Game story
In Week 12 of the 2020 NFL season on 2020-11-26, the Washington Commanders took care of business against the Dallas Cowboys, pulling away with a 41–16 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
A. Dalton (Dallas Cowboys) paced the passing game, with -17.17 total EPA, and +2.5% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, A. Gibson (Washington Commanders) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +4.92 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-18.5% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Washington Commanders changed the game: (4:21) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short left intended for 17-T.McLaurin INTERCEPTED by 54-J.Smith [58-A.Smith] at WAS 47. 54-J.Smith to WAS 4 for 43 yards (17-T.McLaurin).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | 7 | 10 | 3 | 21 | 0 | 41 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 3 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Gibson · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +4.92 total EPA · 21 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 2 A. Cooper · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.79 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
- 3 P. Barber · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +4.22 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
- 4 J. McKissic · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +3.05 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.52 EPA/play
- 5 L. Thomas · Washington Commanders · Passing · +1.86 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.86 EPA/play
- 6 D. Inman · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.58 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.58 EPA/play
- 7 A. Dalton · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +1.56 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.56 EPA/play
- 8 L. Thomas · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.51 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Gibson — WAS · Rushing
A. Gibson posted the highest total EPA (+4.92) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Washington Commanders's efficiency. Across 21 counted snaps, they averaged +0.23 EPA per play.
The signature play (-7.98 EPA) came from Dallas Cowboys: (3:31) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right intended for 21-E.Elliott INTERCEPTED by 90-M.Sweat at DAL 15. 90-M.Sweat for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Washington Commanders — A. Gibson
- Dallas Cowboys — A. Cooper (A. Dalton pass)
- Washington Commanders — L. Thomas (A. Smith pass)
- Washington Commanders — A. Gibson
- Washington Commanders — A. Gibson
- Washington Commanders — M. Sweat
Field goals
- Dallas Cowboys — G. Zuerlein
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
- Dallas Cowboys — G. Zuerlein
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
- Dallas Cowboys — G. Zuerlein
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–3. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 15 (Q1 53:33) — (8:33) 2-G.Zuerlein 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-H.Niswander.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the DAL 5 (Q1 46:43) — (1:43) 24-A.Gibson right end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q1 46:37) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the WAS 54 (Q2 44:17) — (14:17) 14-A.Dalton pass deep right to 19-A.Cooper for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 44:08) — 2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-H.Niswander.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the DAL 5 (Q2 37:16) — (7:16) 3-D.Hopkins 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the DAL 5 (Q2 32:31) — (2:31) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short left to 82-L.Thomas for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q2 32:26) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 14 (Q2 30:23) — (:23) 2-G.Zuerlein 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-H.Niswander..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the DAL 18 (Q3 25:52) — (10:52) 3-D.Hopkins 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 10 (Q3 17:36) — (2:36) 2-G.Zuerlein 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-H.Niswander..
The fourth quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 21–0. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the DAL 23 (Q4 12:13) — (12:13) (Shotgun) 24-A.Gibson left tackle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q4 12:07) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the DAL 37 (Q4 3:39) — (3:39) (Shotgun) 24-A.Gibson up the middle for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q4 3:31) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the WAS 75 (Q4 3:31); Washington Commanders added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q4 3:24) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Washington Commanders (Q3 19:21) — (4:21) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short left intended for 17-T.McLaurin INTERCEPTED by 54-J.Smith [58-A.Smith] at WAS 47. 54-J.Smith to WAS 4 for 43 yards (17-T.McLaurin).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 44:17) — (14:17) 14-A.Dalton pass deep right to 19-A.Cooper for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 35:22) — (5:22) 14-A.Dalton pass incomplete short right to 88-C.Lamb (23-R.Darby). PENALTY on DAL-86-D.Schultz, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at DAL 34.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q3 29:22) — (14:22) 21-E.Elliott up the middle to DAL 34 for 3 yards (93-J.Allen). Washington challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 21-E.Elliott up the middle to DAL 34 for
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 31:42) — (1:42) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton sacked at DAL 41 for -9 yards (99-C.Young).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 3:31) — (3:31) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right intended for 21-E.Elliott INTERCEPTED by 90-M.Sweat at DAL 15. 90-M.Sweat for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q3 19:21) — (4:21) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short left intended for 17-T.McLaurin INTERCEPTED by 54-J.Smith [58-A.Smith] at WAS 47. 54-J.Smith to WAS 4 for 43 yards (17-T.McLaurin).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q3 29:22) — (14:22) 21-E.Elliott up the middle to DAL 34 for 3 yards (93-J.Allen). Washington challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 21-E.Elliott up the middle to DAL 34 for
