In a game that could have playoff implications for the NFC East, the Washington Football Team will travel down to Jerry World to play the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Every time these two teams play each other, there’s always been a defining play or plays that determines the game.
This week’s game will be no different as both teams are right behind the Philadelphia Eagles for first place in the NFC East. Whoever wins this game will be in first place. The Washington Football Team (3-7) is coming into this pivotal divisional matchup off of a 20-9 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
In his second-straight start, veteran quarterback Alex Smith was 17-of-25 for 166 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The star of the game was rookie running back Antonio Gibson, who led both teams in rushing with 94 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown.
As for the Cowboys (3-7), they got a hard-fought 31-28 victory over Minnesota Vikings on the road. Dallas had Andy Dalton back under center, who played one of his better games this season. The veteran quarterback was 22-of-32 for 203 yards, three touchdowns, and a touchdown.
One of his touchdown passes went to rookie wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who made an improbable catch while falling down in the endzone. Lastly, running back Ezekiel Elliott snapped his cold streak, racking up 103 yards on 21 carries.
TV Info
Date: Thursday, Nov. 26
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
Broadcast map
Notable Statistical rankings (Football Outsiders)
Washington: #21 Overall — #28 offense, #6 defense, #24 special teams
Cowboys: #27 Overall — #26 offense, #22 defense, #9 special teams
DraftKings Sportsbook odds
Washington: +3, +130
Cowboys: -3, -148
Total: 46
Fantasy football start/sit advice
Washington
Antonio Gibson, RB, $6,000
After disappointing performances against the New York Giants and Detroit Lions, rookie running back Antonio Gibson bounced back in a major way last week versus Cincinnati. The rookie out of Memphis had 94 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown. It was Gibson’s seventh rushing touchdown this season and four in the last five games. He’s proven to be a very capable RB2 and that should continue against the Cowboys, who gave up 115 rushing yards to Dalvin Cook. The last time these two teams played against each other, Gibson had a cool 128 rushing yards on 20 carries and a touchdown.
Terry McLaurin, WR, $7,000
Even though WFT quarterback Alex Smith doesn’t air the ball out all over the football, there’s still a ton of big play ability with Terry McLaurin. McLaurin led the team in receiving on Sunday with five receptions for 84 yards. Despite only having three touchdowns on the season, the former Ohio State standout is well on his way to a 1,000-yard season with 787 yards on 57 receptions.
On Thanksgiving, he’ll get the chance to go up against a Dallas’ defense that he saw in Week 7. In that game on Oct. 25, McLaurin torched the Cowboys’ secondary for 11 receptions on 90 yards and a touchdown.
Cowboys
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, $6,800
For the Cowboys to have any chances at winning the NFC East, star running back Ezekiel Elliott must be at his absolute best. Last week against the Vikings, Elliott rushed for 100 yards for the first time this season. When you compare that to last season, he had already rushed for at least 100 yards four times. The former Ohio State running back will be looking to keep that momentum rolling versus a Washington defense that has given six rushing touchdowns this season. Elliott is back in play as a top-15 selection in fantasy and NFL DFS.
Amari Cooper, WR, $5,700
Just like with McLaurin, Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper has not had a lot of luck finding the end zone this season. Through 11 weeks, the 26-year-old wideout only has two touchdown, with his last score coming in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals. Last week against the Vikings’ lackluster secondary, Cooper was Dallas’s leading receiver with six receptions (seven targets) for 81 yards. This season, Washington’s defense has allowed six touchdowns to opposing wide receivers and 9.9 yards per pass attempt.