Around The NFL provides an overview of the essential highlights from the Christmas Day matches during Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season. Review the main points from each game via the links below:
Dallas Cowboys 30, Washington Commanders 23
Minnesota Vikings 23, Detroit Lions 10
Denver Broncos 20, Kansas City Chiefs 13
FULL BOX SCORE
REWATCH: Cowboys-Commanders on NFL+ Premium
Dallas dominates Washington on Christmas Day. The Cowboys showcased their intensity against their historic adversaries, achieving touchdowns on their initial three drives. They converted four fourth downs during this stretch, establishing a solid early advantage, coming dangerously close to matching Washington’s total plays in the first half with 17 to Washington’s 18. Dak Prescott spearheaded the effective offense, linking up with Jake Ferguson for the opening touchdown before connecting with KaVontae Turpin for an impressive 86-yard touchdown pass midway through the second quarter. Although Dallas slowed down in the second half, they faced a crucial fourth down with a seven-point cushion during the final stretch. Prescott successfully passed to Jalen Tolbert, securing Dallas’s fifth conversion on fourth down of the day, which allowed a two-score lead following a Brandon Aubrey field goal. Prescott accomplished 19 out of 37 throws for 307 yards and two touchdowns, suffering six sacks during the game but sealing victory with a key 21-yard connection to George Pickens on the last possession. A bit later, Prescott would move the chains yet again with a QB sneak, bringing their fourth-down conversions to 6 for 6. The victory ended the Cowboys’ three-game losing streak after facing elimination from playoff chances the previous week.
Johnson relies on Deebo upon returning to the starting role. In his first starting appearance since 2021, Josh Johnson performed admirably, keeping the injury-plagued Commanders in the game despite an early disadvantage. Deebo Samuel ignited the offense with a 41-yard reception and a 29-yard run, but it was Jacory Croskey-Merritt who brought Washington back into the contest with a 72-yard touchdown run during the third quarter, making up the majority of his 105 rushing yards. Johnson completed 15 passes out of 23 attempts for 198 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions. This experienced third-string quarterback didn’t lead Washington to a victory but struggled to help the offense score against the Cowboys effectively. On defense, Jer’Zhan Newton, a defensive tackle, had a standout performance with 3.0 sacks and eight quarterback pressures, providing a glimpse of hope for the future, even though the Commanders suffered their 12th loss of the season.
Davis rises to the occasion for the Cowboys. Javonte Williams received significant touches early on (54 rushing yards; TD) before a shoulder injury sidelined him during the first half. In his absence, Malik Davis achieved new personal bests in rushing yards and attempts, aiding in revitalizing a Cowboys passing game that became ineffective in the latter half. Davis racked up 103 yards on 20 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt, and capped off his performance with a notable 21-yard run. The second-year running back showed excellent vision in locating openings and impressive speed to reach the second level. Fullback Hunter Luepke also contributed with 30 rushing yards and a catch for 14 yards that aided in prolonging a scoring drive during the second half. This season, which started with an entirely new group of running backs, has certainly showcased a strong one-two punch for Dallas.
Next Gen Stats Insight for Cowboys-Commanders (from NFL Pro): Jacory Croskey-Merritt reached an impressive maximum speed of 21.62 miles per hour during his 72-yard touchdown run.
NFL Research: The Cowboys’ six successful fourth-down conversions against the Commanders rank tied for the highest number of conversions in a single game since 1991, achieving a perfect conversion rate.
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