5 bold Washington Commanders predictions vs. the Cowboys in Week 12

There are plenty of exciting storylines attached to the Washington Commanders' divisional matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12. Putting them to one side and remaining professional is the primary objective for head coach Dan Quinn and his squad.

This is a pivotal game for the Commanders. They've lost their last two contests versus potential playoff challengers. Things still look promising at 7-4 with some winnable contests upcoming, but Washington cannot afford to see this slump continue versus a team going through significant turmoil right now.

The Cowboys are in complete disarray. They were heavily beaten at home to the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football, so the opportunity to strike a blow and turn the tide of this storied rivalry is there for all to see.

It's a time for big characters and composed emotions. There's an expectancy among the fanbase to get the job done. Starting well and keeping their foot on the gas throughout should be enough to secure an eighth victory of the season.

With that being said, here are five bold predictions for the Commanders in Week 12 at Northwest Stadium.

Bold Washington Commanders predictions in Week 12 vs. Cowboys

Mike Sainristil locks down CeeDee Lamb

This game unfortunately came too soon for stud cornerback Marshoon Lattimore. He was officially ruled out despite Dan Quinn stating it wouldn't be much longer before he made his eagerly-anticipated Washington Commanders debut. Until then, the team's other cornerbacks must step up and make their presence felt.

Their primary challenge in Week 12 is restricting the influence of CeeDee Lamb. He's one of the league's most prolific pass-catchers for a reason and can take over any game when in the mood. The Dallas Cowboys' consistency under center is a stumbling block for the Oklahoma product, but he cannot be underestimated.

Looking at the inconsistencies of others, it might be worth Joe Whitt Jr. putting rookie second-rounder Mike Sainristil on Lamb to see how he fares. The former Michigan star thrived versus Philadelphia Eagles wideout A.J. Brown in Week 11. He never backs down from a fight and is proving highly capable of covering some of the NFL's best with minimal fuss.

If Sainristil can do the same with Lamb this weekend, the Commanders' chances will improve exponentially.

Commanders defense gains 3 turnovers

Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense is making encouraging strides. It was a difficult opening to the campaign, but it's also worth remembering that the Washington Commanders implemented significant personnel changes to the group throughout a frantic first offseason with general manager Adam Peters leading the charge.

The numbers have improved, but Whitt still wants to see more turnovers from his players. Things weren't easy against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. However, they proved capable of keeping the Commanders in games when the offense wasn't firing on all cylinders.

This looks like another game where the defense can flourish. The Dallas Cowboys don't have quarterback Dak Prescott to call upon. Promising tight end Jake Ferguson is out and their ground game is almost non-existent. Whitt also knows most of the personnel from his time working under Dan Quinn in recent years.

Cooper Rush is not the most intimidating signal-caller to grace the league. The Commanders must ensure complacency doesn't become an issue, so converting turnover opportunities into takeaways will go a long way to securing a comfortable afternoon at the office.

Luke McCaffrey gains 50+ receiving yards

Luke McCaffrey's advanced metrics prove he's getting open consistently. The Commanders haven't gotten him the ball enough, which is something that has to change to give this offense another shot in the arm heading into the business end of the campaign.

McCaffrey is a rookie third-round pick, so this was always going to be a work in progress. There's a reluctance to trust him in a competitive setting so far. Considering how nobody is emerging into a legitimate No. 2 wide receiver alongside Terry McLaurin, the former Rice star should get prominent targets at some stage.

The Dallas Cowboys are giving up 214.7 passing yards per game. They have All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs back in the lineup, but their secondary is vulnerable within defensive schematics that don't look best suited to the personnel at coordinator Mike Zimmer's disposal.

This looks like a game where McCaffrey can make more of an impact. The first-year pro has yet to eclipse 50 receiving yards in a game this season. That could alter against the Cowboys in Week 12 if the Commanders get him involved.

Johnny Newton gains 2 sacks

The Dallas Cowboys' offensive line is not the force of old. They are also likely to be without All-Pro interior lineman Zack Martin in Week 12, who is listed as doubtful for the clash.

This should be music to the ears of those on the Washington Commanders' defensive line interior. They've not enjoyed the best of fortunes over the last two weeks. They'll be keen to stamp their authority on the contest and play a significant role in the team's success at Northwest Stadium this weekend.

It looks like a potential coming-out game for Johnny Newton. The rookie second-rounder has flashed moments of genuine quality in Jonathan Allen's absence despite missing most of the offseason program through injury. His relentless ability to generate pressure from the interior will be integral to Washington's hopes.

Veteran quarterback Cooper Rush isn't exactly a formidable presence under center. If Newton and others can wreak havoc from the interior and collapse the pocket, that could be enough to force the signal-caller into mistakes.

Commanders gain 200 rushing yards

One of the biggest reasons behind the Cowboys' demise this season is their inability to stop the run. They have a soft underbelly that's been victimized almost constantly. This is something the Commanders can take advantage of in Week 12.

The Commanders are carving up 148 yards per game on the ground this season. Dallas is giving up 151 rushing yards per contest. This won't go unnoticed by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury as part of his strategic planning for the clash.

Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler should be salivating at the prospect of going up against this Cowboys run defense. Both players are performing extremely well this season. They will be tasked with setting the tone and making life easier for the entire offense along the way.

This should also be a game where the Commanders can get Jayden Daniels going on the ground again. The rookie signal-caller was restricted in this regard versus the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. Expect that to change this weekend.

Washington needs a dominant performance from its rushing attack. The Commanders should have a field day looking at their efforts so far in 2024.

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