The Cowboys vs. Commanders Christmas Day opener brings one of the NFL’s longest rivalries to center stage, even as both teams enter the holiday matchup eliminated from playoff contention.
Dallas and Washington will kick off the league’s Christmas Day slate with little at stake in the standings but plenty riding on pride, evaluation and momentum as the regular season winds down.
For two franchises accustomed to high expectations, the game serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL.
Dallas arrives at the matchup with a 6-8-1 record after missing the postseason for a second straight year, something the franchise last experienced in 2019 and 2020. Washington’s season unraveled more sharply.
One year removed from a twelve win campaign and an NFC championship game appearance, the Commanders sit at 4-11 following an injury-filled collapse.
“This rivalry always matters, regardless of records,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said this week. “Our players understand what this game means to the fans and to the organization.”
The teams met earlier this season, when Dallas defeated Washington, giving the Cowboys a chance to complete a season sweep on Christmas Day.
From a performance standpoint, the Cowboys vs. Commanders Christmas Day game highlights a familiar imbalance for Dallas.
The Cowboys boast one of the league’s most productive offenses but continue to struggle defensively.
“Dallas can score with anyone,” said former NFL quarterback and current analyst Trent Dilfer. “The issue has been consistency on defense.
They’ve asked the offense to be perfect too often, and that’s hard to sustain over a season.” Washington’s focus has shifted almost entirely to evaluation.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was shut down earlier this month with injuries, forcing the team to turn to veteran Josh Johnson after Marcus Mariota also landed on the injury report.
“This is about seeing who fits going forward,” said an NFC personnel executive familiar with Washington’s situation. “They’re not playing for January. They’re playing for next September.”
Statistically, the contrast between Dallas’ offense and defense defines the matchup. The Cowboys rank first in the NFL in passing offense behind Dak Prescott, who has thrown for 4,175 yards, and second in total offense overall.
At the same time, Dallas allows 380.1 yards per game, third most in the league, and gives up 30.3 points per contest, second most.
Washington’s numbers tell a different story. Injuries have limited continuity on both sides of the ball, and the Commanders have struggled to sustain drives or protect their quarterbacks.
They enter the Cowboys vs. Commanders Christmas Day contest having lost eight of their last nine games. Around both cities, the game still carries emotional weight.
“You grow up watching Dallas and Washington on holidays,” said Mark Reynolds, a season ticket holder in Arlington. “Even when the season hasn’t gone right, you want to beat them.”
In Washington, the tone is more reflective. “This year’s been tough, no way around it,” said Darnell Hughes, a Commanders fan attending the game with his family.
“But beating Dallas would at least give us something to feel good about going into the offseason.” Players echoed that sentiment during the week.
“Records don’t erase rivalries,” Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons said. “You play to win, especially against them.”
For Dallas, the final weeks will influence offseason decisions surrounding coaching staff, defensive personnel and roster construction.
Prescott remains under contract and productive, but questions persist about whether the current core can contend without significant changes.
Washington faces a broader reset. With Daniels sidelined and multiple veterans playing through injuries, the Commanders are expected to prioritize health and development over short term results.
“This game is about evaluation,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said. “Every snap matters for next year.”
The Cowboys vs. Commanders Christmas Day matchup offers both franchises a controlled environment to assess younger players and depth pieces against a familiar opponent.
As the NFL’s Christmas Day schedule opens, the Cowboys and Commanders meet with postseason hopes already extinguished but rivalry pride still intact.
The game reflects two franchises at different stages of recalibration, using a national stage to close difficult seasons and gather answers for the future.
The Cowboys vs. Commanders Christmas Day opener may not shape the playoff picture, but it underscores the enduring relevance of divisional matchups, even in years when expectations fall short.
