Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, left, celebrates his touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Las Vegas.
The Dallas Cowboys delivered a commanding performance Monday night, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 33-16 in a game charged with emotion. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns, leading Dallas to one of its strongest showings this season.
The victory came amid a somber backdrop. The Cowboys were honoring the recent passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died on November 6 at age 24. Players and coaches wore shirts in his memory and observed a moment of silence before kickoff.
Cowboys Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
With this win, Dallas improves to 4-5-1, keeping its playoff chances alive. The team had struggled recently, losing three of four games. Tough matchups loom, including clashes with Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Detroit.
Prescott, returning to form, completed 25 of 44 passes, tying his season high with four touchdown throws. This performance ended his four-game winless streak in prime-time contests. His only notable miss was an open CeeDee Lamb, who nonetheless contributed significantly with five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Dynamic Duo: Lamb and Pickens
Prescott primarily targeted George Pickens and Lamb. Pickens caught nine passes for 144 yards and a touchdown, making a big impact despite being benched for the Cowboys’ opening drive.
Running back Javonte Williams added balance to the offense, rushing for 93 yards on 22 carries. His contribution helped keep the Raiders’ defense on edge throughout the game.
Raiders’ Struggles Continue
The Raiders (2-8) remain mired in a slump under first-year coach Pete Carroll, losing four straight games and eight of nine overall. Their offense was unbalanced, relying heavily on passing.
In the first half alone, Las Vegas called 32 pass plays and only three runs. This made them just the third team since 1991 with such a stark disparity in dropbacks versus rushing attempts. Geno Smith finished 27 of 42 for 238 yards, adding one touchdown and one interception.
Despite Smith’s efforts, the Cowboys’ defense dominated. Dallas sacked him four times, including 1.5 sacks by newly acquired Quinnen Williams, who was traded from the Jets earlier this season.
Defensive Impact and Key Injuries
The Cowboys’ defense limited Las Vegas’ offensive options, forcing mistakes and controlling the game’s tempo. The team also welcomed back key players:
- S Donovan Wilson returned after missing two games due to a knee injury.
- LB DeMarvion Overshown made his season debut.
- CB Shavon Revel played his first NFL game after recovering from a season-ending knee injury last year.
Williams’ arrival added immediate impact to the defensive line, validating the Cowboys’ trade that cost them a 2027 first-round pick, 2026 second-rounder, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Looking Ahead
Dallas’ victory over Las Vegas not only pays tribute to Marshawn Kneeland but also signals a potential turning point in their season. The team showed offensive balance, defensive dominance, and emotional resilience.
Meanwhile, the Raiders’ struggles continue, highlighting the growing gap under Carroll’s leadership. Dallas now focuses on maintaining momentum as it heads into a challenging stretch of games.
