When the Cowboys (10-4) host the Washington (6-8) soccer team on “Sunday Night Football” (8:20 pm ET, NBC) in the penultimate game of NFL Week 16, they will look to wrap up their first NFC East title in three seasons.
Dallas secured a return to the playoffs in Week 16 and ensured that Washington could no longer win the division as the lead increased to four games with just three games remaining. Although the Cowboys are not getting excited about offense, they are still moving forward with defense and special teams. Washington has faded hard from a potential wild-card team to a no-replay run in the East as well.
Washington will be hoping Taylor Heinicke will provide a spark to start over at quarterback. Dallas is hoping Dak Prescott will use the favorable defensive point to rebound.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Cowboys vs. Washington betting in Week 16, including updated odds, trends, and our Sunday Night Football prediction.
Cowboys vs. Washington Football Team Odds For Sunday Night Football
- Spread: Jeans for 10
- Below: 47
- Money line: Washington +370, Jeans -480
The Cowboys have been strong double-digit favorites from the opening lines. When the teams last met a couple of weeks ago, the Cowboys were little more than favorites for field goals. The number reflects the current status of each team.
(betting odds per FanDuel sports betting)
Cowboys vs. Washington Football Team Series of all time
The Cowboys still have a strong 74-47-2 in team history. They won 27-0 in Week 14 at Washington after WFT swept the two-game series last season. Before that, Dallas had won three games in a row and seven of eight.
Three trends to know
—75 percent of spread bettors think the number is too big in favor of the Cowboys in the rematch and like Washington to keep things closer in a division game, despite the very short week.
—57 percent of above / below average bettors think the number is too low given that there are some explosive offensive elements on both sides.
—Washington is 4-5-1 against the spread in the last 10 games while going 4-6 straight up. The total has been topped only three times in those games. The Cowboys are 7-3 ATS and 7-3 SU in the last 10 games, also with only three beating.
Three things to see
Prescott and his confidence
The Cowboys have been content to win games with an advantage, rather than force things into the passing game in the field with Prescott. He’s been a bit off of ankle and shoulder injuries. As a result, short to intermediate still works better than hitting big plays. Dak could use fair play with no sacks and draws to give the Cowboys a chance to dominate.
Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs
The Cowboys’ young Pro Bowl defenders have been incredible in the breakout seasons of 2021. Parsons is moving all over the place and making big plays, hitting the quarterback from every angle. Diggs is racking up interceptions at the rear by playing off the pressure. They’ll be a handful for Heinicke after a week off.
Running games
Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard have had limited results for Dallas of late, in part due to wear and tear and injuries. The Cowboys were a little more effective against the Giants in Week 15. They need to get going there to improve their chances in the playoffs.
Washington has led an injured Antonio Gibson (toe) and rookie Jaret Patterson might need a bigger role. Washington is an above-average running team and would benefit offensively and defensively by committing to whoever is in the backfield.
Statistics that matter
31.8 percent. That’s how often opponents make a third down against the Cowboys defense, the worst in the NFL. Washington is 17th offensively in that area, converting 39.3 percent. Dallas is good at winning early chances against the race and settling into favorable middle to long distance. The Cowboys have been on point in the first seven with Dan Quinn all season and are also cleaning up well in the secondary and elsewhere to close the door in critical situations.
Cowboys vs. Washington Football Team Prediction
The Cowboys are focused on winning the NFC East and building momentum in the playoffs so they can win more when they get there. Washington is pleased everywhere and has already gotten over it. Prescott offers an efficient game and the defense will not back down and will give WFT a sense of potential surprise.
Cowboys 33, Washington 14
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Eddie is an Australian news reporter with over 9 years in the industry and has published on Forbes and tech crunch.