Trey Lance to Start for the Dallas Cowboys Against the Washington Commanders in NFL Season Finale

The NFL season finale is a crucial moment for many teams vying for playoff spots, and it also provides opportunities for players to make an impression or prove their worth. One of the most anticipated storylines heading into the 2025 regular-season finale is the decision by the Dallas Cowboys to start Trey Lance at quarterback against the Washington Commanders. This move is sure to create buzz, with the NFL world turning its attention to Lance’s potential as the future of the Cowboys’ quarterback position.

The Setting: Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, have maintained a consistent presence as contenders over the past few seasons. In 2025, they are still a competitive team, with a strong defense and an offense loaded with talent. However, despite their overall success, the Cowboys’ playoff hopes may be on the line in this season finale, with a critical match against their division rivals, the Washington Commanders. A victory could guarantee a playoff berth or potentially allow them to secure a better seed, adding to the high stakes.

On the other hand, the Washington Commanders, while perhaps not the most dominant team in the NFC, have been competitive this season and will be looking to play the role of spoiler. A win over Dallas in the final game of the regular season could be a statement win for Washington, building momentum into the offseason and possibly preventing the Cowboys from reaching their postseason goals. With both teams looking to end the season on a high note, this NFC East rivalry game is primed to be a thrilling contest.

Trey Lance’s Journey: From Promise to Uncertainty

Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, entered the league with a wealth of potential but has faced challenges in his young career. Initially drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, Lance’s time as a starting quarterback was limited. His tenure with the 49ers was marred by injuries and an inconsistency in performance, with coach Kyle Shanahan opting to start Jimmy Garoppolo ahead of Lance during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Despite Lance showing flashes of brilliance, his development was stunted by limited playing time, compounded by a devastating ankle injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2022 season.

However, the Cowboys, recognizing Lance’s potential and his unique skill set, made a bold move to acquire him in a trade during the offseason. The deal was seen as a low-risk, high-reward situation for Dallas, as they could bring in Lance as a developmental quarterback behind Dak Prescott, who had been the starter for the Cowboys for several seasons.

At the time of the trade, the Cowboys’ decision to invest in Lance was met with a mixed response. While many viewed Lance as an exciting project with raw athleticism, the uncertainty surrounding his development led to questions about whether he would be able to transition into a starting role at the NFL level. Despite these questions, the Cowboys were optimistic that with the right development and guidance, Lance could become a franchise quarterback for the future.

The Quarterback Situation in Dallas

Heading into the 2025 season, Dak Prescott remains the unquestioned starter for the Cowboys, having shown steady leadership and competence at the quarterback position. Prescott, however, is not getting any younger, and his contract situation has been a point of discussion for both the Cowboys and their fans. While Prescott has been effective, there have been moments of inconsistency, leading to speculation about his future in Dallas.

Trey Lance’s presence on the roster has loomed large in recent seasons, as the Cowboys have explored what they have in the young quarterback. While Lance has had limited opportunities during the regular season, he has impressed in his brief appearances. The coaching staff and front office have likely been looking for the right moment to give Lance a more significant opportunity, and with the season finale against Washington on the horizon, that moment has finally arrived.

This season finale provides Lance with a chance to show that he is capable of leading the Cowboys not just to victory over a division rival but also toward a brighter future at the quarterback position. Given the significance of this game, it’s clear that the Cowboys view Lance as someone who could step up when needed, even in high-pressure situations.

The Decision to Start Trey Lance

The decision to start Trey Lance in the season finale against the Washington Commanders is one that has sparked plenty of discussion. For one, the Cowboys are not in a must-win situation—they have already secured a playoff spot and are likely looking to fine-tune their roster and determine which players can contribute to a potential Super Bowl run. With that in mind, giving Lance a start is an opportunity to see how he fares in a live game situation with meaningful stakes.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has already made it clear that the team values depth and competition at all positions, including quarterback. Starting Lance against Washington allows McCarthy and the coaching staff to gauge Lance’s ability to handle the pressure of a division rivalry game while also continuing to develop him for the future. There’s a sense of excitement and intrigue around Lance’s first start in a Dallas Cowboys uniform.

For Lance, this is an opportunity to demonstrate why the Cowboys invested in him in the first place. With Dak Prescott’s future still uncertain, Lance could make a strong case for himself as the successor to Prescott, or at the very least, prove that he can be a valuable asset in the Cowboys’ quarterback room. His mobility, strong arm, and ability to make big plays could give the Cowboys a dynamic edge on offense that they may not have had in recent years.

The Key Factors for Trey Lance in the Game

When evaluating Trey Lance’s performance against Washington, there are several key factors to consider.

1. Decision Making: One of the most important aspects of being an NFL quarterback is making quick, decisive decisions. Lance will need to show that he can read the defense, process information efficiently, and make accurate throws under pressure. This is especially important in the fast-paced NFC East environment, where divisional games are often hard-fought and physical.

2. Accuracy: Throughout his career, Lance has demonstrated a big arm, but he has also faced questions about his accuracy, particularly on intermediate throws. Against Washington, he will need to demonstrate the ability to place the ball on target, both in the short and deep game, to give his receivers a chance to make plays.

3. Mobility: Lance’s ability to use his legs is one of his biggest assets. His mobility gives him the ability to extend plays, escape pressure, and pick up crucial yards on the ground. Against a defense like Washington’s, which has shown the ability to rush the quarterback effectively, Lance’s ability to move within the pocket and take advantage of open lanes will be vital.

4. Poise and Composure: While Lance is still a young quarterback, this game provides a chance to show that he can handle the pressure of a big rivalry game and deliver in clutch moments. Poise under pressure will be key, especially if the game remains close in the second half.

5. Building Chemistry with the Team: Given that Lance hasn’t had a full season to build rapport with the Cowboys’ offense, this game presents an opportunity for him to establish chemistry with his offensive line, receivers, and running backs. The more comfortable Lance feels with his teammates, the better his chances of success will be.

The Washington Commanders’ Defense

The Washington Commanders’ defense will be looking to make life difficult for Trey Lance in this pivotal game. With an aggressive front seven, including standout players like edge rusher Montez Sweat and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, Washington has the tools to pressure the quarterback. Lance will need to be sharp in recognizing blitzes and maintaining composure under duress.

Additionally, the Commanders’ secondary has been opportunistic, with a solid cornerback group that includes young talent. Lance will need to avoid forcing throws into tight coverage and keep the ball out of harm’s way.

The Big Picture for Dallas

This game is as much about Lance’s individual performance as it is about the future of the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback situation. While Dak Prescott has been a consistent leader for the team, the Cowboys’ front office and coaching staff must be evaluating Lance’s ability to step up in key moments. The season finale against Washington could serve as a litmus test for Lance’s readiness to become the future of the franchise. The outcome of the game may not be as important as how Lance performs on the field, as it could go a long way in determining what direction the Cowboys take in the future.

For the Cowboys, this is a chance to see if their investment in Lance will pay off. If he performs well, it might make the decision to move forward with Lance a bit easier. Conversely, a rough performance could prompt Dallas to look elsewhere for their quarterback of the future.