DAL
Dallas Cowboys
77.3PFM Team Score#20 NFL
VS
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders: PFM Team Comparison
The Washington Commanders hold a slight overall advantage over the Dallas Cowboys in the current PFM ratings. Washington separates itself through the stronger coaching operation and the less severe defensive concern.
Current PFM Team Scores
Slight edgeWSH
Washington Commanders
78.9PFM Team Score#18 NFL
PFM JUDGMENT
Why PFM Rates the Washington Commanders Higher
The staff edge favors the Washington Commanders. Dan Quinn gives the team steadier direction than Dallas has on the sideline. Dallas' strongest counterargument is Offense. The Cowboys can create offense in more than one way. One bad matchup is less likely to shut down the entire scoring approach.
Washington also brings the less severe defensive concern. Washington adds the steadier quarterback room. The Washington Commanders still deserves the higher PFM rating.
TEAM DNA COMPARISON
Dallas vs. Washington 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.
DALDallas Cowboys
WSHWashington Commanders
THE COUNTERARGUMENT
Dallas Cowboys’ Best Argument
The offensive edge favors the Dallas Cowboys because the unit has the better week-to-week floor. It can keep moving even when the first answer is taken away. The offense advantage is a real point in Dallas' favor, but it does not outweigh the rest of the higher-rated team’s advantages. The problem for Dallas is that Washington counters with the stronger coaching operation and the less severe defensive concern.
COMPLETE COMPARISON
Where Each Team Has the Edge
PFM Team Score
DAL77.3
Dallas Cowboys 77.3WSH78.9
Washington Commanders 78.9Overall NFL Rank
DAL#20
Dallas Cowboys #20WSH#18
Washington Commanders #18QB Stability
DAL81.6
Dallas Cowboys 81.6WSH83.6
Washington Commanders 83.6Roster Strength
DAL78.2
Dallas Cowboys 78.2WSH78.6
Washington Commanders 78.6Coaching Direction
DAL73.7
Dallas Cowboys 73.7WSH79.1
Washington Commanders 79.1Recent Performance
DAL74.2
Dallas Cowboys 74.2WSH72.0
Washington Commanders 72.0Offense
DAL84.4
Dallas Cowboys 84.4WSH81.5
Washington Commanders 81.5Defense
DAL70.5
Dallas Cowboys 70.5WSH76.0
Washington Commanders 76.0Franchise Direction
DAL74.1
Dallas Cowboys 74.1WSH77.6
Washington Commanders 77.6Explosiveness
DAL75.0
Dallas Cowboys 75.0WSH75.0
Washington Commanders 75.0Conference Rank
DAL#10
Dallas Cowboys #10WSH#9
Washington Commanders #9Division Rank
DAL#3
Dallas Cowboys #3WSH#2
Washington Commanders #2Outlook
DALIn the Playoff MixWSHIn the Playoff Mix
Same outlookSCHEDULE CONTEXT
Which Team Has the Tougher Road?
Dallas Cowboys
Remaining schedule rank: #13
Toughest stretch: Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams
Strongest opponents: Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams
Next five difficulty: 79.0
View Dallas Cowboys Road AheadWashington Commanders
Remaining schedule rank: #23
Toughest stretch: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams
Strongest opponents: San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles
Next five difficulty: 81.5
View Washington Commanders Road AheadDallas has the tougher Road Ahead at No. 13. The strongest opponents include Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams. Washington also has the more favorable road, which adds to the stronger coaching operation and the less severe defensive concern.
Explore Both Team Dashboards
Ratings and Schedule Freshness
PFM ratings updated September 29, 2026. Schedule data updated September 28, 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