The Dallas Cowboys first played on Thanksgiving Day back in 1966 and have been a fixture on the holiday ever since. They stand 32-22-1 across multiple decades of Turkey Day football, taking on a weaker but sneaky opponent in the Washington Commanders. Dak Prescott and Sam Howell will take center stage as the two opposing QBs, but this game will come down to defense and stopping the run. It’s an old fashioned NFC East battle with plenty on the line for the Cowboys. Nonetheless, onto our Commanders-Cowboys first touchdown picks.
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Commanders-Cowboys First Touchdown Picks | Thanksgiving Day Touchdowns
Washington Commanders Touchdown Scorer
There are currently five Cowboys listed as the top options to score first on Thursday in Dallas. Brandin Cooks is the sixth player tied with Brian Robinson – the first Commander – at 12-1. It’s become a long shot that the Commanders will even score first, let alone who carries the first TD. The Cowboys defense is no joke against the pass – 2nd in the NFL in opposing passing yards per game – and a top 15 unit against the run.
While Robinson is a good choice as the top, possibly only, back to be used in the red zone or goal line for their opening score, Washington may try and force some throws by Howell. The young QB saw a three games streak of 300+ passing yards snapped at the hands of the Giants last week, forcing three turnovers in the process. The Giants aren’t as good overall on defense as the Cowboys, but the offensive game plan for Washington should try and force some spots by Howell – even if it’s short or quick passes at first to regain confidence.
Despite two straight weeks of limited to no production, Jahan Dotson is still the most effective scorer at the wide receiver position. His four TDs lead the Commanders and should be a primary focus everywhere on the field. From a big play to squeezing a red zone target, Dotson is live to score first for Washington.
Commanders-Cowboys First Touchdown picks for Thanksgiving Day: Jahan Dotson +2100 at FanDuel Sportsbook for 0.25 Units
Dallas Cowboys First Touchdown Scorer
Despite concern surrounding any lack of breakout by Tony Pollard, and now injury concerns to backup Rico Dowdle, the Cowboys are right in the middle of the league in rushing the football. While Washington doesn’t do much well on defense, they are marginally better against the run than the pass – which should set up massive alarms for a Cowboys team 2nd in the league in passing yards per game.
Dak Prescott should have his choice of which receiver or tight end grabs the first TD, as it wont come on the ground. CeeDee Lamb is the obvious choice here to not only score first, but also any other time during the game. Prescott has managed to continue to pound the ball to Lamb, even with opposing defenses trying to adjust. There’s a big play from Lamb somewhere in the opening drive for Dallas, but that won’t be the play that crosses the end zone.
It’s actually coming from the tight end position but not the guy – Luke Schoonmaker – who scored first last game. Instead, it’s Prescott’s second favorite target when it comes to catching TD passes, Jake Ferguson. The Cowboys will have some decent chances right away to exploit the other side of the field not controlled by Lamb. It gets worse for Washington if Lamb is coming out of the slot or crossing any deep to short middle of the field. Ferguson will benefit right away from miscommunication or solo coverage, enabling a first TD.
Commanders-Cowboys First Touchdown picks for Thanksgiving Day: Jake Ferguson +1000 at FanDuel Sportsbook for 0.25 Units
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