Washington @ Dallas preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 21, 2018 ) Dallas 17, Washington 20

In a short week, the Washington Redskins not only have to rebound from a narrow defeat but also move forward after losing their starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Alex Smith suffered a gruesome injury in Sunday's loss to Houston, leaving Colt McCoy to take over entering Thursday's crucial matchup against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys.

Washington was in firm control of the NFC East following a three-game winning streak that included a 20-17 victory over visiting Dallas, but coach Jay Gruden is confident McCoy can steady the team after two losses in three games. “I'm a big, firm believer in Colt McCoy's ability to play," Gruden said. "This is an opportunity of a lifetime for him. I know he would like it in different circumstances, but things happen for a reason. He'll take advantage of it." The Cowboys appeared ready to drop out of contention before posting consecutive back-to-back road wins at Philadelphia and Atlanta to draw within one game of the Redskins. “You know what Thanksgiving means to the Cowboys and to our tradition," Dallas owner Jerry Jones said. "We’re so proud to have done what we’ve done for the NFL on Thanksgiving Day. To have it boil down to a game of this substance, that will be a treat for us on Thanksgiving Day.”

TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Cowboys -7.5. O/U: 40.5

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (6-4): No matter who is under center, Washington's game plan will remain the same -- control the clock by feeding veteran running back Adrian Peterson and lean on a defense that ranks fifth in points allowed (19.8). Peterson scored twice in Sunday's 23-21 loss to Houston and rushed for 99 yards on 24 carries against Dallas last month, a game in which Smith was limited to 178 yards passing and one touchdown. McCoy, who was 6 of 12 for 54 yards and a TD on Sunday, has made 25 career starts but has not seen substantial duty since appearing in five games with the Redskins in 2014. Washington's No. 6-ranked run defense held Ezekiel Elliott to a season-low 33 yards in Week 7.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (5-5): Elliott has been instrumental in Dallas' last two victories, rushing for 273 yards and a pair of touchdowns while hauling in 13 receptions for 115 yards and another score. Wide receiver Amari Cooper, acquired from Oakland at the trade deadline, has 14 catches for 169 yards and a TD in three games with the Cowboys, but quarterback Dak Prescott has benefited from his presence in the lineup by posting his three top completion percentages during that time. Prescott lost two fumbles in the first matchup, one of which was returned for a TD, and will be without starting tight end Geoff Swaim (wrist). The Cowboys have allowed more than 20 points once in the past six games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Elliott joined Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James as the only players with at least 4,500 scrimmage yards and 30 TDs in his first 35 games.

2. Redskins TE Jordan Reed has a season high-tying seven catches last week and 10 receptions for two scores in his last game at Dallas.

3. Cowboys DE Demarcus Lawrence has 3.0 sacks and six tackles for loss in the last three meetings versus Washington.

PREDICTION: Cowboys 23, Redskins 19