The Dallas Cowboys (12-4) travel to the nation’s capital to finish off their regular season against the division-rival Washington Commanders (7-8-1) at FedEx Field.
The Cowboys notched another victory in Week 17, knocking off a very short-handed Tennessee Titans squad by a 27-13 score Thursday night. That win actually kept Dallas in contention for the NFC East and No. 1 seed thanks to the Eagles’ loss to the Saints on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Commanders were eliminated when they were defeated by the visiting Cleveland Browns, 24-10.
Without further delay, let’s delve into our Dallas vs Washington best bets, predictions, and betting tips for the Week 18 NFC East clash.
Cowboys vs Commanders Odds
The Cowboys’ status as 5.5-point road favorites on Caesars Sportsbook as of Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 3, is understandable given the Cowboys have the motivation to record another win in the unlikely event both the Eagles and 49ers falter Sunday. Dallas also notched a 15-point win in the first meeting between the clubs.
The projected total of 41.5 isn’t altogether surprising, either, as Washington’s offense appears to be limited with either Carson Wentz or Taylor Heinicke guiding it, and the Cowboys also have an effective pressure defense that sacked and picked Wentz off twice a piece back in Week 4.
Take a look at the best Cowboys odds and Commanders odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Cowboys vs Commanders Implied Totals
Cowboys 23.25, Commanders 17.75
Oddsmakers appear to be putting faith in the fact the Cowboys have much more of a vested interest in this game to predict a fairly comfortable win in which Washington’s defense can’t do much versus what should be a healthy Dallas offense.
Cowboys vs Commanders Pick of the Day
Read more on this Cowboys vs Commanders bet below.
Cowboys vs Commanders Prediction
Cowboys 28, Commanders 16
The Cowboys were able to record a 25-10 win over the Commanders back in Week 4 despite playing that game with Cooper Rush under center and T.Y. Hilton a long way away from joining the team to round out the receiving corps. Fast forward to Sunday’s season finale, and Dak Prescott is relatively healthy save for a minor knee hyperextension he apparently sustained in Week 17, while Hilton has provided a valuable late-season spark to the offense by generating a 5-for-102 line on six targets over his first two games.
Ezekiel Elliott is also looking healthier than he has at this point in the year compared to the last several seasons, with the fact he may finish with a career-low in carries likely helping his cause. Although Tony Pollard sat out versus the Titans with a thigh injury, head coach Mike McCarthy noted Tuesday that his talented running back will be on the practice field for the first session of Week 18 prep and should therefore be in line to play.
Elsewhere, CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Dalton Schultz are also healthy and productive to varying degrees, as well. Then, the defensive side of the ball is also in pretty solid shape health-wise with the exception of Leighton Vander Esch (neck), although the fifth-year pro should have a 50/50 chance of suiting up for this game after sitting out against the Titans.
In contrast, the Commanders are in a bit of late-season disarray and will also likely have some players who aren’t exactly fully invested in preparation for this game, given the absence of postseason opportunity. Quarterback is also an open question as the practice week begins, with head coach Ron Rivera alluding to the fact Heinicke could return to the starting job for the finale following Wentz’s three-interception performance against Cleveland.
Antonio Gibson was also forced to sit out Week 17 with knee and foot injuries and could very well be sidelined for what is a mostly meaningless finale for Washington.
There’s still something at stake for a Cowboys team that’s more talented than that of the Commanders to begin with, and that can bring the type of pressure which could easily prompt multiple turnovers. Dallas could also sport the healthier squad overall, making a fairly sizable victory for the visitors, which is what I envision ultimately unfolding.
Cowboys vs Commanders Bet Tips
Here are a few Cowboys vs Commanders betting trends to consider before making your bets:
- The Cowboys are 10-6 against the spread this season, including 4-3 as a road team and 3-2 in division games.
- The Commanders are 7-8-1 against the spread this season, including 3-4-1 as a home team and 1-4 in division games.
- The Over is 9-7 in the Cowboys’ games this season, including 4-3 in their road games and 4-1 in games against NFC East opponents.
- The Over is 5-10-1 in the Commanders’ games this season, including 2-6 in their home games and 1-3-1 in their division games.
Cowboys vs Commanders Best Bets
Cowboys -5.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Cowboys won’t lack motivation or explosive offensive pieces in this matchup, which should give them more than enough ammunition to eventually pull away for a win of at least six points. The Commanders’ questionable motivational level is also a factor in that prognostication, as is the combination of Dallas’ elite pass rush and either Wentz’s/ Heinicke’s ball-security issues.
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1H/2H Result: Cowboys/Cowboys (+190) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Given the difference in talent level and stakes for each team in this spot, I don’t mind taking a shot at the prospect of Dallas winning both halves at a very appealing price. The Cowboys will be motivated to take care of business from the start, and early success could lead to an especially listless Commanders team the rest of the way.
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Cowboys vs Commanders Props
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