With Marcus Mariota out, veteran quarterback Josh Johnson will take the helm as the Washington Commanders face longtime NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, on Christmas Day.
Both teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention, shifting the focus from a postseason run to pure bragging rights.
This holiday showdown offers Washington a chance to close the season on a high note while spoiling Dallas’ Christmas plans.
PREGAME
Feeling festive 🎄 pic.twitter.com/PjZHthJRZm
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 25, 2025
🏓🏓🏓@JayD__5 x @sam_hartman10 pic.twitter.com/soLhe5lMY7
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 25, 2025
Commanders inactives: QB Sam Hartman (emergency 3rd quarterback), LB Nick Bellore, QB Jayden Daniels, QB Marcus Mariota, DT Daron Payne, OT Laremy Tunsil, RB Chris Rodriguez
Cowboys inactives: OT Tyler Guyton, LB DeMarvion Overshown, CB Caelen Carson, WR Ryan Flournoy, RB Jayden Blue, DT Jay Toia, DT Perrion Winfrey
1st QuarterWashington won the toss and have elected to defer. Cowboys will take the ball to start this Christmas game. Turpin on the return shy of the DAL 22. Dak hands off to William with a run up the middle for 4 yards. Pass to Williams was too high. Cowboys now face 3rd down. Dak in the pocket, lets’ it fly but pass is incomplete. Flag on the play, pass interference on WAS. A give to Williams for 8 yards as he trucks Sainristil on the run. Next play, Williams is chopped down on the run. 3rd an 1, Dak on the roll tries to pass to Williams and it fall incomplete. Williams plows his way for a first down. Dak looks deep to Lamb but the ball in underthrown and falls in complete. Next Davis with a big run into Washington territory. Dak shovel pass broken up by Wagner. 2nd and 10, Williams keeps those legs moving and is hit at the 26 yard line. Dak to Pickens with a catch and run down the sideline for 19 yards. Hand off to Williams and is muscled down at the line of scrimmage. Dak to Ferguson in the endzone for a TOUCHDOWN. Cowboys on the board first.
Ferguson makes the catch for the first touchdown on Christmas day. 🎁
DALvsWAS on @Netflix pic.twitter.com/zHHrOIcuPV
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2025Commanders Edmonds on the kick return to the WAS 24. Bill on the first run for the Commanders for 2 yards. Johnson to Burks for 11 yards. Johnson on the move and throws a strike to McLaurin. Washington moving into Dallas territory. Johnson to Deebo with a big run for 41 yards. 1st and goal, hand off to Bill and he’s slung down inside the 5. Hand off to Bill again but he runs into a wall. Johnson pump fakes and then is taken down. Commanders will attempt a filed good to get on the board. Its GOOD. Cowboys 7, Commanders 3.
OH MY, DEEBO.
DALvsWAS on @Netflix pic.twitter.com/kUXeh1JJbJ
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2025
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