Cowboys Make 2 Roster Moves at Commanders Week 18: How to Watch, Betting Odds

Dallas Cowboys Make 2 Roster Moves at Commanders Week 18: How to Watch, Betting Odds

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys head east to face division rival Washington in a game that means everything to Dallas and could be a farewell performance for some players and the Commanders' coaching staff.

“(Players are) very much aware of it,” Commanders coach Ron Rivera said of the meaning of the game. "I think they understand that this is one of the top rivalries in the NFL, and I don’t think it necessarily matters what your record is. This is really about the opportunity to play against a team like this.”

For Dallas, the task at hand is clear: win the game and win the NFC East and the No. 2 seed in the upcoming playoffs. It also means home playoff games at AT&T Stadium - where the Cowboys have won their last 16 games - against everyone until they have to play the 49ers - assuming that matchup occurs.

For the 4-12 Commanders, who sit in last place in the NFC East, it means a chance to play spoiler again. Last season in the finale, Washington beat Dallas 26-6 in Sam Howell's first-ever NFL start.

"We’ve got an opportunity to win the division and go out there and make a statement win and get ready for the playoffs," Pro Bowl linebacker Micah Parsons said. “We have to go make a statement that we are the better team, the more dominant and aggressive team. We just have to prove that.”

The Commanders have lost seven in a row and nine of their last 10. They've got new ownership led by Josh Harris, and the expectation is sweeping changes across the organization after the season. That, of course, means the coaching staff, including Rivera, who could be coaching Washington for the final time ... on his 62nd birthday.

Dallas Cowboys Coach Goodbyes: From Tom Landry to Bill Parcells to Jimmy Johnson to Week 18 in Washington?

While the Cowboys have excelled at home, the road has not been nice to Dallas. Coach Mike McCarthy's team is just 3-5 this season away from AT&T Stadium, but a win at FedEx Field means a third consecutive 12-5 season for McCarthy and his Cowboys.

“Winning on the road is something that, it’s just great for your football team,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “Road wins give you a different kind of confidence that you bring home.”

The Cowboys elevated linebacker Buddy Johnson and safety Sheldrick Redwine from the practice squad on Saturday. … maybe some special-teams help there.

WHAT: Dallas Cowboys (11-5, 3-5 Road) at Washington Commanders (4-12, 1-6 Home)

WHERE: FedEx Field, Landover, MD (67,617)

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 3:25 p.m. CT

TELEVISION: FOX | FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: KRLD-FM 105.3 The Fan

TICKETS: SI Tickets

BETTING: SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Cowboys -12.5

TOTAL: 46.5

MONEYLINE: Cowboys -800, Commanders +550