Cowboys vs. Commanders: Two must-know storylines for Christmas Day showdown

The Christmas Day combatants might not be home for the holidays, but most of them will be for the playoffs. That doesn't mean there isn't intrigue in the tripleheader, however.

The Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys reignite their rivalry in the first game of the day.

The desperate Detroit Lions, who enter Week 17 with remote playoff odds, face the Vikings in the middle game of the three-game slate. Minnesota is again turning to Max Brosmer (who had four picks in his first start this season) to replace the injured J.J. McCarthy.

The Broncos, who head to Kansas City for the nightcap, are locked in the playoffs, but there's unfinished business with the AFC's top seed theirs for the taking with two more victories. It's also possible that it's Travis Kelce's final home game -- if he retires -- as the Chiefs try to salvage something in a lost season.

Two must-know storylines

1) Johnson steps in as Commanders' Christmas QB

With Jayden Daniels shut down for the season and Marcus Mariota dealing with an injured hand, the Commanders' offense isn't likely to be in its best form against the Cowboys with Josh Johnson starting. However, there are younger players on that side of the ball who have stood out and a few more who could receive expanded opportunities in the final two games. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt started the season hot, then seemed to hit the rookie wall, but he has reemerged a bit with TDs in back-to-back games, forming a solid duo with Chris Rodriguez Jr.. At tight end, the loss of Zach Ertz was significant, but 2024 third-rounder Ben Sinnott has seen an uptick in snaps recently and has made a handful of eye-opening plays. The Commanders are in decent shape at receiver with Terry McLaurinand Deebo Samuel, but they also can give more chances to Treylon Burks, who has also had a few splash plays since arriving. The offense can also continue to ask more of rookie offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., who is among the league leaders in penalties but whose potential has really stood out at times in his first season.

2) Cowboys offense has a chance to feast in Washington

The Cowboys offense is coming off its most disappointing performance in recent games, with only 17 points (tied for its second-fewest of the season) and 334 yards (its fewest since the bye) in a loss to the Chargers. But this offense had been rolling prior to that, and the Commanders defense has been up against it most of the season. Washington's pass rush has been sapped by injuries, which could make it a big day for Dak Prescott. He's having another terrific season, in spite of the Cowboys' record, throwing to a pair of 1,000-yard receivers in George Pickensand CeeDee Lamb, as well as tight end Jake Ferguson. Wide receiver Ryan Flournoy is questionable to play, but the Cowboys still have ample firepower. It also could be a big day for the run game against a Commanders defense that has allowed 997 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in the past six outings. Javonte Williams, who had 116 yards and a TD last time against Washington, hopes to build on his career-best season, but Malik Davis also has received some chances recently.

Cowboys' Week 17 injury report

Commanders' Week 17 injury report