What's Happening?
The Dallas Cowboys are set to play on Christmas Day for the sixth time in their history, facing the Washington Commanders. The game is part of a broader trend of integrating football into the holiday season, traditionally dominated by basketball. The Cowboys will be without left tackle Tyler Guyton, who is on injured reserve, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who is out with a concussion. Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens is expected to play and is likely to remain with the team next season. The Commanders, dealing with their own injuries, will start third-string quarterback Josh Johnson. The game will be broadcast on Netflix, marking a new venture for the streaming service into live sports.
Why It's Important?
The Cowboys' Christmas Day game reflects the
NFL's strategy to expand its presence during the holiday season, potentially drawing viewers away from traditional basketball games. This move could have significant implications for sports broadcasting and viewership patterns. The game also highlights the challenges teams face with player injuries, which can impact performance and strategy. For the Cowboys, maintaining their roster's health is crucial as they aim to improve their standing in the league. The Commanders' reliance on a third-string quarterback underscores the depth issues teams can face late in the season.
What's Next?
The Cowboys will focus on securing a win against the Commanders to bolster their playoff chances. The outcome of this game could influence their draft position and future roster decisions. The Commanders, meanwhile, will need to assess their quarterback situation and overall team health as they approach the end of the season. The NFL's experiment with broadcasting on Netflix will be closely watched to gauge its success and potential for future games.
