Welcome to one of the most fun weeks of football on the entire calendar. The holiday festivities feature 3 games on Christmas, 2 more on Saturday and then a typically huge Sunday slate. It all kicks off at 1:00 pm ET on Thursday with an NFC East matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders. Dallas comes in at 6-8-1, while Washington is wallowing at 4-11.
Here are my best player prop bets, and also check out our full Cowboys vs Commanders predictions. Make sure you also find out our NFL picks on the side and total for EVERY Week 17 matchup and throughout the season.
Dak Prescott, QB, DAL Over 273.5 passing yards (-110 at Bet365 Sportsbook)
These 2 defenses are absolutely horrendous against the pass. A total of 66 points were scored in the first head-to-head matchup this season and something similar could be the result on Thursday as both teams will likely hit the airwaves with alacrity. Nobody in the entire NFL is giving up more yards per pass attempt than Washington (8.3). Prescott threw for a modest 264 yards when the Cowboys destroyed the Commanders 44-22 in October, but it was such a blowout that he attempted just 30 passes and completed 21. I expect a more competitive game and therefore a higher volume for Prescott. Heck, both of these teams are out of it – so they might as well have some fun and air it out early and often no matter what the scoreboard says. The Mississippi State product has passed for at least 294 yards in 4 of the past 5 games, a stretch that includes 3 performances with 320 yards or more.
Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS Over 48.5 receiving yards (-110 at Bet365 Sportsbook)
Washington’s offense should be in on the fun, as well. The Cowboys’ defense improved with its trade-deadline acquisitions, but they are still atrocious against the pass. Dallas is dead last in passing defense at 257.8 yards allowed per game and second-to-last (better than only the Commanders) in yards per pass attempt allowed (8.2). The home team should be able to capitalize on Thursday regardless of who is under center. Marcus Mariota (hand/quad) is questionable; it would be Josh Johnson if Mariota can’t go. Neither guy is anything special, but both are well-traveled backups who should be able to carve up a porous Dallas secondary. McLaurin is a probable beneficiary. The former Ohio State standout has amassed at least 48 yards in 7 of his last 8 games, including 53 or more on 5 occasions. McLaurin caught 7 of 14 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown during a Week 13 loss to Denver, which boasts arguably the best defense in the entire league.
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