The Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys both arrive at Week 2 searching for their first win, but their opening losses painted different pictures. Washington went into Philadelphia and fell 24-22 despite scoring 22 points against a defense that ranked among the NFL’s better units in 2025. Dallas, meanwhile, dropped a 27-17 decision to the Giants after its defense struggled to consistently get stops.

Now the Commanders head back on the road for an NFC East test at AT&T Stadium, where Jayden Daniels will try to exploit a Cowboys defense that allowed a 134.2 opposing passer rating in Week 1. Dallas needs Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to respond after a frustrating opener, but Washington’s ground game and pass rush give this matchup real upset potential.

Can the Commanders turn their Week 1 offensive efficiency into a road win, or will Prescott deliver the bounce-back performance Dallas needs?

Commanders vs. Cowboys Odds

Commanders: +4.5

Cowboys: -4.5

Over/Under: 50.5 points

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Commanders vs. Cowboys Key Injuries

Washington enters with questions on defense, particularly at linebacker. Frankie Luvu is questionable with a groin injury, while Jordan Magee is listed as questionable with a hamstring issue. Safety Tyler Owens is also questionable with an ankle injury, and tight end Chig Okonkwo carries a questionable designation because of a hamstring injury.

The Commanders will remain without defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., who is on the reserve/PUP list with a quadriceps injury. Edge rusher Dorance Armstrong is eligible to return after serving a one-game suspension, which would be a timely boost for a Washington front that produced three sacks in Week 1.

Dallas could be without two important defensive contributors. Safety Malik Hooker is doubtful with a forearm injury, while linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is questionable with a hamstring problem and reportedly could miss one to two weeks. The Cowboys are already without guard Tyler Smith, cornerback Devin Moore and linebacker Marist Liufau, all of whom are on injured reserve.

Commanders vs. Cowboys Betting Trends

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Dallas opened as a 3.5-point favorite, but the line has moved to Cowboys -4.5 at several sportsbooks. The Cowboys’ moneyline sits around -218, while Washington is approximately +180. The 50.5-point total is among Week 2’s highest, signaling an expectation for both offenses to recover after uneven openers.

Keys to Commanders vs. Cowboys Matchup

Washington’s offense was better than its final result suggests in Philadelphia. The Commanders gained 295 yards, rushed for 132 and allowed only one sack. Excluding turnovers, they ranked 13th in rushing EPA per play and fifth in rushing success rate in Week 1. Daniels’ ability to extend drives with his legs puts pressure on a Dallas defense that struggled with coverage and tackling against the Giants.

The Cowboys’ path is simple: protect Prescott and let him attack a Washington secondary that permitted 182 passing yards in its opener. Prescott completed 22 of 34 passes in Week 1, though four dropped passes limited the offense’s rhythm. CeeDee Lamb remains the matchup-breaker, especially if Hooker’s absence forces Dallas to lean more heavily on offense to win a shootout.

Commanders vs. Cowboys Prediction and Pick

Dallas has the superior home-field situation and enough offensive talent to avoid an 0-2 start, but laying more than a field goal against Daniels is difficult. Washington’s rushing efficiency and improved pass rush travel well, and the Cowboys’ depleted defense has not shown it can consistently protect a lead.

Expect Prescott to make enough throws to Lamb and the Dallas offense to secure a close victory. But Washington should stay within the number and have a genuine chance to steal it late.

Take the Commanders to cover and the over in an expected high scoring affair.

Prediction: Cowboys 27, Commanders 24