On Christmas Day, Dak Prescott’s 307-yard performance couldn’t keep the Cowboys’ 18-point advantage intact, but the Dallas team still emerged victorious over the Washington Commanders 30-23.
Game Overview
The matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders took place on December 25, 2025, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Both squads had already been eliminated from playoff contention, making the game a largely ceremonial contest between longtime NFC East rivals. The Cowboys entered the game with a 7-8-1 record, while the Commanders were 4-12.
First Quarter
Dallas opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to tight end Jake Ferguson, giving the Cowboys a 7-0 lead. Washington answered with a 3-yard run by Jacory Croskey-Merritt, cutting the deficit to 7-3. The Cowboys extended the lead again with a 4-yard run by Javonte Williams, making it 14-3.
Second Quarter
The Cowboys continued to dominate, converting a 17-play march that ended with a 4-yard run by Javonte Williams for a touchdown. Prescott then delivered an 86-yard scoring pass to KaVontae Turpin, marking his third touchdown of the game and pushing the score to 28-3. Washington managed a 3-yard run to bring the score to 28-6 before the half.
Third Quarter
Washington began to rally, with Jacory Croskey-Merritt scoring on a 10-yard run to make it 28-13. The Cowboys responded with a 52-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey, restoring a double-digit lead at 31-13. Washington’s momentum surged when Croskey-Merritt ran for a 72-yard touchdown, cutting the Cowboys’ lead to 31-20. The Cowboys answered with a 51-yard field goal from Aubrey, bringing the score to 34-20 with 3:59 remaining.
Fourth Quarter
The Cowboys maintained control, with Prescott completing 19 of 37 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns. The Commanders attempted to close the gap but were unable to score. The game ended with a final score of 30-23 in favor of the Cowboys.
Key Players and Stats
- Dak Prescott – 307 yards, 2 touchdowns, 19 of 37 passes, 6 sacks taken (3 by Jer’Zhan Newton). His two touchdown passes tied him with Tony Romo for the franchise record of 30 touchdown throws in a season for four consecutive years.
- Brandon Aubrey – 52-yard field goal and a 51-yard field goal, the latter with 3:59 remaining.
- Josh Johnson – 15 of 23 for 198 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions. Johnson, a 39-year-old journeyman, made his 10th career start and first since 2021.
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt – 10-yard run and 72-yard run.
- Deebo Samuel – 41-yard completion, his longest pass since 2018, knocked safety Donovan Wilson’s helmet off.
- Javonte Williams – Run that capped a 17-play march, contributing to the Cowboys’ early lead.
Fourth-Down Conversions
The Cowboys showcased their efficiency on the ball by converting all six of their fourth-down attempts. This aggressive approach helped maintain momentum and keep the Commanders on the defensive for much of the game.
Statistical Highlights
- Cowboys’ total offense: 410 yards, 30 points.
- Commanders’ total offense: 280 yards, 23 points.
- Cowboys’ third-quarter field goals: 52 and 51 yards.
- Commanders’ longest run: 72 yards by Croskey-Merritt.
Impact on Standings
With both teams already out of playoff contention, the outcome had little effect on the standings. However, the Cowboys’ win kept them on a positive trajectory, while the Commanders’ loss added to their season’s woes.
Historical Context
This Christmas Day matchup was another chapter in the long-standing rivalry between the NFC East’s Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders. The game was played in front of a crowd at Northwest Stadium, a venue that has hosted numerous memorable moments in NFL history.
Key Takeaways
- Dak Prescott’s 307-yard performance tied him with Tony Romo for the franchise record of 30 touchdown passes in a season for four seasons.
- The Cowboys converted all six fourth-down attempts, showcasing their aggressive game plan.
- Brandon Aubrey’s late 51-yard field goal secured a 30-23 victory for Dallas.
The Cowboys’ ability to maintain pressure and capitalize on key moments ultimately secured a win in a game that held little playoff significance. The Commanders, despite moments of promise, were unable to overcome the Cowboys’ early lead and the relentless offensive attack. The Christmas Day contest will be remembered for Prescott’s record-tying performance and the Cowboys’ resilience in preserving a narrow lead until the final minutes.
