Cowboys vs. Commanders preview: Predictions, odds, and how to watch Sunday's game

Every game in the NFL's Week 18 slate is a divisional matchup with, for a few teams in the AFC and NFC, playoff spots on the line. That's the case in the NFC East where the Dallas Cowboys (11-5) head northeast to take on the Washington Commanders (4-12).

The Cowboys head out in the season finale as the current No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff picture thanks to last week's controversial 20-19 win over the Detroit Lions. Dallas snapped a two-game losing skid despite allowing 420 yards to the Lions. Thanks to their 4-1 division record - including a win over Philadelphia - the Cowboys are in the driver's seat for the NFC East title. Quarterback Dak Prescott and company need to win to ensure they'll play at home in the wild card round. If they lose and the Eagles beat the New York Giants, they'll drop to the fifth seed in the NFC.

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Washington, by contrast, has lost its last seven games in a row, the latest one coming against the San Francisco 49ers last week. The offense managed just 225 total yards, the second-lowest total of the season. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett was named the starter but missed last week with a hamstring industry. He'll likely get his first start of the season Sunday against the division rival.

These teams met in Week 12 with the Cowboys getting a 45-10 win.

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Week 18: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders predictions

Arizona Republic: Cowboys 31, Commanders 16

Jeremy Cluff writes: "It's simple for the Cowboys, win and they are NFC East champions. Dallas is only 3-5 on the road this season, but it should be able to beat a Commanders team that has lost seven straight."

Fox Sports: Dallas 33, Washington 16

Will Hill says: "This is a division game, and the Cowboys are an indoor team who thrives at home, but now they have to go outdoors and win by more than two touchdowns. This is probably Ron Rivera’s last ever game as an NFL head coach. I’m sure he wants to go out with a win. This is too many points."

Winners and Whiners: Commanders +13.5

Chris King writes: "Washington is as porous as they come defensively and they may be mentally checked out. Still, seeing Dallas’ road splits, laying nearly two touchdowns is too rich for my blood. Straight up, the call is Dallas all day but with the points, you have to lean toward the Commanders to keep it within the line."

Clutchpoints: Cowboys -13.5

Cameron Zunkel says: "Dallas has already beaten the Commanders by 35 points this season, and I am expecting the same type of game in this one. The Cowboys may not win by 35 points in this game, but two touchdowns is very attainable. For that reason, I am going to take the Cowboys to cover this spread."

How to watch the Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders: TV channel and streaming info

The Dallas Cowboys kick off against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Jan. 7, at 4:25 p.m., ET, on FOX. The game can also be streamed on NFL+ and the Fox Sports App.

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Week 18: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders odds, betting lines

The Cowboys are favored to defeat the Commanders for a second time this season, according to the BetMGM NFL odds, as of Saturday afternoon.

• Spread: Cowboys (-7)

• Moneyline: Cowboys (-350); Commanders (+260)

• Over/under: 40

Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

Week 18: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders injury news

Dallas Cowboys:

Washington Commanders:

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cowboys vs. Commanders predictions, odds, injuries for Sunday's game