Commanders 23–19 Cowboys: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 18, 2024

Q: 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.

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?

M. Mariota (Washington Commanders) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +10.67 total EPA on Passing plays. across 23 snaps. Their top snap (+3.69 EPA): (:06) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Quick answer

Winner: Washington Commanders
Final score: Washington Commanders 23–19 Dallas Cowboys
Halftime: Washington Commanders 3–6 Dallas Cowboys at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Marcus Mariota
Top passer: Trey Lance
Biggest EPA play: (14:54) 5-B.Anger punts 42 yards to WAS 20, Center-44-T.Sieg. 80-J.Crowder MUFFS catch, to…
Game date: 2025-01-05

Game summary

The Washington Commanders beat the Dallas Cowboys 23–19 on 2025-01-05, overcoming Dallas Cowboys's 6–3 halftime lead. Marcus Mariota posted a game-high +10.67 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 29 combined points.

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

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

WASWashington Commanders

+3WAS 23

+3DAL 29

+1DAL 15

+3WAS 4

WAS 2

DAL 15

DALDallas Cowboys

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

12 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

DALDallas Cowboys
Q1 8:24FG
Brandon Aubrey
Points+3
Yard line
WAS 16
Score
0-3
(8:24) 17-B.Aubrey 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 12:45FG
Brandon Aubrey
Points+3
Yard line
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 downs.
WASWashington Commanders
Q2 4:44FG
Zane Gonzalez
Points+3
Yard line
DAL 29
Score
3-6
(4:44) 47-Z.Gonzalez 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-10-T.Way.
DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 8:55FG
Brandon Aubrey
Points+3
Yard line
WAS 17
Score
3-9
(8:55) 17-B.Aubrey 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
WASWashington Commanders
Q3 5:10TD
Zach Ertz
Points+6
Yard line
DAL 5
Score
9-9
(5:10) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short right to 86-Z.Ertz for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
WASWashington Commanders
Q3 5:07XP
Zane Gonzalez
Points+1
Yard line
DAL 15
Score
10-9
47-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-10-T.Way.
DALDallas Cowboys
Q4 13:55FG
Brandon Aubrey
Points+3
Yard line
WAS 4
Score
10-12
(13:55) 17-B.Aubrey 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
WASWashington Commanders
Q4 11:22TD
Marcus Mariota
Points+6
Yard line
DAL 5
Score
16-12
(11:22) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
DALDallas Cowboys
Q4 7:06TD
Rico Dowdle
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 2
Score
16-18
(7:06) (Shotgun) 23-R.Dowdle left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
DALDallas Cowboys
Q4 7:02XP
Brandon Aubrey
Points+1
Yard line
WAS 20
Score
16-19
17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
WASWashington Commanders
Q4 0:06TD
Terry McLaurin
Points+6
Yard line
DAL 5
Score
22-19
(:06) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
WASWashington Commanders
Q4 0:03TD
Zane Gonzalez
Points+7
Yard line
DAL 15
Score
23-19
47-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-10-T.Way.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Marcus Mariota · Washington Commanders · Passing · +10.67 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
2Jalen Tolbert · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +6.65 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
3Marcus Mariota · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +5.56 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.85 EPA/play
4Zach Ertz · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.79 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
5Terry McLaurin · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.68 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
6Hunter Luepke · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +2.56 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
7Olamide Zaccheaus · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.40 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
8Trey Lance · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +2.25 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Marcus Mariota — WAS · Passing

Marcus Mariota posted the highest total EPA (+10.67) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Washington Commanders. Across 23 counted snaps, they averaged +0.46 EPA per play.

Marcus Mariota's top snap (+3.69 EPA): (:06) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (+5.46 EPA): Bryan Anger — (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.

Quarterback report card

Trey Lance led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Trey Lance (Dallas Cowboys) · 40 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -8.7% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +2.25 total EPA
Marcus 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.

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%

Drive & efficiency notes

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.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Washington Commanders: +0.10 EPA/play (71st percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)
Dallas Cowboys: +0.04 EPA/play (55th percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)

Dallas Cowboys: 11 drives, +4.24 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Washington Commanders: 10 drives, +7.48 total EPA, 4 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

Washington Commanders — Zach Ertz (Marcus Mariota pass) (Q3 5:10)
Washington Commanders — Marcus Mariota (Q4 11:22)
Dallas Cowboys — Rico Dowdle (Q4 7:06)
Washington Commanders — Terry McLaurin (Marcus Mariota pass) (Q4 0:06)

Field goals

Dallas Cowboys — Brandon Aubrey (Q1 8:24)
Dallas Cowboys — Brandon Aubrey (Q2 12:45)
Washington Commanders — Zane Gonzalez (Q2 4:44)
Dallas Cowboys — Brandon Aubrey (Q3 8:55)
Dallas Cowboys — Brandon Aubrey (Q4 13:55)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 3–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 16 (Q1 8:24) — (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 12:45); Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the DAL 29 (Q2 4:44) — (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 8:55) — (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 5:10) — (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 5:07) — 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.

Washington Commanders (Q4 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +41.4% · EPA +3.69]
Washington Commanders (Q4 0:33) — (:33) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota left tackle to DAL 16 for 33 yards (28-M.Hooker). [WPA +32.0% · EPA +3.56]
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). [WPA +14.5% · EPA +1.84]
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. [WPA +12.7% · EPA +2.75]
Washington Commanders (Q3 5:36) — (5:36) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass deep right to 14-O.Zaccheaus to DAL 5 for 29 yards (2-J.Lewis). [WPA +12.5% · EPA +3.22]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Dallas Cowboys (Q2 14:54) — (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. [WPA +8.7% · EPA +5.46]
Washington Commanders (Q4 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +41.4% · EPA +3.69]
Washington Commanders (Q4 0:33) — (:33) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota left tackle to DAL 16 for 33 yards (28-M.Hooker). [WPA +32.0% · EPA +3.56]
Dallas Cowboys (Q1 11:30) — (11:30) (Shotgun) 19-T.Lance pass deep right to 1-J.Tolbert pushed ob at DAL 44 for 31 yards (35-P.Butler). [WPA +7.7% · EPA +3.33]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q1 8:24 · 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 12:45 · 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 downs.
Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 4:44 · 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 8:55 · 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 5:10 · 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 5:07 · 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.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

Washington Commanders earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
Marcus Mariota (Washington Commanders) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Trey Lance (DAL) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys on 2025-01-05?

The Washington Commanders beat the Dallas Cowboys 23-19 in Week 18, 2024.

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 5:10) 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 8:24, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q2 12:45, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — Z. Gonzalez (Q2 4:44, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q3 8:55, 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?

Trey Lance (Dallas Cowboys), 50.0% completion, -8.7% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +2.25 total passing EPA. Marcus Mariota (Washington Commanders), 65.2% completion, +23.5% CPOE, +0.46 EPA per dropback, +10.67 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?

Marcus Mariota (Washington Commanders) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +10.67 total EPA on Passing plays. across 23 snaps. Their top snap (+3.69 EPA): (:06) (Shotgun) 18-M.Mariota pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

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 within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Washington Commanders

Entered 11-5 Now 12-5 W

Dallas Cowboys

Entered 7-9 Now 7-10 L

Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys: 2024 Week 18 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

Top fantasy performers · Cowboys

Quick answer

Game summary