The Washington Commanders look to avoid a 0-2 start to the 2026 NFL season when they face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at AT&T Stadium. Dallas is also looking to avoid a 0-2 start, as both NFC East rivals lost to divisional opponents in Week 1.
The Commanders head into Sunday’s game as the underdog. That’s unsurprising considering Washington’s recent history in Dallas. The Cowboys have won eight of the previous 10 meetings in Dallas.
What do the Commanders need to do to get the job done on Sunday? Here are four key matchups that could determine the outcome of Sunday’s NFC East matchup.
Commanders offensive line vs. Cowboys defensive line
All we heard heading into Week 1 was how bad Washington’s offensive line would be without Laremy Tunsil. Against the Eagles, quarterback Jayden Daniels was sacked
only once. Although he was under pressure on at least half of his dropbacks, Daniels did an outstanding job avoiding pressure and keeping the ball out of danger against arguably the NFL’s top defense. The Dallas defense isn’t nearly as imposing as Philadelphia’s. The Commanders’ offensive line must build off last week’s performance. No, they weren’t perfect, but they were much better than many thought they’d be. Washington needs to keep Daniels clean and give him some opportunities to make plays downfield. The Commanders should find more success running the ball against the Cowboys, too. This is one of the most important matchups of this game.
Commanders cornerbacks vs. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens
Many feel the game will be decided here. How can Washington’s cornerbacks contain Lamb and Pickens? Given how quiet Lamb and Pickens were last week, they are due for a huge game against the Commanders. In the second meeting last December, Washington held Pickens and Lamb to 76 and 48 yards, respectively. Of course, Dallas found other ways to make them pay. In the first meeting of the 2025 season, Lamb had 110 yards, and Pickens finished with 82. This Commanders’ defense looks much better, mainly because of an improved pass rush and linebacker play. The questions at cornerback still remain. Expect the Cowboys to target Mike Sainristil until he proves he can win those matchups.
Jayden Daniels vs. Jaishawn Barham
Jayden Daniels finally got going in the fourth quarter of last week’s loss to the Eagles. He was almost perfect in the fourth quarter, completing 9 of 11 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ defense struggled mightily against the Giants. Rookie third-round pick Jaishawn Barham played alongside DeMarvion Overshown at inside linebacker in Week 1. Overshown was injured, and Barham will wear the green dot for Sunday’s game against the Commanders. He will be tasked with lining everyone up and handling all communication from the coaches. That’s a tough task, but the Cowboys believe Barham is ready for the challenge. Barham must worry about Daniels not only as a passer, but as a runner, too. This is a pivotal matchup for both teams.
Terry McLaurin vs. DaRon Bland
This may not be an exclusive matchup. The Commanders will move Terry McLaurin around far more than Kliff Kingsbury did. In last week’s opener against the Eagles, McLaurin had only four targets and two receptions for 14 yards. He didn’t catch his first pass until the fourth quarter. That won’t happen this week. The Commanders made it clear they needed to get McLaurin involved, but Daniels said he would go where his reads are this week. That’s the right strategy. You can get into trouble forcing things. However, you can bet Blough will work hard to get McLaurin touches early. Unlike previous years, if the Cowboys lock in on McLaurin, Daniels has more weapons, such as Stefon Diggs and rookie Antonio Williams.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders vs Cowboys: 4 matchups to watch in Week 2
