The Dallas Cowboys face off against the Washington Commanders in Week 18, and the stakes are very different for each team. While the Commanders are fighting for playoff seeding, the Cowboys’ spot is pretty much locked in.
Does that mean the Commanders have the edge? Or will America’s Team show up and dominate, regardless of their own playoff situation?
This article offers a comprehensive Cowboys vs Commanders prediction, analyzing key factors like team records, betting odds, and expert opinions to give you the most informed perspective on Sunday’s game.
Current Team Status and Records
Here’s a look at where each team stands as they head into this Week 18 matchup.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are currently sitting pretty at 11-5. They’re riding a nice winning streak, and they’ve already clinched a playoff spot. But they need this win to lock down the 6th seed in the playoffs.
A huge part of their success is thanks to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has had a stellar year. He’s been exactly the kind of QB that Cowboys fans have been dreaming about for ages.
Dallas Cowboys
It’s been a tough year for the Cowboys, who are limping to the finish line with a 7-9 record. To make matters worse, this game doesn’t mean anything for them, so their players may not even be motivated.
There’s a good chance the Cowboys will rest some of their key players or have guys sitting out due to injuries. That would definitely hurt their chances of putting up a good fight.
Betting Odds and Analysis
So, what are the odds saying about this Cowboys-Commanders matchup? Let’s break it down.
Key Betting Odds
- Point Spread: Commanders -6 or -6.5. This means the Commanders are favored to win by at least 6 or 6.5 points. If you bet on the Commanders, they need to win by more than that margin for you to win your bet.
- Moneyline: Commanders -275 or -300; Cowboys +220 or +240. The moneyline is a bet on who will win the game outright. A negative number means that team is favored, and the number indicates how much you’d need to bet to win $100. So, to win $100 betting on the Commanders, you’d need to bet $275 or $300. A positive number means that team is the underdog, and the number indicates how much you’d win on a $100 bet. If you bet $100 on the Cowboys, you’d win $220 or $240 if they pull off the upset.
- Over/Under: 44 points. This is a bet on the total combined score of both teams. Factors like offensive and defensive capabilities, weather conditions, and potential injuries can influence whether the total score will be over or under this number.
Expert Betting Predictions
Here’s what some experts are predicting:
- Arizona Republic: Commanders 23, Cowboys 20
- Sports Betting Dime: Commanders 33.2, Cowboys 18.7
- Sportsnaut: Commanders 34, Cowboys 24
- ESPN: Commanders have a 65.9% chance to win
Betting Advice
One last thing: Always gamble responsibly. Only bet with money you can afford to lose.
Expert Opinions and Game Analysis
So, what are the experts saying about this Cowboys vs. Commanders matchup? It seems like the Commanders have a lot riding on this game, which could give them an edge.
The Commanders desperately need a win to solidify their playoff seeding. All eyes will be on Jayden Daniels to see if he can lead the team to victory. As Jeremy Cluff of the Arizona Republic puts it, “The Commanders are in the postseason after winning their fourth straight game. They’ll make it five straight wins against Dallas.”
On the other side, the Cowboys don’t seem to have much to play for. They might just “mail it in,” especially with key players like CeeDee Lamb potentially sitting this one out. That absence could seriously impact their offensive capabilities.
Here’s a look at what some other analysts are predicting:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Commanders 27, Cowboys 15. “Washington needs to win to keep its hold of the No. 6 seed. The Cowboys have nothing to play for and Cooper Rush hasn’t shown an ability to rally his team. I love the Commanders to cover with ease.”
- Richard Morin: Commanders 24, Cowboys 15. “The Commanders still have skin in the game and the Cowboys don’t. Although it’s impressive how Dallas has consistently shown effort in a failed season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them mail it in on Sunday.”
- Jordan Mendoza: Commanders 23, Cowboys 20. “If CeeDee Lamb was playing, there would be a good chance Dallas could provide an upset. However, a depleted Dallas team doesn’t offer much hope in what could be a close game.”
The consensus seems to be that the Commanders’ motivation, coupled with the Cowboys’ lack of incentive and potential absences, makes Washington the favorite.
What does this mean for the Cowboys’ future?
Even a decisive loss to the Commanders probably wouldn’t be enough to unseat Mike McCarthy. Jerry Jones seems pretty committed to him, at least for now.
Still, a total collapse could add a little “Black Monday” drama to Dallas, even if a coaching change still seems unlikely.
Unrelated note: I’m hearing rumors that Bill Belichick is already writing NIL checks to high school quarterbacks in Chapel Hill. Just saying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is predicted to win, Commanders or Cowboys?
Based on current analysis and expert opinions, the Dallas Cowboys are widely predicted to win the upcoming game against the Washington Commanders. This prediction is primarily based on their stronger overall performance this season and their historical dominance in the rivalry.
Who’s favored to win, Washington or Dallas?
Dallas is heavily favored to win. The Cowboys’ higher ranking in both offensive and defensive categories, combined with their home-field advantage, makes them the clear favorite in this matchup.
Are the Cowboys better than the Commanders?
Yes, the Cowboys are generally considered a stronger team than the Commanders this season. Their consistent performance, a more potent offense, and a more reliable defense give them the edge. That being said, any team can win on any given Sunday, so nothing is guaranteed.
What are the odds for the Cowboys to win?
The odds for the Cowboys to win vary depending on the sportsbook, but they are generally listed as significant favorites. You’ll typically see them with a point spread advantage. Always check multiple sources to find the best odds and understand the potential payout before placing any bets.
Conclusion
The Commanders have everything to play for, while the Cowboys might be resting starters or simply not bringing their A-game. Key players on both sides could make a big difference, but Washington’s desperation and playoff hopes give them an edge.
While it’s always risky betting against Dallas, I’m leaning toward a Commanders victory, perhaps by a score of 24-21.
A win for Washington significantly boosts their playoff chances, while a loss for Dallas won’t drastically alter their future, although it could impact their seeding. This game means more to the Commanders, and that’s why I’m predicting they’ll pull off the upset.