Game story
In Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season on 2025-01-05, the Washington Commanders took care of business against the Dallas Cowboys, pulling away with a 23–19 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 29 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
T. Lance (Dallas Cowboys) paced the passing game, with +2.25 total EPA, and -8.7% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Mariota (Washington Commanders) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.67 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+41.4% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Washington Commanders changed the game: (:06) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | 0 | 3 | 7 | 19 | 0 | 23 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 3 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 19 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Mariota · Washington Commanders · Passing · +10.67 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 2 J. Tolbert · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +6.65 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
- 3 M. Mariota · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +5.56 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.85 EPA/play
- 4 Z. Ertz · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.79 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
- 5 T. McLaurin · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.68 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 6 H. Luepke · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +2.56 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
- 7 O. Zaccheaus · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.40 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
- 8 T. Lance · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +2.25 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Mariota — WAS · Passing
M. Mariota posted the highest total EPA (+10.67) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Washington Commanders's efficiency. Across 23 counted snaps, they averaged +0.46 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.46 EPA) came from Dallas Cowboys: (14:54) 5-B.Anger punts 42 yards to WAS 20, Center-44-T.Sieg. 80-J.Crowder MUFFS catch, touched at WAS 22, RECOVERED by DAL-29-C.Goodwin at WAS 22.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Washington Commanders — Z. Ertz (M. Mariota pass)
- Washington Commanders — M. Mariota
- Dallas Cowboys — R. Dowdle
- Washington Commanders — T. McLaurin (M. Mariota pass)
Field goals
- Dallas Cowboys — B. Aubrey
- Dallas Cowboys — B. Aubrey
- Washington Commanders — Z. Gonzalez
- Dallas Cowboys — B. Aubrey
- Dallas Cowboys — B. Aubrey
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 3–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 16 (Q1 53:24) — (8:24) 17-B.Aubrey 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 23 (Q2 42:45); Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the DAL 29 (Q2 34:44) — (4:44) 47-Z.Gonzalez 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-10-T.Way..
The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–3. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 17 (Q3 23:55) — (8:55) 17-B.Aubrey 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the DAL 5 (Q3 20:10) — (5:10) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short right to 86-Z.Ertz for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q3 20:07) — 47-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-10-T.Way..
The fourth quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 19–10. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 4 (Q4 13:55) — (13:55) 17-B.Aubrey 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the DAL 5 (Q4 11:22) — (11:22) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the WAS 2 (Q4 7:06) — (7:06) (Shotgun) 23-R.Dowdle left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the WAS 20 (Q4 7:02) — 17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the DAL 5 (Q4 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the DAL 15 (Q4 0:03) — 47-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-10-T.Way..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Washington Commanders (Q4 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q4 0:33) — (:33) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota left tackle to DAL 16 for 33 yards (28-M.Hooker).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 10:33) — (10:33) 19-T.Lance pass deep right to 1-J.Tolbert to WAS 28 for 32 yards (0-M.Sainristil).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 8:31) — (8:31) (Shotgun) 19-T.Lance pass incomplete deep right to 81-J.Mingo (25-B.St-Juste). PENALTY on WAS-25-B.St-Juste, Defensive Pass Interference, 20 yards, enforced at WAS 21 - No Play.
- Washington Commanders (Q3 20:36) — (5:36) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass deep right to 14-O.Zaccheaus to DAL 5 for 29 yards (2-J.Lewis).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 44:54) — (14:54) 5-B.Anger punts 42 yards to WAS 20, Center-44-T.Sieg. 80-J.Crowder MUFFS catch, touched at WAS 22, RECOVERED by DAL-29-C.Goodwin at WAS 22.
- Washington Commanders (Q4 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q4 0:33) — (:33) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota left tackle to DAL 16 for 33 yards (28-M.Hooker).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 56:30) — (11:30) (Shotgun) 19-T.Lance pass deep right to 1-J.Tolbert pushed ob at DAL 44 for 31 yards (35-P.Butler).
