Here are 10 storylines for the week heading into Sunday night's game in Arlington, with five each for the Commanders and Cowboys.
Commanders
Stumbling to the finish line – After making an appearance in the NFC Championship Game last year, the Commanders have taken a big step backward this year under Dan Quinn. After starting out 3-2 this year, the Commanders have lost nine of 10 games. At 4-11, Washington currently is slated to have the No. 7 overall pick in next year's NFL Draft.
Who starts at QB? – With Jayden Daniels out for the rest of the season, the Commanders do have a former Heisman Trophy winner at backup, too in Marcus Mariota. Both players faced the Cowboys back in October in a Cowboys' 44-24 win. Mariota did not practice due to a right hand/quad injury. If he doesn't play for Washington, it'll be Josh Johnson, a 10 year veteran who has served as the Commanders' third quarterback this season and came in last Saturday against the Eagles after Mariota left the game with an injury.
More injuries – The Commanders have more than just injury issues at quarterback. The team had eight players as "Did Not Practice" on Monday, including key players such as defensive tackle Daron Payne (back), linebacker Bobby Wagner (knee/rest) and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (oblique).
Lone Pro Bowler – The Commanders had just one player named to the Pro Bowl this season – punter Tress Way. This is Way's third Pro Bowl appearance and it's one of his better seasons. His 47.2 yard average is his highest since the 2021 season. Way ranks third in the NFL this year with a 50 percent average of punts downed inside the 20. Last year, Washington had two Pro Bowlers – Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin.
Swept Again? – The Cowboys are looking for another season sweep over the Commanders for the first time since 2023. Dallas nearly pulled it off last year only to lose at home in the final seconds to Washington. However, the Cowboys swept the season series over the Commanders in 2021 and 2023 and are looking to keep the every-other-year-sweep intact.
Cowboys
Playing for Pride? – The Cowboys have been eliminated from playoff contention but at this point, it appears trying to get to .500 is one of the biggest goals for first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who has tried to revamp the culture this year. The Cowboys were 7-10 last year but with two games to play, this team can get to 8-8-1 with wins over the Commanders and Giants on the road to finish the season.
Dak in Front? – While some are wondering whether or not Dak Prescott would even play these final two games, it appears the focus is to keep QB1 in place, at least for now. While Dak has repeatedly stated he wants to play and finish out the season, Stephen Jones told 105.3 "The Fan" is thoughts when asked if Dak would be in the lineup against the Commanders. "Absolutely. Our goal is to win the football game. That will be what we focus on all week — is the Washington Commanders, and to win this football game. Our goal is to finish strong. We've got a chance to finish at .500 and to avoid a losing season, and that's what we all, as an organization, would like to get accomplished."
5 Pro Bowlers – For the second straight year, the Cowboys landed five players on the Pro Bowl roster. It's also the 12th straight year, dating back to 2013 in which the Cowboys have put at least five players to the Pro Bowl. This year, Dak Prescott leads the group for his fourth appearance. Brandon Aubrey and Tyler Smith are each returning for the third straight year while George Pickens made it for the first time. Quinnen Williams was also named to the Pro Bowl for the fourth straight year, becoming the first Cowboys player since Amari Cooper (2018) to make the Pro Bowl after starting the year with another team.
Tyler at Left … For Now? – The Cowboys made a surprising move last week in putting Tyler Smith at left tackle. Smith has been a Pro Bowl left guard for three straight years but with Tyler Guyton still banged up with a high-ankle sprain, the Cowboys wanted to put their best five linemen on the field. Jerry Jones said the plan is to move Smith back to guard next year but for now, he'll finish out at left tackle. Jones compared Smith to Larry Allen and Zack Martin for his ability to play both guard and tackle at the highest of levels.
Injury Front – DeMarvion Overshown suffered a concussion last week against the Chargers, making it very unlikely he returns to face Washington on a short week. Another player to watch is Ryan Flournoy, whose knee injury could prevent him from a return as well just four days after the injury. Flournoy was one of 10 players listed as "limited" on the Cowboys' Monday injury report.
