Dallas @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 22, 2018 ) Washington 23, Dallas 31

The Dallas Cowboys are considered the team to beat in the NFC East and a soft schedule to open the season will just enhance their front-runner status. Following an impressive performance in a Week 1 rout of the New York Giants, the Cowboys look to make it two wins in as many weeks against a division opponent when they visit the Washington Redskins on Sunday afternoon.

Dallas steamrolled the Giants 35-17 despite a part-time contribution from running back Ezekiel Elliott, who was in uniform just days after ending his holdout by signing a six-year, $90 million extension last week. “We’re so balanced and have so many playmakers around the field, it puts a lot of stress on the defense,” Elliott said of the Cowboys, who scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions. Washington will need to tighten up on defense after squandering an early 17-point lead and allowing 25 points after halftime in a 32-27 setback at Philadelphia. "I'm excited to play these guys," said Redskins quarterback Case Keenum, a Texas native who played collegiately at the University of Houston. "They're a great football team. Their front is obviously very dangerous. ... We've got our work cut out for us."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Cowboys -5.5. O/U: 45.5

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (1-0): While Elliott (13 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD last week) was the focus of much of the media attention during his contract holdout, Dak Prescott showed he can carry the offense by throwing for 405 yards and four touchdowns to earn a perfect quarterback rating (158.3). Amari Cooper and newcomer Randall Cobb each hauled in scoring passes from Prescott while second-year wideout Michael Gallup had a monster game, setting career highs with seven receptions for 158 yards. Dallas did allow 151 yards rushing and 470 total yards to the Giants, but the defense recorded three sacks and three interceptions in the last meeting with Washington.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (0-1): Washington already has a serious injury concern as running back Derrius Guice, who missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury, hurt his other knee in the opener and underwent surgery Thursday that could sideline him for up to two months. Veteran Adrian Peterson, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season but was inactive in Week 1, will take over as the primary ball carrier behind Keenum, who was a bright spot in his Redskins debut by throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie wideout Terry McLaurin had five catches for 125 yards, but the defense allowed Philadelphia to convert 11 of 17 on third down.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Prescott has 10 TD passes and zero interceptions in his last five NFC East road games.

2. Redskins TE Jordan Reed, who is in the concussion protocol but hopes to play, has 51 catches in 10 games versus Dallas.

3. Elliott was held to 33 yards rushing at Washington last season but had 121 yards and a TD in the rematch in Dallas.

PREDICTION: Cowboys 27, Redskins 19