- Washington Commanders (Q4 3:39) — (3:39) (Shotgun) 24-A.Gibson up the middle for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
A.Dalton led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- A.Dalton (Dallas Cowboys) · 42 dropbacks · 59.5% completion · +2.5% CPOE · -0.41 EPA/play · -17.17 total EPA
- A.Smith (Washington Commanders) · 32 dropbacks · 59.4% completion · +8.2% CPOE · -0.15 EPA/play · -4.91 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Washington Commanders | Dallas Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.056 | -0.348 |
| Offensive success rate | 54.1% | 40.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.092 | -0.428 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.297 | -0.561 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.348 | -0.056 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.2% | 45.9% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Washington Commanders generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.06 vs -0.35), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Dallas Cowboys: 11 drives, -26.42 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 12 drives, +4.78 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Washington Commanders leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- A. Gibson (Washington Commanders) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- A. Smith (WAS) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q1 53:33 · WAS 15 · Score 0-3
(8:33) 2-G.Zuerlein 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-H.Niswander. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q1 46:43 · DAL 5 · Score 6-3
(1:43) 24-A.Gibson right end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q1 46:37 · DAL 15 · Score 7-3
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 44:17 · WAS 54 · Score 7-9
(14:17) 14-A.Dalton pass deep right to 19-A.Cooper for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 44:08 · WAS 15 · Score 7-10
2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-H.Niswander. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 37:16 · DAL 5 · Score 10-10
(7:16) 3-D.Hopkins 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 32:31 · DAL 5 · Score 16-10
(2:31) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short left to 82-L.Thomas for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 32:26 · DAL 15 · Score 17-10
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 30:23 · WAS 14 · Score 17-13
(:23) 2-G.Zuerlein 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-H.Niswander. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q3 25:52 · DAL 18 · Score 20-13
(10:52) 3-D.Hopkins 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 17:36 · WAS 10 · Score 20-16
(2:36) 2-G.Zuerlein 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-H.Niswander. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 12:13 · DAL 23 · Score 26-16
(12:13) (Shotgun) 24-A.Gibson left tackle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 12:07 · DAL 15 · Score 27-16
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 3:39 · DAL 37 · Score 33-16
(3:39) (Shotgun) 24-A.Gibson up the middle for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 3:31 · DAL 15 · Score 34-16
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 3:31 · WAS 75 · Score 40-16
(3:31) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right intended for 21-E.Elliott INTERCEPTED by 90-M.Sweat at DAL 15. 90-M.Sweat for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 3:24 · DAL 15 · Score 41-16
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?
The Washington Commanders beat the Dallas Cowboys 41-16 in Week 12, 2020 on 2020-11-26.
What was the final score of Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?
The final score was Washington Commanders 41, Dallas Cowboys 16 (WAS 41-16 DAL) in Week 12, 2020 on 2020-11-26.
What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?
Q1: Washington Commanders 7, Dallas Cowboys 3; Q2: Washington Commanders 10, Dallas Cowboys 10; Q3: Washington Commanders 3, Dallas Cowboys 3; Q4: Washington Commanders 21, Dallas Cowboys 0; Final: Washington Commanders 41, Dallas Cowboys 16.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?
Washington Commanders touchdown — A. Gibson (Q1 46:43) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — A. Cooper (A. Dalton pass) (Q2 44:17) Washington Commanders touchdown — L. Thomas (A. Smith pass) (Q2 32:31) Washington Commanders touchdown — A. Gibson (Q4 12:13) Washington Commanders touchdown — A. Gibson (Q4 3:39) Washington Commanders touchdown — M. Sweat (Q4 3:31) Dallas Cowboys field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q1 53:33, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 37:16, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q2 30:23, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q3 25:52, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q3 17:36, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?
A. Dalton (Dallas Cowboys), 59.5% completion, +2.5% CPOE, -0.41 EPA per dropback, -17.17 total passing EPA. A. Smith (Washington Commanders), 59.4% completion, +8.2% CPOE, -0.15 EPA per dropback, -4.91 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?
A. Gibson (Washington Commanders) led the game in total EPA with +4.92 on rushing plays. across 21 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.98 EPA): (3:31) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right intended for 21-E.Elliott INTERCEPTED by 90-M.Sweat at DAL 15. 90-M.Sweat for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -18.5%.
Season records after this game
Washington Commanders
Entered 3-7 Now 4-7 W
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 3-7 Now 3-8 L
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