Cowboy Roundup: Key Christmas storylines vs Commanders, Let Shemar James cook

Happy Thursday, Dallas Cowboys Nation, and Merry Christmas! As we sit back and enjoy the holiday, America's Team will be back on our screens for a marquee game, even without a hope of reaching the NFL Playoffs.

That Christmas miracle may not have played out as we had hoped, but there is still a lot to learn about the team over the final two weeks of the season.

From identifying young players with promise who will see increased roles moving forward to watching the end of the Matt Eberflus era, Cowboys fans and the front office will be evaluating the roster and what the future could hold.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders Week 17 expert pick roundup

Luckily, the Cowboys also play the Washington Commanders and third-string quarterback Josh Johnson in the Christmas matinee, so it will hopefully set the tone for what can be an enjoyable rest of the holiday.

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform in their Christmas costumes against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

While we sit back and wait to see what Christmas joy today brings, let's take a spin around the web to check out some of the news and headlines making waves online and across the web.

Indulge, and enjoy the holiday, everyone!

MORE: Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders, Week 17 betting odds & preview

Must-know Christmas storylines vs Commanders

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams celebrates with Dak Prescott after a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

NFL.com takes a look at two must-know storylines for the Cowboys-Commanders Christmas game, including how the Dallas offense could feast against its NFC East foe.

"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.... 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."

MORE: Updated Cowboys 2026 NFL draft order, list of picks entering Week 17

Let Shemar James cook

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Shemar James lines up during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Despite impressing when he was on the field earlier in the season, rookie linebacker Shemar James has not been in the starting lineup. That's a mistake, especially considering the team's need to figure out the linebacker position moving forward. InsideTheStar.com takes a look at why James needs to start the final two weeks.

"Shemar James was the second rookie the Cowboys selected in the fifth round back in April. He’s outplaying Kenneth Murray, who has started all but one of the Cowboys’ 15 games this year. One could even argue that James looks a little better than Logan Wilson as well. In Sunday’s loss to the Chargers, James had the most defensive snaps (50) out of all the linebackers.

"Especially with DeMarvion Overshown likely to sit out with a concussion on a short week, it might be time to let James start and get the lion’s share of snaps at linebacker. It’s time for the Cowboys to look ahead to 2026 and see who they have that they should keep. And see who needs to be playing somewhere else next September."

Let the man cook.

— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Cowboys' final Week 17 injury report rules out 5 players for Christmas

3 Dallas Cowboys playing for their jobs next season entering Week 17

Cowboys' defense has no excuse to fail Christmas test after Commanders QB change

New Cowboys 2026 NFL mock draft gift wraps defensive stars for Dallas

Updated Cowboys 2026 NFL draft order, list of picks entering Week 17

Meet McKenna Gehrke: Viral Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader