NFL Week 12 Recap: Dak Prescott’s Cowboys Blow Out Commanders

Powered by defensive takeaways and strong quarterback play, Dallas is proving it is ready to take on the NFC with a 45-point showing on Thanksgiving Day.

There’s arguably nothing more American than football on Thanksgiving.

And, frankly, there are few traditions more annual than the Lions hosting on Turkey Day and infuriating the entire city of Detroit. But, coming in at 8–2, the 2023 Lions seemed poised to buck that trend, only to play horribly against a determined Packers (5–6) team.

In the second portion of the holiday tripleheader, the Commanders (4–78) visited the Cowboys (8–3), with Dallas easily covering the spread despite laying almost two full touchdowns. Thursday’s win puts the Cowboys within 1.5 games of the Eagles in the NFC East. Philadelphia hosts the Bills on Sunday afternoon.

Finally, the Seahawks (6–4) host the 49ers (7–3) in a battle for first place in the NFC West. It’s a massive game for Seattle, which has to face San Francisco, Philadelphia and Dallas over the next three weeks.

(This story will be updated throughout the week.)

THURSDAY

Cowboys 45, Commanders 10

• What it means for Commanders: Washington (4–8) has entered the evaluation phase. With new ownership taking over before the season, only a successful 2023 campaign was going to prevent a housecleaning. The big question is whether the Commanders’ brass believes in quarterback Sam Howell, who leads the NFL in passing yards, sacks taken, attempts and completions. What to make of this? The last five games are about figuring out who has a place in 2024 and beyond.
• What it means for Cowboys: When Dak Prescott is hot—and he’s played very well this year—Dallas (8–3) can challenge anybody in the league. Prescott threw for 331 yards (10.4 YPA) and four touchdowns against Washington, doing a nice job of going downfield and finding results. However, we’re going to find out just how consistent Prescott and the Cowboys can be as they face the Seahawks, Eagles, Bills, Dolphins and Lions in their next five games. Also, DaRon Bland. Whew.

Packers 29, Lions 22

• What it means for Packers: Green Bay (5–6) is alive in the playoff chase. The Packers appeared finished less than a week ago, but now with wins over the Chargers and Lions, they’re suddenly a factor in the NFC wild card race. The defense has stepped up considerably under beleaguered coordinator Joe Barry, limiting Los Angeles and Detroit to 42 combined points. Offensively, Jordan Love has been excellent in those two wins, throwing five touchdowns and totaling 590 passing yards without a turnover. Next up, a Sunday night showdown at Lambeau against the Chiefs.
• What it means for Lions: Detroit (8–3) is still in terrific shape in the NFC North, but this is its second bad performance in five days. The Lions were able to pull off a miracle last Sunday in their comeback victory over the Bears, but no such luck against the Packers. Jared Goff has been a mess in both games, turning the ball over three times in each affair. If Detroit reels in the turnovers and can reassert itself defensively, the Lions have a chance to finish with 12 or 13 wins. If not, every game becomes an adventure.