Washington Football Team vs. Dallas Cowboys – NFL Week 12, 2020

The battle for the NFC East continues on Thanksgiving when the Washington Football Team visit the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

These two teams already met in Week 7, and the FT thrashed off the Boys 25-3 as 1-point home underdogs. It was their first win over Dallas after three straight losses in head-to-head duels, while the Cowboys have won nine of their previous 12 encounters with the former Redskins.

Both Washington and Dallas enter Week 12 with a 3-7 record. The NFC East is a mess this term, as three teams sit at 3-7 while the Philadelphia Eagles top the table with a 3-6-1 record.

The Cowboys upset the odds in Week 11, outlasting the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 as 7-point underdogs. Therefore, the bookies consider them as slight favorites for Thanksgiving. The Cowboys are 7-2 straight up in their last none home games against Washington.

The FT were victorious in Week 11, too. They beat the Cincinnati Bengals 20-9 on the back of another strong defensive performance. The Football Team allowed zero points in the second half, while the Bengals finished the game with just 272 total yards.

On the other side, Washington’s offense was well-balanced, racking up 164 yards, while Alex Smith tossed for 166 yards and a TD. Antonio Gibson led the way with 16 carries for 94 yards and a TD, extending his streak to four games with a least one score.

Washington is allowing 22.7 points per game (10^th in the NFL) on 315.8 total yards (6^th). The FT’s passing defense is the best in the league, surrendering only 195.4 yards per contest, while Washington is tied-third with 32 sacks through the first 11 weeks.

On the other side of the ball, they are scoring just 20.0 points per game (29^th) on 324.0 total yards (28^th).

As I’ve mentioned, the Cowboys are coming off a huge road victory over the Minnesota Vikings. They almost blew a nine-point halftime lead, but the Boys were terrific down the stretch, scoring a couple of touchdowns in the fourth quarter along with one two-point conversion.

Andy Dalton had a solid game, throwing for 203 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Ezekiel Elliott had 21 carries for 103 yards and two receptions for 11 yards and a TD.

Interestingly, Zeke surpassed a 100-yard line on the ground for the first time this season. Also, Elliott has scored his first TD since Week 5, and the Cowboys desperately need more from their star RB.

Dallas is scoring 23.5 points per game (20^th) on 393.1 total yards (6^th), but without Dak Prescott, the Boys’ offense has struggled mightily. In four outings before that victory in Minneapolis, the Cowboys combined for 41 points. They are yielding 31.8 points per game (32^nd) on 386.4 total yards (24^th).

The stake is massive for both Washington and Dallas, so I expect to see a tight clash with a dramatic finish.

The Cowboys got things going offensively against the Vikings, but their defense is still a huge issue. On the other side, Washington’s D is playing at a high level, but the FT’s offense is limited.

Still, Washington has improved offensively over the last few weeks, scoring 20 or more points in each of its previous four showings. If they put on another good defensive job, the FT will keep it close against the Cowboys on the road, so I’m backing them to cover a 3.5-point spread.

Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last four home games. Washington is 0-6 SU and 2-4 ATS in its last six road contests.