Week 7 Keys to the Game

By: Sam Myer 10/17/25

The Washington Commanders travel to Dallas for a potentially high-scoring matchup with the Cowboys. Washingtons offense is beginning to hit its stride, while the Cowboys offense has been moving the ball at will through the first six games. The Commander’s defense has had up and down performances, while Dallas has been downright awful to start out. They currently are the 32^nd ranked defense in the NFL, giving up 30 points per game and allowing 400 yards per game. This game has all the marks of an electric high-scoring affair with instant classic potential.

Washington Commanders Keys to the Game

-            Dominate the line of scrimmage – The most important thing for the Commanders is to control the lines of scrimmage on offense and on defense. It has been a consistent theme in all three of their losses and getting Dallas in long-distance downs is crucial.

-            Attack their linebackers – The Cowboys linebackers are struggling in the run and the pass game through the first month and Washington will want to get their linemen and tight ends downfield to push the run game.

Dallas Cowboys Keys to the Game

-            Slow down Washington’s run game - Preventing Washington from controlling the game on the ground worked masterfully for Chicago in week 6 and Green Bay in week 2. With all the injuries the Commanders have at wide receiver, slowing down their rushing attack will stall their offense.

-            Attack the middle of the field through the air – The Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner and nickel cornerback Mike Sainrisitl have been the weakest links in pass coverage so far this season. Exposing them with crossing routes will allow Dallas to move the ball efficiently.

Key Matchup to Watch

-            CeeDee Lamb vs. Mike Sainristil

o   It is likely that Dallas will move CeeDee into the slot to matchup with nickel corner Mike Sainristil who has had significant struggles this season. When they aren’t moving him around in the formation, they’ll likely send him on crossing routes for two reasons. First, to get the ball in his hands as much as possible and second, to matchup him with the second-year corner.

Key Players

-            Washington Commanders

o   Trey Amos – The toughest matchup of Amos’ young career comes on Sunday, and he’ll need answer the bell in a big way for the Commanders.

o   Zach Ertz – With the three top wideouts all out with injuries, the bulk of the passing game work will likely fall on the veteran Ertz.

o   Dorance Armstrong – Washington will need to put as much pressure on Dak Prescott as possible and Armstrong will be the driving force.

-            Dallas Cowboys

o   Javonte Williams – If Williams is able to have success on the ground, it will force Washington to play their linebackers and secondary up making explosive plays easier for Dallas.

o   Kenny Clark – Getting pressure up the middle and slowing down Washington’s ground game will stall their offense and this responsibility will fall on Clark.

o   George Pickens – Pickens will likely see lots of matchups with Marshon Lattimore, who’s been susceptible to big plays through the first six games.

Matchup Prediction

Score Prediction – Washington Commanders 37 – Dallas Cowboys 34

Both offenses will likely have their way on Sunday leading a high-scoring affair in Jerry-world. Washington will attempt to slow down the game by dominating the line of scrimmage and running the football, but Dallas will look to create explosive plays through the air. The return of CeeDee Lamb will make for a difficult afternoon for Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos, but Marshon Lattimore against George Pickens will be the key. In the end, it will like come down to one of the defenses being able to create a turnover or get a stop late in the game and the Commanders can be trusted more than Dallas to make this type of play.