cowboys vs commanders

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2025 Christmas Day NFL Clash

As the festive season settles in across Canada and the United States, the NFL delivers a marquee matchup for football fans seeking post-dinner entertainment. The spotlight on December 25, 2025, falls squarely on the NFC East rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders. While the stakes may differ from years past, the intensity of this historic rivalry remains undiminished.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the Cowboys vs Commanders Christmas Day game, covering viewing options, team status, and what to expect from this Week 17 showdown.

Main Narrative: A Holiday Rivalry Under the Netflix Spotlight

The 2025 NFL season has taken an unconventional turn with the introduction of Christmas Day games broadcast exclusively on streaming platforms. The Cowboys vs Commanders matchup serves as a centerpiece of this new strategy, pitting two storied franchises against each other in a game that transcends mere standings.

For fans in Canada and beyond, this represents a significant shift in how they consume live sports. The game is not available on traditional cable networks; instead, it requires a subscription to Netflix, marking a pivotal moment in sports broadcasting rights.

According to reports from IndyStar, this game is part of a Christmas Day doubleheader exclusive to the streaming giant. While the local markets of Dallas and Washington will still have access to the game via their local CBS affiliates, the national audience is directed toward the streaming service. This move highlights the NFL's aggressive push into the digital streaming space, making the Cowboys vs Commanders game a historic broadcast event.

The Broadcast Landscape: How to Watch

For fans wondering what channel is the Cowboys Commanders game on today, the answer is not as straightforward as usual. The landscape of NFL broadcasting has evolved, and this game is a prime example.

Netflix Exclusive

As confirmed by Yahoo Sports Canada, the announcers for the NFL Christmas games, including this matchup, are part of the Netflix production. This means the traditional broadcast teams found on CBS or Fox are not calling this game for the national feed. Instead, Netflix has assembled its own team to present the game to a global audience.

Local Viewing Options

Despite the national streaming exclusivity, IndyStar notes that fans residing in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Washington D.C. media markets can still watch the game on their local CBS affiliates. This is a standard provision for "flexed" or exclusive streaming games to ensure local fans can support their teams without additional barriers.

Streaming Details

• Platform: Netflix
• Time: The game kicks off on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
• Availability: Viewers outside the local markets must have an active Netflix subscription to watch live.

Team Analysis: Struggles in the NFC East

The 2025 season has not been kind to either of these franchises. Entering Week 17, both teams are navigating the final weeks of a disappointing campaign, looking to build momentum for the future rather than salvage a playoff berth.

The Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1)

The Cowboys are enduring a season of ups and downs. While they have shown flashes of offensive brilliance, consistency has been elusive. With a record of 6-8-1, Dallas is mathematically eliminated from postseason contention but is playing for pride and position in the draft order. The focus for the Cowboys is undoubtedly on the health of their roster and evaluating which pieces fit into the future puzzle.

The Washington Commanders (4-11)

The Commanders have had a difficult season, currently sitting at 4-11. The focus in Washington has been on developing their young core and identifying the coaching strategies that will lead to success in 2026. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued them, but a rivalry game on Christmas Day offers a chance to play the spoiler role against a hated division rival.

Recent Updates: Inactives and Roster News

Leading up to kickoff, both teams released their final injury reports and lists of inactive players. These updates are crucial for understanding the matchups on the field.

Washington Commanders Inactives

The Commanders' offensive line will be significantly compromised for this matchup. According to reports from sources covering the game, Washington will be without key starters: * Laremy Tunsil (Left Tackle): A massive loss for the Commanders' protection scheme. * Daron Payne (Defensive Tackle): A key component of the defensive front. * Nick Bellore: A versatile veteran contributor. * Chris Rodriguez Jr. (Running Back): Confirmed inactive, altering the backfield rotation.

Dallas Cowboys Inactives

While the specific list for Dallas varies by source, the general consensus from live updates indicates the Cowboys are managing their own set of injuries as they close out the season. The team is looking to younger players to step up in these final weeks.

Historical Context: The NFC East Rivalry

The Cowboys vs Commanders rivalry dates back decades. While Washington has rebranded from the "Redskins" to the "Commanders," the bitterness of the matchup remains. Historically, this rivalry has produced memorable moments, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.

For the Cowboys, this series has been a stepping stone to dominance; for the Commanders, it has been a hurdle to overcome. In recent years, Dallas has held the upper hand, but on any given Christmas Day, records are thrown out the window.

Betting Odds and Predictions

For those interested in the wagering aspect of the game, the odds have been a topic of discussion. The Arizona Republic provided insights into the betting lines and predictions for this Christmas matchup.

The Cowboys entered the game as favorites, likely due to their slightly better record and home-field advantage (assuming the game is in Dallas, though some sources suggest Washington hosting). However, with the volatility of the NFC East, the spread is tight.

• The Spread: Dallas is favored by a narrow margin (typically between 2.5 and 3.5 points).
• Over/Under: The total points line reflects a defensive struggle, likely sitting in the low 40s.

Prediction Analysis: Analysts suggest that the game will likely come down to which quarterback can avoid turnovers. With Washington’s offensive line injuries, Dallas’s pass rush may have a significant advantage.

Immediate Effects: The Streaming Experiment

The immediate impact of this game extends beyond the score. It serves as a litmus test for the NFL's partnership with Netflix.

If viewership numbers for the Cowboys vs Commanders game are high, it validates the league's strategy of diversifying its broadcast partners. For Canadian fans, this may signal a future where NFL rights are fragmented across multiple streaming services, potentially requiring more subscriptions to access all games.

Furthermore, the game's outcome affects the 2026 NFL Draft order. A win for the Commanders improves their draft position slightly, while a win for the Cowboys improves their standing and perhaps offers a morale boost to a fanbase anxious about the future.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Both Teams?

As the clock winds down on the 2025 season, the focus shifts to the offseason.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys face critical decisions regarding their roster construction. With key players entering contract years and the coaching staff under scrutiny for the team's underperformance, the Cowboys vs Commanders game serves as a final evaluation period. Expect a busy offseason in Dallas as they attempt to recapture the form that made them contenders in previous years.

Washington Commanders

For Washington, the path forward is about stability. The franchise needs to protect its quarterback better (hence the concern over the offensive line injuries) and establish a consistent offensive identity. The rivalry game against Dallas is a chance to end the season on a high note and carry some positivity into the next training camp.

Conclusion

The Cowboys vs Commanders Christmas Day game is more than just a holiday tradition; it is a snapshot of the modern NFL. It features a clash of historic rivals, a test of new broadcasting technologies, and a battle between two teams looking to the future.

Whether you are tuning in via Netflix in Toronto, watching on a local CBS affiliate in Dallas, or following along through live updates, this game promises the drama and passion that only the NFL can deliver. As the league continues to evolve, matchups like this ensure that the spirit of competition remains alive and well, even on a day usually reserved for rest and family.