Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season began on Christmas Day with an NFC East showdown between the Cowboys and Commanders. Dallas jumped all over Washington early but had to hold on after allowing some big plays.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all the action, answering lingering questions coming out of each game and detailing everything you need to know for every team. Let’s get to it.
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Cowboys
Does finishing with a non-losing record matter? It does to Brian Schottenheimer, who has frequently referred to this being the first year of their program. The Cowboys are 7-8-1 with their Week 18 finale against the New York Giants, and Schottenheimer has given no indication that the Cowboys plan to sit regulars to avoid injury, like Dak Prescott. The quarterback has said he wants to play and would fight to remain in the lineup. If the Cowboys were to lose to the Giants — whether they play their guys or not — it would be the first time Dallas has had consecutive seasons with a losing record since three straight 5-11 finishes from 2000 to 2002.
Key stat to know: The Cowboys converted 4 of 9 on third downs in the first half and all four chances on fourth down. It was the most fourth-down conversions the Cowboys have had in any game over the last 45 seasons. They had four on Nov. 6, 1988, in Tom Landry’s final season, against the New York Giants. The last team to have four first-half, fourth-down conversions were the 2006 New Orleans Saints — who also had four against the Giants. As a result, the Cowboys had 17 first-downs in the first half, while the Commanders ran just 18 plays. They added two more fourth-down conversion in the fourth quarter. — Todd Archer
Next game: at Giants
Commanders
Will Dan Quinn end the season on the hot seat? There has been no indication that Quinn’s job is in jeopardy, but even if he doesn’t end the season on the hot seat, his future job security will be a topic entering next season. Washington has lost 12 of its last 13 games — one year after winning 12 in the regular season. But a depleted lineup because of injuries was the main culprit to Washington’s season — giving Quinn and his staff a reprieve. However, Quinn will have a decision to make at defensive coordinator. He took over playcalling duties from Joe Whitt Jr., in Week 11. Multiple players have said that Quinn hasn’t lost the locker room and despite being undermanned against Dallas – starting their No. 3 QB in Josh Johnson — the Commanders made it a game thanks in part to strong performances from running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (105 yards rushing) and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (three sacks).
Biggest hole in the game plan: Third and fourth down defense. Dallas converted 8-of-19 third downs, which wasn’t horrible. There was one 16-yard gain on third-and-18 that set up a fourth-and-short. That’s where the Commanders faltered, as Dallas converted all of their fourth-down attempts, leading to 17 points. It also allowed Dallas to run 87 plays — 19 more than any other team has run against the Commanders this season. — John Keim
Next game: at Eagles
