Booker back gives them an edge in this game. Defensively, if they improve even a hair from last week against Carolina, it could be just enough to give Dak Prescott and the offense an extra possession that can get them over the top and back in the win column. Cowboys 38, Commanders 35
Nick: Here's the dilemma - and it's not too hard to figure out - but how can anyone pick the Cowboys defense to step up? On the other hand, how can you pick against the Cowboys' offense, especially at home. Right now, the Cowboys have scored 40 in both games at AT&T Stadium. And watching Washington's defense at home the other night, I don't know if they can slow them down either.
This one is tough because the Cowboys defense hasn't given me any hope to think they're going to step up - other than this... As bad as they played against the Giants in Week 2, they made two key stops in overtime and got the game-saving interception. Against the Packers, they didn't make any stops until the end and help Green Bay out of the end, forcing the Packers to settle for a tie.
So let's keep the theme going here. The Cowboys and Commanders play a wild game that is back and forth and will test everyone's stress level. But something tells me the defense will make a play at the end once again and the Cowboys will prevail. Let's have another 40-burger and say the Cowboys win a shootout, 40-34.
Mickey Spagnola: In Cowboys offense we trust. Like, there is no other choice heading into Game 7 of the season with a 2-3-1 record that the offense must carry the 32nd ranked defense in the NFL. And not sure the Cowboys correct all that has been going wrong in three practices especially after giving up 216 yards rushing in last Sunday's loss to Carolina. Now at least the Commanders will be without top offensive threats WR Terry McLaurin and Do-All Deebo Samuel. So, holding running back Jacroy Crosky-Merritt to a reasonable amount of rushing yards and not allowing QB Jayden Daniels to run all over should allow this defense to possibly hold the Commanders to like 28-30 points. So, offense, must score Thirtysomething. Do that and Cowboys win, 34-30.
Kyle: Until further notice, this defense appears to be what it is. Do I believe they can play better than what they've shown in their first six games? Yes. Do I know when things will begin to click? Not necessarily. Either way, they're facing a dynamic quarterback this week that can use his legs to extend plays. Dallas has struggled against that type of passer this year. I also believe the offense will continue their momentum for brief portions of this game. But remember, this is the first time Dak Prescott will square off against Dan Quinn since he took over as the Commanders' head coach. Meaning DQ will have some extra things up his sleeve to slow down Prescott's red-hot start to the season. All that said, my prediction is Washington, 34-23.
