Cowboys vs. Redskins: Preview, score prediction for Week 8

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins

Week 8 will treat us to the first meeting of the biggest rivals in the NFC East as the Dallas Cowboys visit the Washington Redskins. In 2016, the Cowboys were able to sweep both games with Washington, but they weren’t able to win easily. These two teams always play one another tight, no matter what the records may say. As fate would have it this season, they enter with an identical 3-3 record, each looking to moves into soul possession of first place.

A win for Washington seems much more dire. Dallas is 1-0 in their division, whereas Washington is coming off their second loss in the East, after being swept already in their series with the Philadelphia Eagles. This isn’t to say Dallas doesn’t need this win, but an 0-3 hole in this division seems impossible to climb out of without a ton of help.

Dallas Keys To Victory

Stay strong on defense: In Week 7 the Cowboys defense played very well. Sure, it was against the San Francisco 49ers who have yet to win, but that’s a start for a unit that struggled so mightily during a two game losing streak in Week 4 & 5. Washington can put up more points than the 49ers, but Dallas has to do all they can to limit that. Maybe they can carry some of their confidence from their last outing over.

Keep pounding the ball: On offense, the recipe is simple — run it with Ezekiel Elliott. The running back may be suspended following this game, but for Week 8 at least, he’s there. After amassing more than 200-yards from scrimmage, he needs to keep getting the ball. Zeke wears defenses down, and that could be huge in this rivalry game.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

Be aggressive: Two of Dallas’ three losses this season came after they built big leads. Should they build a lead in this one, they need to stay as aggressive as possible on both sides. They can’t start playing defense to protect a lead, or take their foot off the gas offensively. They have to go full-on for 60 minutes to avoid repeating their past mistakes.

Washington Keys To Victory

Attack the middle: The Redskins are awful this year at wide receiver, but solid at tight end and running back — in terms of passing out of the backfield. The Cowboys weakness is covering tight ends and backs in the passing game. Washington needs to use that, especially with running back Chris Thompson who already has a career high in receiving yards and touchdowns. He should be their biggest contributor on Sunday.

Control the clock: Part of their attack covering the middle of the field could mean they utilize a short passing game. Doing so only helps as it keeps the Cowboys offense off the field. Not only is that good because the Cowboys offense is explosive, but their defense is really bad, and the longer they’re out there, the worse it could get in the fourth quarter.

Keep Dak in the pocket: When Dallas does have the ball, there’s a lot to worry about. They have the run game, a smart and savvy tight end and good receivers. Should you happen to stuff the run and force the pass, it isn’t just enough to then focus on the route runners. Quarterback Dak Prescott has killed teams with his ability to move out of the pocket. Whether it’s to extend a pass play, or run it himself, Dak is deadly when rolling out. Washington will have to keep a spy on him all game to limit this.

Odds

Point Spread: Dallas -2
Moneyline: Dallas -127, Washington +115
Over/Under: 50.5

Odds via Sportsbook Review

Next: NFL Week 8: One burning question for each team

Prediction

One underrated story in this one is the absence of kicker Dan Bailey for the Cowboys. Mike Nugent is a fine replacement for last minute, but there’s no replacing the most accurate kicker in history. As long as this doesn’t come down to that, Dallas should be fine. Washington isn’t balanced enough on offense, and they’re banged up on both sides of the ball. If Washington were fully healthy, this could be different, but because of that Dallas wins. It will still be close because it always is with these two.
Pick: Dallas: 28, Washington: 26