Quarterback report card
T.Lance led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T.Lance (Dallas Cowboys) · 40 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -8.7% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +2.25 total EPA
- M.Mariota (Washington Commanders) · 23 dropbacks · 65.2% completion · +23.5% CPOE · +0.46 EPA/play · +10.67 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Washington Commanders | Dallas Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.102 | +0.042 |
| Offensive success rate | 52.1% | 44.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.024 | +0.056 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.253 | -0.055 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.042 | -0.102 |
| Defensive success rate | 56.0% | 47.9% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Washington Commanders generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.10 vs +0.04), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Dallas Cowboys: 11 drives, +4.24 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 10 drives, +7.48 total EPA, 4 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.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- M. Mariota (Washington Commanders) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- T. Lance (DAL) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- M. Mariota (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 53:24 · WAS 16 · Score 0-3
(8:24) 17-B.Aubrey 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 42:45 · WAS 23 · Score 0-6
(12:45) 17-B.Aubrey 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger. PENALTY on WAS-94-D.Payne, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced between - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 34:44 · DAL 29 · Score 3-6
(4:44) 47-Z.Gonzalez 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-10-T.Way. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 23:55 · WAS 17 · Score 3-9
(8:55) 17-B.Aubrey 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 20:10 · DAL 5 · Score 9-9
(5:10) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short right to 86-Z.Ertz for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 20:07 · DAL 15 · Score 10-9
47-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-10-T.Way. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 13:55 · WAS 4 · Score 10-12
(13:55) 17-B.Aubrey 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 11:22 · DAL 5 · Score 16-12
(11:22) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 7:06 · WAS 2 · Score 16-18
(7:06) (Shotgun) 23-R.Dowdle left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 7:02 · WAS 20 · Score 16-19
17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 0:06 · DAL 5 · Score 22-19
(:06) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders TD (+7) — Q4 0:03 · DAL 15 · Score 23-19
47-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-10-T.Way.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?
The Washington Commanders beat the Dallas Cowboys 23-19 in Week 18, 2024 on 2025-01-05.
What was the final score of Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?
The final score was Washington Commanders 23, Dallas Cowboys 19 (WAS 23-19 DAL) in Week 18, 2024 on 2025-01-05.
What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?
Q1: Washington Commanders 0, Dallas Cowboys 3; Q2: Washington Commanders 3, Dallas Cowboys 3; Q3: Washington Commanders 7, Dallas Cowboys 3; Q4: Washington Commanders 19, Dallas Cowboys 10; Final: Washington Commanders 23, Dallas Cowboys 19.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?
Washington Commanders touchdown — Z. Ertz (M. Mariota pass) (Q3 20:10) Washington Commanders touchdown — M. Mariota (Q4 11:22) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — R. Dowdle (Q4 7:06) Washington Commanders touchdown — T. McLaurin (M. Mariota pass) (Q4 0:06) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q1 53:24, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q2 42:45, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — Z. Gonzalez (Q2 34:44, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q3 23:55, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q4 13:55, 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?
T. Lance (Dallas Cowboys), 50.0% completion, -8.7% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +2.25 total passing EPA. M. Mariota (Washington Commanders), 65.2% completion, +23.5% CPOE, +0.46 EPA per dropback, +10.67 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?
M. Mariota (Washington Commanders) led the game in total EPA with +10.67 on passing plays. across 23 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.46 EPA): (14:54) 5-B.Anger punts 42 yards to WAS 20, Center-44-T.Sieg. 80-J.Crowder MUFFS catch, touched at WAS 22, RECOVERED by DAL-29-C.Goodwin at WAS 22.. The biggest win-probability swing was +41.4%.
Was Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Washington Commanders won 23-19 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Washington Commanders
Entered 11-5 Now 12-5 W
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 7-9 Now 7-10 L
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