Washington commanders (3-3) has no time to feel sorry for itself after Monday's shocking 25-24 loss to the Chicago Bears. Commanders get back on the road in week seven to take on the NFC East Dallas Cowboys (2-3-1).
This game has now become a must-win for Washington, as the NFC has lost three times this season. This game also opens up a tough four-game stretch for the Commanders. After facing Dallas, Washington next plays in Kansas City before returning home to face Seattle and Detroit.
Here are five things to know ahead of the Week 7 matchup between old rivals.
History of all times
The two teams met 130 times, with Dallas leading the series 79-49-2. Since the second meeting in 2008, the Cowboys are 23-10 against the Commanders. The two rivals split the series last season, with Dallas coming away with a stunning victory in Week 12. With multiple scores in the final two minutes, it looked like Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels would pull off another miracle, but kicker Austin Seibert missed the extra point that would have tied the game and sent it to overtime with just seconds left. The Chiefs sat Daniels for the second half of their Week 18 game as the playoffs ended, with Marcus Mariota throwing the game-winning touchdown to Terry McLaurin in the final seconds.
Dak Prescott is playing at an incredibly high level.
The Cowboys are dealing with what the Commanders are dealing with now. They score points, but they can't stop anyone. As bad as Washington's defense is, fans think the Cowboys' defense is even worse. Prescott has had plenty of success against the Commanders in his career and missed both games last season. Washington will be busy with Prescott. You could argue that he has never played better. Dallas' offensive line handled the pressure well, but it didn't matter to Prescott.
Expect a shootout
Both offenses are excellent, but the defense is equally bad. Let's look at the defensive ratings:
- Full protection: Washington (26), Dallas (32)
- Pass the defense: Washington (23), Dallas (32)
- Start protection: Washington (20), Dallas (29)
- Scoring defense: Washington (13), Dallas (31)
- Rev differential: Washington (-3), Dallas (-2)
Star receivers beat
Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin and Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb were injured in Week 3 and haven't played since. McLaurin has a quadriceps injury and Lamb has a sprained ankle. Both sides are optimistic that McLaurin and Lamb will return for Sunday's game. Washington's other star receiver, Deebo Samuel, is dealing with a nagging heel injury but is expected to continue playing.
What will victory mean for the commanders?
If Washington beats Dallas on Sunday, it will be the first time since the 2014-15 season that the Commanders have defeated Dallas in back-to-back seasons. If Washington wins, the NFC East will be 2-0. The Commanders started last season 2-0 in the division. With Sunday's win, Washington will start the season 2-0 in NFC East play for the first time since 2002.
