Cowboys vs Commanders: Week 18 matchups to watch in the regular-season finale
This Week 18 matchup in the 2024 regular-season finale between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders is shaping up to be what should look like a preseason game for the home team. Dallas really has nothing to play for being official eliminated from the postseason a few weeks ago, Washington is playing to keep their sixth-seed in the playoffs.
This is a matchup though between two bitter rivals, and as such, still could be a heated matchup despite it being a somewhat meaningless game in the grander scheme of things for both organizations. At the very least, it still could be entertaining to watch. Below are a few matchups we think could be particularly entertaining.
Micah Parsons vs. Commanders’ RT Cornelius Lucas
Despite missing several games with an ankle injury, Micah Parsons still has a chance to reach double-digit QB sacks for the fourth consecutive year in a row. He’s currently sitting at 9.5 sacks on the year heading into the regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders. He has the freedom to choose which side he prefers to rush from on any given down and he seems to prefer the left side going against opponents right tackles. That means Cornelius Lucas, has only given one sack this year, could have his hands full.
DaRon Bland vs. Commanders’ WRs
DaRon Bland was a pick-six and intercepting-machine last year for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, but as of yet has failed to come away with a single INT so far in 2024. He dropped what would’ve been his first INT this year last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving him one more opportunity to erase the goose egg in the regular-season finale matchup with the Washington Commanders.
Cowboys’ young WRs vs. Commanders’ secondary
It was painfully obvious last week just how much CeeDee Lamb means to the Cowboys aerial attack. Dallas has quite a few unproven young receivers who they are hoping develop into a more consistent weapon in the passing game, but as of yet nothing has really materialized. Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, and Jalen Brooks made a few flash plays this year, however, not enough to suggest there are capable of taking on the WR2 role to complement No. 88. Still, they are all worth keeping an eye on in Week 18.