The Washington Commanders conclude their regular-season engagements at the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. This is normally the time when fans begin looking to the offseason and wondering what the future might hold. That's not the case this time around.
Washington's remarkable renaissance under the new regime catapulted them into a postseason spot at the first time of asking. Head coach Dan Quinn and his staff spearheaded an incredible culture shift across the franchise. The players have responded accordingly, putting together 11 wins to cement their place in the knockout rounds.
This represents a sensational accomplishment in Year 1 of Quinn's tenure. Who they face in the playoffs hasn't been confirmed as yet. However, the Commanders will be doing everything in their power to lock up the sixth seed and pile more misery on the Cowboys.
Dallas' season hasn't gone nearly as well. They were once again hyped up beyond comprehension in the national media and couldn't meet expectations. A dark cloud of uncertainty descended on the franchise, which stems from owner/general manager Jerry Jones' fumbling of team affairs and head coach Mike McCarthy's contract expiring after the campaign.
The tide has turned. Even so, the Commanders were soundly beaten by the Cowboys during their first meeting. They'll be fighting to ensure that doesn't happen again in pursuit of building additional momentum before the postseason begins.
That's for the future. For now, here are five bold predictions for the Commanders in Week 18 at AT&T Stadium.
Bold predictions for the Commanders in Week 18 at the Cowboys
Dorance Armstrong Jr. gains 2+ sacks
There are plenty of connections between the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys aside from their fierce division rivalry. Dan Quinn brought several coaches and players with him to D.C. after becoming head coach. They will be out to show Mike McCarthy's men what they're missing in this one.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. was one of them. The edge rusher carved out a decent career for himself as a rotational piece in Dallas. This was enough for Quinn to sign him in free agency and give him significantly greater responsibilities with the Commanders for good measure.
It's not been smooth sailing for Armstrong this season. The adjustment to being among the primary focuses of opposing protection schemes was difficult. He's flashed promise on occasion, but that shouldn't stop general manager Adam Peters from adding to Washington's pass rush this offseason.
Armstrong will look to make his presence felt versus the Cowboys. Don't be surprised if some extra urgency against his old employees results in a multi-sack performance.
Brian Robinson Jr. gains 120+ rushing yards
Brian Robinson Jr.'s taken some heat from fans in recent weeks. The running back fumbled twice against the Philadelphia Eagles and has regressed overall over the second half of 2024. However, he remains an important part of the Washington Commanders' plans to make noise in the postseason.
Robinson was a much more steady presence against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football. The former third-round pick gained 60 rushing yards at 4.6 yards per carry. That's solid if not spectacular, but rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels took it upon himself to almost single-handedly drag the Commanders into the knockout stages.
Gaining yards on the ground will be important to set the tone versus playoff-caliber opposition. Robinson is integral to that strategy. Having Austin Ekeler back in the mix also helps, but the Commanders would be wise to err on the side of caution given how long the former Western Colorado star's been out with a concussion.
This looks like a good chance for Robinson to build confidence. AT&T Stadium is a fast track and the Dallas Cowboys' run defense is abysmal. They are giving up 138.6 yards per game on the ground and have been going through the motions in recent weeks. That would work in the Alabama product's favor.
Commanders defense forces three turnovers
There is some confusion about who's going to be playing quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Cooper Rush has some notable contract incentives he can meet with a specific percentage of snaps. This would also be a good time for the NFC East outfit to get a look at Trey Lamce to see if the former first-round pick has a long-term future with the franchise.
The Commanders will prepare for every eventuality. Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense has holes, but they're competitive and fighting to rectify the glaring holes that could cost them when the playoffs begin.
Whitt isn't interested in anything other than maximum commitment in Week 18. Others around the league are resting players with the postseason in sight. The Commanders' defensive coordinator highlighted the division rivalry and the fact Washington is fighting for the sixth seed as reasons why taking their foot off the gas is simply not an option.
Considering the Commanders made Rush look like a Pro Bowl quarterback during their first meeting earlier this season, a big effort is needed. Improving on this poor effort and making whoever is under center extremely uncomfortable from start to finish should be enough to turn the tide.
If the Commanders can pick up a few turnovers along the way, the better their chances of a final-day victory will be.
Jayden Daniels gains 350 combined yards, 3 touchdowns
Jayden Daniels has willed the Washington Commanders into the playoffs. The rookie quarterback took it upon himself to take the game over on primetime against the Atlanta Falcons. It was a dazzling display of poise and elusiveness that cemented his status as one of the league's best closers.
Daniels is riding on the crest of a wave after a phenomenal rookie campaign to date. He's earned the complete respect of his teammates and is feared around the league. Earning a Pro Bowl distinction at the first time of asking is nice, but the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU is more interested in team accomplishments when it's all said and done.
There is one more objective for Daniels to accomplish before the playoffs arrive. He must perform well to lock up the sixth seed. With the Green Bay Packers playing the lowly Chicago Bears, nothing but a victory will do.
The Cajon High School product will treat this game like any other. This is a storied rivalry where no quarter is given more often than not. Daniels will be integral to the team's chances and looks more than capable of tormenting the Dallas Cowboys if complacency doesn't become an issue.
Commanders win by two touchdowns
The Commanders are in the playoffs. They are in tremendous form and nobody in the knockout rounds will want to play them. Another big effort should be enough to enter the postseason on a high.
Just how much fight remains in the Cowboys is debatable. They're missing some influential figures on both sides of the football. Mike McCarthy's men were blown away by the Philadelphia Eagles last time out, which indicated this squad is ready to throw in the towel and embark on their offseason rest.
McCarthy won't want to go out with a whimper. He's out of contract and probably won't be back, but keeping his players motivated and sweeping the Commanders in 2024 won't go unnoticed by those examining his credentials when the hiring cycle commences.
The Cowboys' record at AT&T Stadium this season isn't great. They've won just twice in eight attempts, so sending their home fans away with something to cheer after another underwhelming campaign should keep motivation high.
Washington won't be an easy out. They are eager to atone for their first loss versus the Cowboys this season and turn the tide in this historic rivalry. If everyone remains focused and executes their assignments effectively, a comfortable win won't be too far behind.
