Washington Commanders - Dallas Cowboys: four storylines to watch

The Washington Commanders are set for its 2025 home finale on Christmas Day in the rematch against the Dallas Cowboys on Netflix. While the game features a pair of teams already eliminated from postseason matchup with only pride left to play for, we take a look at four storylines to watch:

Don’t Get Beat By George Pickens

The Cowboys’ offseason trade for Pickens has turned into one of the best moves of 2025. Expected to be the robin to Ceedee Lamb’s batman, he instead became the go-to option for Dak Prescott and the offense, leading the team with 88 catches for 1342 yards, and nine touchdowns (all in the top 10 of the league). Pickens has finally broken out and showcased the talent that fans have seen glimpses of since his days at Georgia.

Matching up with a Washington secondary that has dealt with injuries all year sounds like a recipe for another big performance. The Commander’s defense needs to do everything in their power to not let that happen. Mike Sainristil will get the first chance to show he’s up to the tall task. Safety Quan Martin’s status could be one to watch as we wait for the league’s punishment for his involvement in the brawl that took place last week against Philadelphia.

One more thing about Pickens. He is third in the league in catches of over 20 yards with 21, only behind the Rams’ Puka Nacua and Seattle’s Jaxson Smith-Njigba. The Commanders cannot afford to get beaten by him on a deep route, or that will lead to trouble.

Turnovers, Turnovers, Turnovers

Dallas and Washington are in the bottom four in turnover differential, with the Commanders at a -12 and the Cowboys at -8. Washington is one of two teams to have fewer than 10 takeaways on the season, only ahead of the New York Jets at nine. Dallas hasn’t been much better, currently tied for third-worst at 11. Both teams are also in the bottom third in giveaways, with each throwing 11 interceptions on the year.

With each team’s struggles on both sides of the turnover game, this could be the difference between who wins and who loses. For Washington, it will be up to whoever is starting at quarterback to protect the ball and not throw into dangerous situations. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has had his struggles with interceptions throughout his career, at one point leading the league in them. So getting one or two could be the advantage the Commanders need to come out on top.

Who is the Quarterback?

Jayden Daniels was put on IR last week after suffering another injury to his elbow with, Marcus Mariota taking over the starting role. He was then knocked out of last week’s game, first getting checked for a concussion, and was seen on the sideline with his hand wrapped after supposedly being stepped on. Journeyman Josh Johnson stepped in for him the rest of the way and could get the start if Mariota can’t go.

Mariota was listed as a DNP for Monday and Tuesday’s practices, making him more likely to be out for Thursday. If Johnson does start, it will be his first since 2021 when he was with the crosstown Baltimore Ravens. Look for Washington to lean on their rushing attack to start out and then take shots later as the Cowboys have the worst passing defense in the entire league. Speaking of the running game…

Establish the Run

One of the few things that has gone right for the Commanders is their ground game. The team ranks fourth overall in rushing, averaging 133.9 yards per game, with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt leading the way at 671. If we do see Johnson out there, the plan may simply be run early, run often for the Washington offense.

This may prove to be helpful for the defense, too, as an established run game leads to a shortened game and keeps the ball out of the Cowboy playmaker’s hands. But their greatest strength could be used against them as the Washington defense has struggled against the run, ranking fourth-worst in the league, giving up 141.3 yards per game.