Inside The Star
The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders meet this Sunday in another classic NFC East clash, and both teams are fighting to steer their seasons back on track.
The Cowboys, sitting in the middle of the pack, have been plagued by inconsistency; one week looking like contenders, the next struggling to find rhythm on either side of the ball.
The Commanders, led by QB Jayden Daniels, have also faced their share of growing pains.
Despite showing flashes of potential, they’ve yet to fully find their offensive identity, especially during Jayden Daniels’ absence due to injury.
With a victory, either team would move into second place in the NFC East behind the Philadelphia Eagles.
As always, these matchups tend to bring out the unexpected. So, in that spirit, here are bold predictions for Sunday’s game.
These may sound far-fetched at first glance, but they’re rooted in statistical trends and historical matchups that make them plausible.
When the clock hits all zeroes, the Cowboys will have “command” vs Washington.
This prediction is bold, no doubt about it.
Jayden Daniels has yet to eclipse 233 passing yards in a game this season, a mark he set all the way back in Week 1 against the New York Giants.
Since then, Washington’s offense has leaned heavily on short passes, designed rollouts, and read-options to keep Daniels comfortable.
However, if there’s ever a defense that could allow Daniels to break out through the air, it’s the Dallas Cowboys.
The once-feared Cowboys defense has fallen off dramatically, allowing explosive plays at an alarming rate.
Their secondary, particularly the safeties, has struggled to contain deep threats and tight ends over the middle.
If the Commanders’ offensive line can give Daniels just enough time to set his feet, the rookie has the arm talent and mobility to exploit mismatches.
Expect him to connect on a few chunk plays, potentially hitting Terry McLaurin or Deebo Samuel for deep gains en route to his first 300-yard performance.
Now we’re diving into real bold territory.
George Pickens catching three touchdowns would be a career day for the young receiver, who has only recorded multiple touchdowns in a game twice in his NFL career, and never three.
The challenge? CeeDee Lamb is expected to return to the lineup this week, likely reclaiming his status as the Cowboys’ top target and reducing Pickens’ volume from previous weeks.
However, if the Commanders’ secondary keys in on Lamb, that could open the door for Pickens to feast on single coverage.
Pickens’ size, body control, and contested-catch ability make him a nightmare near the goal line, and QB Dak Prescott has shown growing trust in him on back-shoulder throws.
If Dallas’ offense finds itself in rhythm early, don’t be surprised if Pickens ends up with a stat line that raises eyebrows across the league.
The Commanders’ defense has been quietly solid this year, allowing just 21.0 points per game and...
