The Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving game is an NFL tradition, and in 2020 they’ll celebrate with a game against the Washington Football Team. With kickoff fast approaching, let’s preview the game and give you all the information you need to watch the second of the two 2020 Thanksgiving games, and how we believe the game will play out on the field. Let’s break down the Cowboys vs. Washington Thanksgiving day matchup!
Week 12 NFL Power Rankings and NFL Week 11 Recap
Before jumping into our coverage of the Cowboys Thanksgiving game, check out some of our other NFL articles. PFN’s Senior NFL Analyst Matt Williamson (Former NFL Scout and ESPN Analyst) released his Week 12 Power Rankings following the games on Monday Night Football in Week 11. The Cowboys sit 23rd in the league due to a roster that has more talent than their record would indicate. Meanwhile, Washington sits 27th due to their young and improving roster.
Be sure also to check out Mike Tanier’s NFL Week 11 Recap. This week, Mike broke down Taysom Hill’s first career start, the playoff hopes of some of the NFL’s best teams, and awards his Studs and Duds of Week 11!
Who plays on Thanksgiving?
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Game: Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Football Team
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Location: Arlington, Texas at AT&T Stadium
How to watch the Cowboys Thanksgiving game | Start Time, TV Channel, and Live Stream
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Date: Thursday, November 26th
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NFL Thanksgiving Day Start Time, Week 12: 4:30 PM ET
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Channel: FOX
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Stream: NFL App
Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving game 2020 | What to expect from the Cowboys vs. Washington?
First place in the NFC East will be on the line on Thanksgiving when the Cowboys take on Washington. The Football Team dominated the first matchup between these two teams. Their defense forced an interception, had six sacks, and held Ezekiel Elliott to just 3.8 yards per carry. They’re gameplan is likely going to be the same.
Dominate a Cowboys offensive line that’s been decimated by injury with the best young pass rush duo in the NFL, Chase Young and Montez Sweat. It’ll be up to Andy Dalton to navigate the pressure and find a way to beat Washington’s stout defense. If he can’t, then Washington can key in on Elliott and take him out of the game, just like they did in Week 7.
Related | What NFL games are on Thanksgiving? Time, TV channels, schedule for Thanksgiving Day games
The Cowboys will look to counter by changing up their offensive line. Zack Martin is starting at right tackle due to the injuries, and the Cowboys are hoping that gives them a boost, as it did against the Vikings. There’s also no doubt that Dalton will be out for revenge against a Washington team that targeted him late in the game and gave him a concussion.
At the end of the day, Alex Smith and Washington’s offense is explosive enough to make the plays required to win this game. It’s hard to see Dallas breaking down the Washington defense with Dalton at quarterback. Washington should beat the Cowboys in this Thanksgiving game by a bigger margin than the final score indicates.
Final Thanksgiving Score Prediction: Washington win 24-18
Thanksgiving fantasy advice | Cowboys vs. Washington
Terry McLaurin should be a must-start this week. The Cowboys have given up the second-most points to wide receivers this year. With Alex Smith playing at a high level since taking over the starting job, this should be a no-brainer. However, McLaurin’s injury status makes him a risky bet. There’s no guarantee he’ll play on Thursday, and even if he does, he likely won’t be 100%. If you need another quarterback, Smith isn’t a bad bet. The Cowboys have allowed the eighth-most points to quarterbacks this year.
Related | Top NFL player props and bets for Thanksgiving Day 2020
On the flip side, Washington has been elite against wide receivers all year. They’ve allowed the third-least points to receivers in 2020, so this may be the week to bench CeeDee Lamb or Amari Cooper. However, Washington has tended to give up points to running backs making Ezekiel Elliott a safe start this week. The Cowboys Thanksgiving game doesn’t leave them with a ton of promising fantasy options.
2020 NFL Season: Thursday Night Football Schedule
Thursday Night Football: September Schedule
- Thursday, September 10: Texans at Chiefs
- Thursday, September 16: Bengals at Browns
- Thursday, September 24: Dolphins at Jaguars
Thursday Night Football: October Schedule
- Thursday, October 1: Broncos at Jets
- Thursday, October 8th: Buccaneers at Bears
- Thursday, October 22: New York Giants at Eagles
- Thursday, October 29: Falcons at Panthers
Thursday Night Football: November Schedule
- Thursday, November 5: Packers at 49ers
- Thursday, November 12: Colts at Titans
- Thursday, November 19: Cardinals at Seahawks
- Thursday, November 26: Ravens at Steelers – Postponed to Sunday, November 29
Thursday Night Football: December Schedule
- Thursday, December 3: Cowboys at Ravens
- Thursday, December 10: Patriots at Los Angeles Rams
- Thursday, December 17: Chargers at Raiders