Dallas Cowboys VS. Washington Commanders | NFL Week 18 Preview

FRISCO, TEXAS -- The Dallas Cowboys (11-5) are heading to Washington to take on the Commanders (4-12) for their final regular season game of the year. The last time these two teams played against each other, the Cowboys dominated in a 45-10 victory. If Dallas can hold off Washington on Sunday they will win the NFC East and guarantee a home playoff game next Sunday with the no.2 seed.

A home game is extremely important for this Cowboys team because of how well they seem to dominate teams at home. They are on a 16-game at home win streak and are undefeated at home this season. 

Some would think if this game gets out of hand and Dallas gets down to business early we could see the starters be taken out of the game. Head Coach Mike McCarthy stated in Wednesday morning's press conference that they are not taking Washington lightly. 

"The Cardinals victory is a great example of how competitive our league is. Happened to us last year against Washington. We have a lot to play for and it's important we go down there and win that game in the right way." McCarthy said. 

The Cowboys do indeed have a lot to play for and are looking to stay at home in the playoffs as long as possible. Expect to see all starters playing on Sunday afternoon. 

Injury updates for the Cowboys leading up to this matchup. Johnathan Hankins and Rico Dowdle both missed last Saturday's game against Detroit with ankle injuries. Both did light work in Wednesday's practice. Dowdle did a full practice on Thursday and Hankins was not seen. Dowdle will suit up on Sunday, he's good to go. Hankins is day-by-day and whether he will suit up or not on Sunday has yet to be decided. Tyler Smith has been out with a foot injury. He was seen on Thursday doing rehab work with the rehab group. He is day-by-day as well and is TBD on playing on Sunday. 

Expect most of Dallas's offense to go through the air on Sunday as the Commanders are ranked dead last in the NFL on defense, their passing defense being the worst of it. WR CeeDee Lamb will more than likely have no issues getting into the end zone. He's coming off a record breaking night and is second behind Tyreek Hill. He trails Hill by 66 yards. 

There is a chance of bad weather to come about on Sunday in Washington. There's currently a winter weather advisory. The Cowboys have been practicing outside all week and have been doing wet ball drills to prepare for the cold temperatures that await them in Washington. 

These two teams will go head to head at 3:25 PM.