Washington vs. Cowboys: 5 Bold predictions for Thanksgiving Day matchup

Bold predictions for the Washington vs. Cowboys Thanksgiving Day matchup.

The Dallas Cowboys playing on Thanksgiving Day in the NFL is a tradition unlike any other, as is the team’s rivalry with the Washington Football Team. As fate would have it, they meet on the holiday in the 2020 season in a matchup between teams that are somehow still alive in the NFC East race.

Through 11 weeks, the division is a train wreck right now as, despite Washington and the Cowboys both having 3-7 records, they are just 0.5 games out of the lead. So while the Football Team dominated the first meeting between these rivals, they both very much have something to play for on Thanksgiving Day.

With that in mind, let’s dive into the matchup and make five bold predictions for the Turkey Day clash.

5. Dalton comes up with another steady showing for the Cowboys

Playing against Washington was when the Cowboys struggles at quarterback went from bad to worse as Andy Dalton took a dirty hit and suffered a concussion. But he returned last week against Minnesota and was solid in the 31-28 win, throwing for 203 yards and three touchdowns with only one pick.

While Dalton could see some heavy pressure on Thursday, he’ll be a steady force. With revenge possibly on his mind, the Dallas signal-caller will top 200 yards again with at least two scores and no turnovers.

4. Gibson gets loose to lead Washington offense

The first meeting of these two NFC East rivals was a dominant performance overall for the Football Team and rookie Antonio Gibson was a major part of that. The Memphis product rushed for 128 yards on 20 carries with a score.

Gibson’s role has been inconsistent this season but he’s clearly made to exploit Dallas’ weak run defense. Washington will look to attack that and we’ll see another 100-yard rushing day for Gibson in a strong performance.

3. Zeke gets redemption with a 100-yard outing

In Washington’s dominant win over Washington a few weeks ago, the Football team shut down the Cowboys rushing attack, particularly Ezekiel Elliott, who managed only 45 yards on 12 carries. But in the three games since, Dallas has found life on the ground, including a 103-yard game for Zeke last week against Minnesota.

Shuffling the offensive line has helped America’s Team recently and we should see more of the same there. Expect Elliott, to stay hot and be the driving force of the offense to match Gibson.

2. McLaurin catches a 50+ yard touchdown

Because he’s stuck on a bad Washington team, Terry McLaurin doesn’t fully get the respect he deserves as a top-tier wide receiver in the NFL. However, that’s exactly what he is and the Dallas secondary remains a problem. While I do believe the ‘Boys pass rush could cause Alex Smith some issues, McLaurin will get loose at least once on Thursday for a long score.

1. Cowboys beat Washington by 10, take NFC East lead

The NFC East, as mentioned, is an abomination. But with a win on Thanksgiving, the Cowboys could be the first team in the division to reach four wins. Given how I see this playing out, Dallas will be able to do that.

At least until Sunday, that will give Dallas the lead in the division. Of course, a win by the Giants or Eagles on Sunday could take that lead away from them but, for a team that has experienced so much turmoil, that would be quite remarkable.