Washington (5-6) at Cowboys (5-6), 8:25 p.m. (NBC)

Outlook: The Cowboys have run the ball surprisingly well during Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension but are 0-3 without him, as Dak Prescott’s efficiency has plummeted. That helps explain but does not justify Washington’s being a slight road favorite, even though Dallas won the earlier meeting between these rivals, 33-19. That’s too much faith in Kirk Cousins, and not enough in Prescott’s bouncing back at home. Key for Dallas: An early lead so that Elliott’s fill-in, Alfred Morris, can get a workhorse load against his former team. The loser here can forget about any playoff shot, which means Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will get to pretend a while longer.

Spread: Washington, -1.

Prediction: Cowboys, 24-20

– Greg Cote, Miami Herald


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