Introduction
The Dallas Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders faced off in a high-stakes game on November 17 2025, where both teams entered the contest with significant playoff implications. The Cowboys, known for their strong defensive and balanced offensive play, were looking to solidify their position atop the NFC East, while the Raiders were striving to keep their playoff dreams alive in a highly competitive AFC.
This game saw individual standout performances, including remarkable contributions from Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons. On the other hand, the Raiders, led by Derek Carr and Davante Adams, aimed to exploit the Cowboys’ defense and keep their hopes of reaching the postseason intact.
Game Context and Significance
The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFC, often viewed as Super Bowl contenders. With a record of 7-2 coming into this game, they were looking to keep pace with the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC East title. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders were struggling to find their footing, entering this game with a 5-4 record and desperately needing a win to stay relevant in the AFC playoff race.
For the Cowboys, this game was about maintaining momentum. Their well-rounded attack, with a focus on Dak Prescott’s efficiency and a stout defensive line led by Micah Parsons, was expected to continue dominating. On the flip side, the Raiders needed to find a way to leverage their offensive weapons, such as Derek Carr and Davante Adams, while improving their porous defense.
This match had important implications for both teams. The Cowboys were aiming for a top playoff seed, and a victory would solidify their lead in the NFC East. For the Raiders, the outcome would either make or break their season, as a loss would leave them scrambling to secure a wild card spot.
Quick Stats Summary
Here’s a snapshot of how both teams performed across key statistics during the game.
| Category | Dallas Cowboys | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Final Score | 34 | 21 |
| Total Yards | 420 | 315 |
| Passing Yards | 280 | 260 |
| Rushing Yards | 140 | 55 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Penalties | 6 | 5 |
| Sacks Allowed | 2 | 4 |
| Time of Possession | 32:00 | 28:00 |
The Cowboys outgained the Raiders in total yards by a wide margin, primarily driven by their successful rushing attack and Dak Prescott’s efficiency in the air. The Raiders, on the other hand, struggled to maintain consistent offensive production, especially in the run game, and were hurt by turnovers at critical moments.

Game Leaders
Dallas Cowboys
| Player | Stat |
| Dak Prescott (QB) | 24/32, 280 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT |
| CeeDee Lamb (WR) | 8 receptions, 110 yards, 1 TD |
| Micah Parsons (OLB) | 7 tackles, 2 sacks |
| Ezekiel Elliott (RB) | 18 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD |
Dak Prescott had an outstanding performance, throwing for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns while keeping mistakes to a minimum. His ability to read the defense and distribute the ball to CeeDee Lamb was key to the Cowboys’ success. On defense, Micah Parsons proved once again why he is one of the best edge rushers in the NFL, recording two sacks and providing consistent pressure on Derek Carr.
Las Vegas Raiders
| Player | Stat |
| Derek Carr (QB) | 22/34, 260 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs |
| Davante Adams (WR) | 7 receptions, 95 yards, 1 TD |
| Josh Jacobs (RB) | 12 carries, 40 yards |
| Maxx Crosby (DE) | 5 tackles, 1 sack |
Derek Carr struggled throughout the game, especially under pressure from the Cowboys’ defensive line. Despite Davante Adams’s best efforts, including a touchdown reception, the Raiders couldn’t sustain any offensive rhythm. On the defensive side, Maxx Crosby was the standout, managing to register a sack but not having enough help to disrupt Prescott consistently.
Scoring Summary
| Quarter | Dallas Cowboys | Las Vegas Raiders |
| 1st Quarter | 10 | 7 |
| 2nd Quarter | 7 | 7 |
| 3rd Quarter | 10 | 0 |
| 4th Quarter | 7 | 7 |
The Cowboys took control early, leading 10-7 after the first quarter and extending their lead with a dominant second half. The Raiders fought back in the second quarter, but couldn’t find any success offensively in the second half, as the Cowboys’ defense took over. ESPN’s complete box score
Team Statistics
Dallas Cowboys
| Category | Stats |
| Total Yards | 420 |
| Passing Yards | 280 |
| Rushing Yards | 140 |
| Third Down Conversion | 7/12 |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 3/4 |
The Cowboys were able to dominate time of possession and move the ball efficiently. Their rushing game with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard proved effective in keeping the Raiders’ defense guessing. Dak Prescott’s accuracy and ability to manage the game was key.
Las Vegas Raiders
| Category | Stats |
| Total Yards | 315 |
| Passing Yards | 260 |
| Rushing Yards | 55 |
| Third Down Conversion | 4/10 |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 1/3 |
The Raiders were plagued by inefficiency in the run game, with Josh Jacobs failing to break through the Cowboys’ defensive front. Derek Carr also struggled with turnovers and was forced to throw under pressure throughout the game, limiting his success.
Quarterback Breakdown
Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys
FDak Prescott had a stellar game, completing 24 of 32 passes for 280 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Prescott played with poise, avoiding costly mistakes and consistently moving the ball downfield. His leadership and efficient decision-making allowed the Cowboys to control the game and keep the Raiders’ defense on their heels.
Derek Carr – Las Vegas Raiders
Derek Carr completed 22 of 34 passes for 260 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. While his yardage was respectable, the turnovers and inability to move the ball consistently during crucial moments were the downfall of the Raiders. Carr faced constant pressure from the Cowboys’ defense, particularly from Micah Parsons, who sacked him twice.
Rushing Performance
Dallas Cowboys Rushing Stats
| Player | Carries | Yards | Touchdowns | Yards Per Carry |
| Ezekiel Elliott | 18 | 85 | 1 | 4.7 |
| Tony Pollard | 8 | 55 | 0 | 6.9 |
The Cowboys’ ground game was highly effective, with Ezekiel Elliott leading the charge, gaining 85 yards and a touchdown. Tony Pollard contributed with 55 yards on just 8 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.
Las Vegas Raiders Rushing Stats
| Player | Carries | Yards | Touchdowns | Yards Per Carry |
| Josh Jacobs | 12 | 40 | 0 | 3.3 |
The Raiders struggled to get their run game going, with Josh Jacobs managing just 40 yards on 12 carries. The lack of a significant rushing threat allowed the Cowboys’ defense to focus on Derek Carr and disrupt their passing attack.
Pass Catchers
Dallas Cowboys Receiving Stats
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
| CeeDee Lamb | 8 | 110 | 1 |
| Michael Gallup | 4 | 55 | 0 |
| Dalton Schultz | 3 | 35 | 1 |
CeeDee Lamb was the top performer for the Cowboys, catching 8 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. Michael Gallup and Dalton Schultz provided additional support, with Schultz contributing a touchdown reception.
Las Vegas Raiders Receiving Stats
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
| Davante Adams | 7 | 90 | 1 |
| Hunter Renfrow | 4 | 50 | 0 |
| Darren Waller | 3 | 40 | 0 |
Davante Adams was the standout receiver for the Raiders, catching 7 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller contributed, but neither was able to make a significant impact against the Cowboys’ defense.
Defense
Dallas Cowboys Defense
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles |
| Micah Parsons | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Trevon Diggs | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| DeMarcus Lawrence | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
The Cowboys’ defense was dominant, with Micah Parsons terrorizing Derek Carr, registering two sacks. Trevon Diggs continued his strong season with an interception, and DeMarcus Lawrence contributed with a sack and forced fumble.
Las Vegas Raiders Defense
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles |
| Maxx Crosby | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Johnathan Abram | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trayvon Mullen | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Maxx Crosby was the brightest spot for the Raiders’ defense, recording a sack and leading the team in tackles. However, the Raiders were unable to generate enough pressure on Dak Prescott to disrupt his rhythm, and they struggled to contain the Cowboys’ receivers.

Special Teams
Kicking
| Player | Field Goals Made | Field Goals Attempted | Extra Points Made | Extra Points Attempted |
| Greg Zuerlein (DAL) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Daniel Carlson (LVR) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Greg Zuerlein was perfect on both field goals and extra points, contributing heavily to the Cowboys’ victory. Daniel Carlson, the Raiders’ kicker, made both of his field goal attempts but missed a key extra point.
Punting
| Player | Punts | Yards Per Punt | Longest Punt |
| Brian Anger (DAL) | 4 | 45.0 | 53 |
| AJ Cole (LVR) | 5 | 44.5 | 50 |
Brian Anger helped the Cowboys maintain excellent field position, while AJ Cole had a solid outing for the Raiders, although he couldn’t flip field position in key moments.
How Dallas Dominated
The Cowboys’ dominance in this game was a result of several key factors: a well-balanced offensive attack, solid pass protection, and an aggressive defense. Dak Prescott controlled the game with his arm, while Ezekiel Elliott and the offensive line dominated the ground game. Defensively, Micah Parsons and the front seven made life miserable for Derek Carr, preventing the Raiders from generating a consistent offensive rhythm.
Why Did the Cowboys Win This Game?
The Cowboys won because of their ability to control the clock and dominate both sides of the ball. Their offense executed efficiently, maintaining long drives and scoring touchdowns when needed. On defense, the Cowboys’ pass rush and secondary shut down Derek Carr and the Raiders’ offense, limiting their opportunities to score.
Why Did the Raiders Lose?
The Raiders lost due to their inability to stop the Cowboys’ offense. They allowed Dak Prescott to complete key passes, particularly to CeeDee Lamb, and struggled to contain the Cowboys’ run game. Additionally, turnovers and lack of pressure on Prescott hampered their chances.
Playoff and Season Implications
This victory for the Cowboys was crucial in maintaining their position in the NFC playoff race. The Raiders, however, now face an uphill battle in the AFC. They must regroup quickly if they are to stay in contention for a wild card spot.
Final Thought
The Dallas Cowboys’ victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on November 17 2025, was a statement win that showcased their complete dominance on both sides of the ball. The Cowboys well-rounded offense, led by Dak Prescott, executed with precision, taking advantage of every opportunity and controlling the tempo of the game. Ezekiel Elliott and the offensive line wore down the Raiders defense, allowing Prescott to operate efficiently and connect with key targets like CeeDee Lamb.
Defensively, the Cowboys were simply too much for Derek Carr and the Raiders to handle. Micah Parsons and the pass rush wreaked havoc throughout the game, limiting Carr’s time in the pocket and forcing turnovers at critical moments. The Raiders failed to establish a rhythm offensively, with Carr under constant pressure and unable to connect with his weapons.
This win solidifies the Cowboys as one of the top contenders in the NFC, while the Raiders face a tough road ahead. They will need to make significant adjustments if they hope to make a playoff push. For the Cowboys, this victory is just another step toward a potential Super Bowl run, fueled by their dominant all-around performance.
(FAQs)
1. What was the key to the Cowboys’ victory over the Raiders?
The key to the Cowboys’ victory was their ability to dominate both offensively and defensively. Dak Prescott’s efficiency, paired with a strong rushing game from Ezekiel Elliott, was too much for the Raiders to handle. The defense, led by Micah Parsons, kept Derek Carr under constant pressure.
2. How did Dak Prescott perform in the game?
Dak Prescott had an outstanding performance, completing 24 of 32 passes for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns. He controlled the game with poise and precision, avoiding turnovers and efficiently moving the ball downfield.
3. Why did the Raiders struggle offensively?
The Raiders struggled because they were unable to protect Derek Carr. The Cowboys’ defense, particularly Micah Parsons, was relentless, pressuring Carr throughout the game and forcing turnovers, limiting the Raiders’ offensive opportunities.
4. What impact did Micah Parsons have on the game?
Micah Parsons was a game-changer. With 2 sacks and constant pressure on Derek Carr, he disrupted the Raiders’ offense and prevented Carr from getting into a rhythm. His performance set the tone for the Cowboys’ defensive dominance.
5. What does this win mean for the Cowboys’ playoff hopes?
This win strengthens the Cowboys’ position in the NFC playoff race, putting them in a strong position to secure a high seed. With their well-rounded team performance, they remain one of the top contenders for a Super Bowl run.

