The Dallas Cowboys will attempt to get back on track against a familiar foe in Week 7 when they host the Washington Commanders. Both teams are coming off last-second losses, with the winner placing themselves in sole possession of second place in the NFC East division.

Despite the Commanders being the trendy team on the upswing in the NFC, there are reasons to love the Cowboys‘ matchup with their old rivals. Dan Quinn’s team arrives after giving the ball away three times and struggling to contain the rushing attack of the Chicago Bears, a team that hadn’t had much success on the ground until going up against the Commanders.

Here are three reasons to believe the Cowboys can beat the Commanders and get back on the right path in Week 7.

Cowboys’ rushing attack

It wasn’t a pleasant experience for the Cowboys’ ground game last week, but things are looking up. The Commanders are coming off a game where they allowed 145 rushing yards and 5.4 yards an attempt. Their defense ranks 20th in the league, giving up close to 122 ypg, adding to the notion that Quinn’s defenses have issues stopping the run.

The Commanders are also coming into the road game on a short week, so their defense could have some tired legs going up against an offense looking to rebound. Brian Schottenheimer’s rushing attack had run for at least 117 yards in each contest this season before last week’s stinker, where they only gained 31 yards on the ground.

Getting the left side of their offensive line back last week didn’t boost the running game, but the educated guess is the Cowboys will be able to run the ball better with left guard Tyler Guyton and left tackle Tyler Smith’s improving health. Limited practice time last week didn’t help the rushing attack, but that should change in Week 7 where the duo is coming off a full week of practice and preparation.

As a bonus, the Cowboys’ offensive line is also be getting another piece back. Rookie right guard Tyler Booker looks to be returning in Week 7.

Tyler Booker ran onto the practice field today — so yeah, my guess is he’s back this weekend. #Cowboyspic.twitter.com/zVCqImDTXS

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) October 16, 2025

If the Cowboys want to bounce back, the running game getting into gear again will be key. It helps that the band is almost back together up front.

Commanders’ limited passing game weapons

The Commanders have one of the best rushing offenses in the league, but they will be lacking offensive firepower at receiver against the Cowboys. Their top wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, won’t play play due to a quad injury, nor will third WR Noah Brown, who went on IR this week.

#Commanders coach Dan Quinn tells reporters that WR Terry McLaurin is out for Sunday.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 17, 2025

Their other top option, Deebo Samuel, is dealing with a heel injury that limited his ability to practice all week and led to his being ruled out on Saturday. That leaves WRs Chris Moore, Jaylin Lane, and Luke McCaffrey as the top healthy options for quarterback Jayden Daniels. The group has combined for 21 receptions, but four scores this season.

It’s a banged up receiving group that will be shorthanded, which is good news for a Cowboys’ passing defense that has struggled to cover. In addition, the defense will be without cornerback Trevon Diggs in the secondary, as he’ll miss the game with concussion suffered at his hiome. The less skill players they have to defend with a depleted secondary, the better. Turning the Commanders into a one-dimensional offense is a good way to win in Week 7.

Daniels get sacked, a lot

The Commanders beefed up their offensive line this offseason, but they are still struggling to keep the pressure off Daniels. Despite missing two games, Daniels has been sacks 11 times this year, which is on pace to be in the top six for QB drops for a second-straight season.

It’s an OL that’s better at run blocking than pass protecting, and Daniels’ mobility can be a disadvantage at times. He’s a signal caller who will stay in the pocket longer because he believes in his ability to escape pressure, which can cause some of his sacks.

The Cowboys don’t blitz a lot, but it might be wise to send some pressure to get to Daniels in Week 7. Last week the Bears were able to harass the second-year QB into an interception and sacked him three times.

If Matt Eberflus’ gameplan allows his defense to get pressure on Daniels, the Cowboys could be ready to take second place in the NFC East.

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Daniels’ sack rate among reasons for Cowboys optimism vs Commanders