Can the Washington Commanders pull off the upset? Washington is a massive underdog for its Thanksgiving Day showdown with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Commanders head to AT&T Stadium as 13.5-point underdogs. The Cowboys are undefeated at home this season, while the Commanders are coming off a horrendous 31-19 home loss to the New York Giants. Dallas beat New York by 32 the week before.
Can Sam Howell bounce back with another strong performance? Can Washington’s defense limit the big play?
Commanders Wire makes our picks for Thursday’s Thanksgiving matchup.
Bryan Manning
While I don’t like Washington’s chances of winning this game, I do believe the Commanders will surprise. They seem to bounce back well after a tough outing, especially against a good team. And while they don’t always win, at least they look like an NFL team.
Sam Howell had three interceptions on Sunday, but Washington was so bad that Howell was the least of its problems. The Commanders had six turnovers and easily could have had two more. That’s scary facing a Dallas defense led by Micah Parsons and pick-six machine DaRon Bland.
I think the Commanders will be in this game for a while. I believe Howell will play well, but Washington’s defense has no show against the Cowboys. Dallas pulls away in the fourth but does not cover the spread.
Cowboys 34, Commanders 24
Ivan Lambert
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!
Oh well, that was another story in the life of Daniel Snyder.
For this Thanksgiving to be enjoyed by Washington fans, it would seem to be a long shot.
For instance, the Cowboys are averaging 30.32 points per game. In their two games against the Giants, the Cowboys rolled up 40 and 49 points, and in both contests, they could have scored more. Dak Prescott had his moments last season but has been much more consistent in 2023, as the Cowboys are 5th in passing yards per game (255.5).
It doesn’t appear to be a good matchup for Washington at all, seeing the Commanders are 32nd and dead last in defensive scoring, surrendering 27.7 points per game.
What in the world has happened to the Commanders defense in just one season from being the NFL’s #1 defense on 3rd down?
The Commanders will need to force several turnovers to have a chance in this one, and the truth is, they don’t do that either.
So, what else are we to think?
Hope I’m wrong…
Dallas 38, Washington 20
Sammy Mansfield
I mentioned in my prediction last week that I was going against my better judgment in believing the Commanders would take care of business and beat the depleted Giants at home…Lesson learned.
Washington enters this Thanksgiving matchup against the Cowboys at rock bottom. Coming off a humiliating loss to the Giants, the fan base is furious as this team just can’t seem to perform consistently under Ron Rivera. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have won 12 of their last 15 games against the NFC East.
Dallas has shown the ability to demolish lesser teams all season, and that isn’t likely to change today. I will say, however, with the way this season has gone, it would not be surprising at all to see this game remain close just to have it slip away at the end in demoralizing fashion.
Cowboys 28, Commanders 17
