DAL
Dallas Cowboys
77.4PFM Team Score#21 NFL
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 steadier quarterback room.
Current PFM Team Scores
Slight edgeWSH
Washington Commanders
79.1PFM Team Score#17 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 steadier quarterback room. Washington adds the clearer long-term football direction. 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 steadier quarterback room.
COMPLETE COMPARISON
Where Each Team Has the Edge
PFM Team Score
DAL77.4
Dallas Cowboys 77.4WSH79.1
Washington Commanders 79.1Overall NFL Rank
DAL#21
Dallas Cowboys #21WSH#17
Washington Commanders #17QB Stability
DAL81.6
Dallas Cowboys 81.6WSH84.8
Washington Commanders 84.8Roster Strength
DAL78.7
Dallas Cowboys 78.7WSH80.5
Washington Commanders 80.5Coaching Direction
DAL73.7
Dallas Cowboys 73.7WSH79.3
Washington Commanders 79.3Recent Performance
DAL70.7
Dallas Cowboys 70.7WSH68.3
Washington Commanders 68.3Offense
DAL86.0
Dallas Cowboys 86.0WSH82.4
Washington Commanders 82.4Defense
DAL73.9
Dallas Cowboys 73.9WSH75.7
Washington Commanders 75.7Franchise Direction
DAL74.1
Dallas Cowboys 74.1WSH77.6
Washington Commanders 77.6Explosiveness
DAL80.4
Dallas Cowboys 80.4WSH79.1
Washington Commanders 79.1Conference Rank
DAL#11
Dallas Cowboys #11WSH#8
Washington Commanders #8Division Rank
DAL#3
Dallas Cowboys #3WSH#2
Washington Commanders #2Outlook
DALIn the Playoff MixWSHIn the Playoff Mix
Same outlookTEAM CONSTRUCTION
How These Teams Are Built Differently
Dallas Cowboys
- Strongest Rating
- Offense
- Category Edge
- Offense
- Biggest Matchup Concern
- Coaching Direction
Dallas' clearest category edge is Offense. The Dallas Cowboys bring the broader offense. The unit has more answers than Washington when the opening approach stalls. The biggest problem in this matchup is Coaching Direction, where Washington owns the clearer advantage.
Washington Commanders
- Strongest Rating
- QB Stability
- Category Edge
- Coaching Direction
- Biggest Matchup Concern
- Offense
Washington's clearest category edge is Coaching Direction. Dan Quinn is the coaching difference against the Dallas Cowboys. Washington has the more dependable answers when the first answer stops working. The biggest problem in this matchup is Offense, where Dallas owns the clearer advantage.
SCHEDULE CONTEXT
Which Team Has the Tougher Road?
Dallas Cowboys
Full schedule rank: #12
Toughest stretch: Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams
Strongest opponents: Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers
View Dallas Cowboys Road AheadWashington Commanders
Full schedule rank: #18
Toughest stretch: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams
Strongest opponents: Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers
View Washington Commanders Road AheadDallas has the tougher Road Ahead at No. 12. The strongest opponents include Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers. Washington also has the more favorable road, which adds to the stronger coaching operation and the steadier quarterback room.
Explore Both Team Dashboards
Ratings and Schedule Freshness
PFM ratings updated July 24, 2026. Schedule data updated June 29, 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.