Redskins vs. Cowboys Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds: How to Consider the Playoff Stakes for Dallas Against Washington

Redskins at Cowboys Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds

• Odds: Cowboys -10.5
• Over/Under: 45.5
• Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: FOX

Odds as of Thursday and via DraftKings, where Action Network users get a risk-free bet up to $500.

The Cowboys' playoff hopes now hinge on their ability to beat the Redskins — and the Eagles losing to the Giants.

A loss to Washington means the season is over for Dallas.

With the stakes in mind, our experts preview this matchup and make their pick.

Redskins-Cowboys Injury Report

Which team is healthier? Both are banged up

In a must-win game, I expect Dak Prescott to play through his sprained AC joint, but the Cowboys still continue to limit his throwing in practice. And by limit, I mean they’re not letting him throw at all — he’s been listed as 'DNP' the past two days. As double-digit favorites, I wouldn’t think he needs to do much through the air to beat the Redskins.

Washington will be without Dwayne Haskins (ankle) and recently placed cornerback Quinton Dunbar (hamstring) on injured reserve. The Redskins could also be incredibly shorthanded in the secondary with safeties Landon Collins (shoulder) and Montae Nicholson (neck/ankle) on the injury report, along with cornerback Fabian Moreau (hamstring).

Their biggest injury of note is Terry McLaurin (concussion), who was listed as DNP on Wednesday and Thursday. This is shaping up to be an incredibly difficult spot for the Redskins if they’re down their best offensive weapon. — Justin Bailey

Note: Info as of Thursday. See our Injury Report for daily practice participation and game statuses up until kickoff.

Biggest Mismatch

Cowboys Passing Attack vs. Redskins Secondary

The Redskins have been decimated by injuries on both sides of the ball, but especially at corner.

This could get ugly for their secondary against Prescott and a trio of solid receivers indoors in Jerry World. Washington is now down to about its ninth and 10th corners of the season.

Just take a look at what has happened to this unit over this season:

• Greg Stroman and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie were placed on IR earlier this season.
• Quinton Dunbar (their best corner by far) and Danny Johnson were placed on IR on Christmas Eve.
• Jimmy Moreland was also recently placed on IR.
• Josh Norman continues to be a healthy scratch as the second-highest paid corner in league, despite all of the injuries in the secondary.
• Moreau is now battling an injury.

If Moreau can’t go, that would leave the following projected starting corners:

• Aaron Colvin (released by Texans earlier this)
• Coty Sensabaugh (released by Broncos; signed last week)
• Kayvon Webster (didn't make final cuts of Saints roster this summer; signed last week)

The situation is so dire for the Redskins that they just signed two undrafted players — Breon Borders and Dee Delaney — off the Jags' practice squad to help with depth.

Good luck against the Cowboys' trio of dangerous receivers on a passing offense that ranks fifth in Football Outsiders' DVOA. Even if Dak can't throw it deep as much with his lingering shoulder injury, the Cowboys might be able to simply play pitch and catch up and down the field with ease. — Stuckey

PRO System Match

Unders have been a smart play in division matchups as increased familiarity between teams creates a lower-scoring environment — unders have gone 843-744-29 (53.1%) since 2003.

It may seem obvious to some bettors, but it’s been more profitable to take the under in division games with high totals (more than 44 points) — it’s just easier for unders to cash when more points are expected to be scored.

Following this Pro System, bettors have gone 195-114-3 (63.1%) since 2003. A $100 bettor would have returned a profit of $7,135 following this strategy.

A majority of tickets are on the under and the data suggests that is the sharp play. — John Ewing

PRO Systems are data-driven betting strategies that turn winning long-term trends into easy-to-follow picks, all handpicked and monitored by our team of analysts. Try Action PRO now and instantly access real-time game matches for every PRO System.

Expert Pick

Matthew Freedman: Redskins +10.5

Under head coach Jason Garrett (since 2010), the Cowboys have been the NFL's worst team against the spread as home favorites. The problem is Garrett.

Road dogs are a delicious 36-20-1 against the spread against Garrett’s boys, good for a 26% return on investment, and I doubt the team will get up for this game after disappointing in such ignominious fashion last week with the NFC East title at stake.

If you bet on the Cowboys this weekend, you must hate money.

Freedman is 542-411-22 (56.9%) overall betting on the NFL. You can follow him in our free app.