This Commanders vs Cowboys Week 2 preview arrives with both teams already feeling a little desperate. Washington and Dallas each dropped their openers to a division rival. Somebody leaves Arlington on Sunday, at 0-2 in the NFC East, and on the outside looking in.
Gameday Info
Matchup: Washington Commanders (0-1) at Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
Date/Time: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 4:25 PM ET
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
The Matchup
Washington’s opener stung. The Commanders fell 24-22 in Philadelphia after a failed two-point conversion in the final minute. The offense moved the ball well late, though. Jayden Daniels threw two touchdowns without an interception, and Washington finished every red zone trip with a score. The ground game worked too, racking up 132 rushing yards on 32 carries.
Dallas has bigger problems. The Cowboys lost 28-20 to the Giants on Sunday night as favorites. Dak Prescott managed just 175 passing yards, and the defense surrendered 165 rushing yards. Dallas’ coverage looked weak after it allowed a 134.2 opposing passer rating in Week 1.
That matters here. Daniels had some success against Philadelphia’s superior defense with his legs, adding 31 rushing yards. Dallas hasn’t shown it can contain that yet.
TV
- National broadcast: FOX
- Broadcast team: Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play), Tom Brady (analyst), Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi (sideline)
- Streaming: FOX One, NFL+
2026 Record
Both teams sit at 0-1. Both teams lost division match-ups. That would seem to raise the stakes considerably for a Week 2 game.
Head-to-Head History
Washington and Dallas have met 132 times since 1960, making this one of the NFL’s most-played matchups. Dallas leads the all-time series 81-49-2. Washington owns the postseason edge.
Recent history favors Dallas heavily. The Cowboys swept Washington in 2025, winning 44-22 in Arlington and 30-23 on Christmas Day. They enter on a two-game winning streak in the rivalry.
Last 5 Meetings:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Dec 25, 2025 | Cowboys 30, Commanders 23 |
| Oct 19, 2025 | Cowboys 44, Commanders 22 |
| Jan 5, 2025 | Commanders 23, Cowboys 19 |
| Nov 24, 2024 | Cowboys 34, Commanders 26 |
| Jan 7, 2024 | Cowboys 38, Commanders 10 |
Injury Report
Commanders
- Frankie Luvu (LB) — groin, ruled out
- Chig Okonkwo (TE) — hamstring, ruled out
- Javon Kinlaw (DT) — back injury, designation announced Friday
- Terry McLaurin (WR) — quadriceps, questionable
- Dorance Armstrong (OLB) — knee, limited in practice after serving a Week 1 suspension
- Laremy Tunsil (T), Jordan Magee (LB), Trey Amos (CB) — all on injured reserve
- Deatrich Wise (DE) — PUP list
Okonkwo’s absence thins an already shallow tight end room. John Bates and Ben Sinnott absorb those snaps. Rookie Sonny Styles is expected to handle defensive communication with Luvu out, while Leo Chenal takes on a larger role.
Cowboys
- Demarvion Overshown (LB) — hamstring, expected to miss one to two weeks
Betting Odds
As of this writing: Cowboys -3.5, Over/Under 50.5. Some books have posted the total closer to 52.5. Lines move throughout the week and vary by sportsbook — treat this as a snapshot. Check tomorrow’s betting preview for all of the latest gambling possibilities.