When the schedule was first released earlier in the year, no one knew what to expect in Week 18 against the Commanders. A season before, the Cowboys had the exact same matchup. The way the dominos fell, the game ultimately meant nothing for Dallas. This season is a much different situation. This one’s for all the marbles.
Rather than relying on others for final seeding, the Cowboys hold their fate in their own hands. Win and they claim the No. 2 seed and homefield advantage through at least two rounds. Lose and they stand to fall all the way to the fifth seed. Anyone who’s seen Dallas play at home this year knows homefield advantage is no small thing for this road-adverse franchise.
With their playoff fortune on the line, the Cowboys need a win in a big way. Standing in the way is a Washington coach with seemingly nothing to lose, and a roster of players who are fighting for their own name and reputation. Established stars may mail it in, but those situations are few and far between.
The situation in Washington is a unique one given the circumstances. Commanders’ players would love to play spoiler. The Cowboys would love to prove they’re the dominant team and coast to victory. Maintaining edge against an overmatched opponent with a nothing-to-lose approach is no simple task. It takes extra discipline, motivation and even strategy to achieve what many in Las Vegas consider an easy win.