Clear edgeWSH
Washington Commanders
78.4PFM Team Score#17 NFL
Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys: PFM Team Comparison
PFM rates the Washington Commanders higher than the Dallas Cowboys overall, with a clear advantage. The main reasons are the less severe defensive concern and the bigger big-play threat.
Current PFM Team Scores
DAL
Dallas Cowboys
76.1PFM Team Score#20 NFL
PFM JUDGMENT
Why PFM Rates the Washington Commanders Higher
The Washington Commanders own the higher defensive grade, although the unit still falls short of the strength range. The Dallas Cowboys are closest in roster strength, where the teams remain essentially even.
Washington also brings the bigger big-play threat. Washington adds the stronger coaching operation. That is enough to keep the Washington Commanders ahead.
TEAM DNA COMPARISON
Washington vs. Dallas Across the Core Pillars
The farther a team reaches, the stronger the rating. Each category also calls out which team has the edge and the exact gap. Hover on desktop or tap on mobile to isolate one team.
WSHWashington Commanders
DALDallas Cowboys
DALLAS’ BEST PUSHBACK
Roster Strength Is Dallas’ Only Close Fight
Dallas' roster gives the team one place to push back. The Cowboys are only 0.8 points behind Washington in Roster Strength, but that is where Dallas' case ends. Washington still has Jayden Daniels at quarterback and Dan Quinn leading the coaching staff, two advantages the Cowboys cannot match in this comparison.
COMPLETE COMPARISON
Where Each Team Has the Edge
PFM Team Score
WSH78.4
Washington Commanders 78.4DAL76.1
Dallas Cowboys 76.1Overall NFL Rank
WSH#17
Washington Commanders #17DAL#20
Dallas Cowboys #20QB Stability
WSH84.4
Washington Commanders 84.4DAL81.5
Dallas Cowboys 81.5Roster Strength
WSH78.6
Washington Commanders 78.6DAL77.8
Dallas Cowboys 77.8Coaching Direction
WSH78.3
Washington Commanders 78.3DAL73.2
Dallas Cowboys 73.2Recent Performance
WSH68.4
Washington Commanders 68.4DAL71.2
Dallas Cowboys 71.2Offense
WSH81.2
Washington Commanders 81.2DAL82.8
Dallas Cowboys 82.8Defense
WSH76.4
Washington Commanders 76.4DAL67.8
Dallas Cowboys 67.8Franchise Direction
WSH77.6
Washington Commanders 77.6DAL74.1
Dallas Cowboys 74.1Explosiveness
WSH78.9
Washington Commanders 78.9DAL71.0
Dallas Cowboys 71.0Conference Rank
WSH#8
Washington Commanders #8DAL#10
Dallas Cowboys #10Division Rank
WSH#1
Washington Commanders #1DAL#2
Dallas Cowboys #2Outlook
WSHIn the Playoff MixDALIn the Playoff Mix
Same outlookSCHEDULE CONTEXT
Which Team Has the Tougher Road?
Washington Commanders
Remaining schedule rank: #27
Toughest stretch: Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars
Strongest opponents: Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals
Next five difficulty: 77.4
View Washington Commanders Road AheadDallas Cowboys
Remaining schedule rank: #23
Toughest stretch: Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars
Strongest opponents: San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams
Next five difficulty: 76.4
View Dallas Cowboys Road AheadDallas has the tougher Road Ahead at No. 23. The strongest opponents include San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams. Washington also has the more favorable road, which adds to the less severe defensive concern and the bigger big-play threat.
Explore Both Team Dashboards
Ratings and Schedule Freshness
PFM ratings updated October 20, 2026. Schedule data updated October 19, 2026.
How to Read This Comparison
PFM Team Score determines the overall order. The Team DNA comparison puts five core pillars on the same 0–100 scale, while the full rows show every current category.
PFM compares overall team strength rather than predicting one matchup. Road Ahead adds schedule context without changing PFM Team Score.
PFM ratings updated
How PFM grades NFL teams