NFL Christmas Game Day: Cowboys beat Commanders 30-23, Vikings defeat Lions 23-10

The Dallas Cowboys beat the Washington Commanders 30-23, and the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions 23-10, with the Lions loss eliminating them from playoff contention and helping the Green Bay Packers clinch a spot.

The Cowboys took an early 21-3 lead, converting all six of their fourth-down attempts in the game to maintain control. QB Dak Prescott led Dallas throwing for 307 yards and two touchdowns to tie a franchise record. Meanwhile rookie RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt scored two for Washington, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Cowboys, who went 6-for-6 on fourth downs, with Brandon Aubrey adding key field goals to secure the victory.  The win keeps the Cowboys in playoff contention as the season goes down to the wire

The Vikings defense dominated, forcing six turnovers (three fumbles, three interceptions) against Jared Goff, to effectively end the Lions’ season. Minnesota CB Byron Murphy Jr. and S Harrison Smith had big plays, forcing turnovers, while Jordan Addison sealed the game with a 65-yard touchdown run. The Lions loss officially eliminated Detroit from playoff contention, while also helping to secure a playoff berth for the Green Bay Packers.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com.