Tanking? Cowboys at Commanders 'Vibe' for Week 18 Finale

Tanking in Washington? Dallas Cowboys at Commanders 'Vibe' for Week 18 Finale

FRISCO - As a matter of personal pride? Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera - maybe in charge of his final game in D.C. before he gets fired on "Black Monday'' - has ever reason to give it his all in Week 18's finale, a visit from the hated Dallas Cowboys.

But as a matter of what's best for the Washington organization? As much at it will pain them to lose to Dallas, that pain is only temporary ... because once the NFL Draft comes around, Washington can own the No. 2 overall pick.

And that can help turn around this moribund franchise.

Is that "tanking''? "Organic tanking''? "Wanting to take a look at the young guys''? Whatever. It's an in-play option here.

Meanwhile, speaking of "No. 2''? That's the Cowboys goal on Sunday. Win and jump to 12-5 and they win the NFC East, get the No. 2 seed and and set themselves up to have two potential home games in the postseason as long as they advance.

It's "must-win'' for Dallas. Is it "must-lose'' for Washington?

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According to Commanders reporter JP Finlay of NBC Sports, there is a "vibe'' that a bunch of Washington veterans will be sitting out this weekend's game. And we know this from the Thursday workout: Jon Allen, Kendall Fuller, Kam Curl and Curtis Samuel are among the key contributors who are doing little or less at practice today.

With a 4-12 record in a woeful year, what's the harm in finishing 4-13? That might not be Rivera's wish. But it might be the directive from new owner Josh Harris, who is going to be in Washington for the long haul ... something that probably cannot be said of the coach.