Few matchups in the NFL carry the weight and history of the Commanders vs Cowboys rivalry. Since the first meeting in 1960, when the Washington franchise (then still called the Redskins) met the Dallas Cowboys, these two teams have battled not just for divisional bragging rights, but for legacy, identity and a place in league lore. Wikipedia+2Ticketmaster Blog+2 In this blog post we’ll look at how the rivalry began, some of its key moments, how the balance of power has shifted, and what it means today.
Origins and Early Years
The rivalry dates back to October 9, 1960, when the then‐expansion Dallas Cowboys met Washington and lost 26–14. Wikipedia+2Ticketmaster Blog+2 At that time Dallas was new to the league; Washington was an established franchise. By 1961 Dallas was placed in the same division as Washington (the NFC East, or its precursor), guaranteeing annual showdowns. Wikipedia+1 What made it more than just a divisional matchup was the off-field animosity — disputes between owners, regional pride (Texas vs Washington/DC), and contrasting identities: the Cowboys wearing America’s Team image, Washington with its rugged East Coast heritage. Wikipedia
Rise to Prominence & Big Games
Through the 1970s and 1980s the rivalry matured. Both clubs fielded strong teams, produced Hall of Famers and frequently competed for division titles. The Cowboys had their great eras under Tom Landry and early Jimmy Johnson; Washington had its peaks under Joe Gibbs. One of the most notable twists: though Dallas leads the all‐time series, when the teams met in the playoffs (twice: 1972, 1982) Washington won both times. Ticketmaster Blog+1 Those playoff losses were painful for Dallas and served to deepen the rivalry.
In terms of head-to-head, Dallas has held a consistent edge. As of now they lead the series by roughly 80-49-2. Wikipedia+2Champs or Chumps+2 That dominance, however, has not diminished the rivalry’s intensity among fans. Every game still carries extra significance.
Key Turning Points & Trends
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Dallas’ long winning streaks: Dallas at one time won 10 straight against Washington (Nov 1997–Nov 2002). Opta Analyst+1 These stretches showed where momentum lay and often underscored systemic gaps in the rivalry.
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Washington’s upset moments: Though less frequent, Washington has had moments of triumph — especially in big games. Their playoff wins over Dallas remain historic.
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Modern era swings: More recently, Washington has tried to rebuild while Dallas attempts to return to championship contention — making their matchups not just historic, but important for each club’s identity going forward.
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Statistical dominance: The Cowboys average more wins, higher points scored in the matchups and more consistent success, especially in regular season. Washington’s success has been intermittent. StatMuse+1
Why This Rivalry Matters
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Division stakes: Being in the same division (NFC East) means each game has playoff implications.
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Cultural & regional identity: Dallas vs Washington is more than a game; it’s contrasting brand identities, fanbases, media markets.
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Historical continuity: Few rivalries stretch back over six decades with consistent relevance.
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Legacy & championships: Between them, both teams have won multiple division titles, Super Bowls and had some of the greatest players in NFL history. Wikipedia+1
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Fan energy: For fans on both sides, this game tends to mean a little more — the bragging rights extend beyond the scoreboard.
Recent Matchups & Current State
In the 2024-25 timeframe the rivalry is still active and meaningful. For example, on January 5, 2025 Washington edged Dallas 23-19 to secure the NFC’s No. 6 seed. Reuters Conversely, during the current season Dallas dominated Washington 44-22 on October 19, 2025. Reuters+1 These contrasting results highlight the unpredictable nature of the rivalry: one week Washington prevails in dramatic fashion, the next Dallas asserts dominance.
Given the all-time record (Dallas ahead), Washington often enters these games as the underdog, yet the competitive fire is always there. Whether rebuilding or contending, each side knows the significance of this matchup.
What Each Team is Fighting For
For Dallas:
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Maintain superiority in the series and exploit their historical edge.
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Use the rivalry to gain momentum in a division that remains competitive.
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Reinforce the “America’s Team” brand by winning signature games.
For Washington:
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Close the gap in head-to-head record and shift the narrative.
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Use big wins against Dallas to validate rebuilds and fuel future success.
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Show that they can compete with the elite of the franchise world.
The Fan & Media Perspective
Media outlets frequently rank this as one of the best rivalries in football. Wikipedia+1 Fans of both sides approach each meeting with heightened interest — it’s not just about wins and losses, but legacy, respect and local pride. Social media, pre-game hype, commentary and post-game reactions all reflect that extra layer.
One Reddit fan put it succinctly:
“Technically the Cowboys oldest rivalry… we already were starting to become pessimistic but I haven’t lost all my optimism.” Reddit
That mix of frustration, hope, rivalry and tradition is at the heart of what makes this matchup compelling.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch
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Young talents and new eras: As both teams evolve, new stars will emerge and future meetings will help define new chapters in the rivalry.
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Coaching & strategies: Game plans tailored to the rivalry often reveal much about team priorities and adaptability.
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Division implications: With the NFC East being tightly contested, these games can swing playoff hopes, not just regular-season records.
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Fan engagement: How each franchise markets, promotes and embraces the rivalry will keep it alive and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
The Commanders vs Cowboys rivalry is a cornerstone of NFL history. It blends sport, culture, history and identity in a way few matchups do. For the Cowboys, it’s about dominance and maintaining their legacy; for the Commanders, it’s about breaking through, making statements and rewriting narratives.
As long as both teams play each other twice every season — as they must by being in the same division — the story will continue to evolve. Whether you’re a fan of one team or simply a student of the game, the matchup is always worth watching. Expect high emotions, high stakes, and the kind of football that remembers yesterday while shaping tomorrow.
Final note: If you’re writing about a specific game in this rivalry (e.g., the Week 7, 2025 Dallas win), you might want to use a dedicated blog post tailored to that game’s highlights, but the context above gives the full picture of what the rivalry means.
