Cowboys vs Commanders: Week 12 Preview, Injuries, and Key Matchups

The Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders are set to face off in a crucial Week 12 matchup on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. This game will be broadcast on FOX and can also be streamed via fuboTV.

The Commanders, led by former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, now in the role of head coach, are looking to bounce back from a two-game losing streak. Quinn’s tenure with the Cowboys was marked by significant defensive success, including leading the league in takeaways, interceptions, defensive touchdowns, and quarterback pressure rate during his three seasons. He has brought several former Cowboys players and coaches to Washington, including defensive backs/passing game coordinator Joe Whitt, now the defensive coordinator, and players like edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr., who is having a standout season with 8.5 sacks.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, are struggling with a five-game losing streak, their longest since the 2015 season. They will be without key players such as cornerback Trevon Diggs, guard Zack Martin, and wide receiver Brandin Cooks due to injuries. This depletion of their roster further complicates their chances against a Commanders team that has been relatively healthy aside from the absence of newly acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

Offensively, the Commanders are strong, ranking sixth in the NFL with 366.7 yards per game, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels and star receiver Terry McLaurin. The Cowboys, however, have been less impressive, ranking 24th in points per game with 18.7 and struggling defensively, allowing 29.3 points per game, the second-worst in the NFL.

The matchup is expected to favor the Commanders, with a spread of -10.5 and a total over/under of 44.5. The Commanders’ defense, despite some inconsistencies, has shown strength in passing defense, allowing just 184.9 passing yards per game. The Cowboys’ offense, led by backup quarterback Cooper Rush, will need to overcome significant challenges to compete effectively.

Key players to watch include the Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Brian Robinson Jr., as well as the Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb and DeMarvion Overshown. The game will also feature an intriguing coaching matchup between Mike McCarthy and Dan Quinn, adding an extra layer of strategy and familiarity to the contest.