How has Washington fared on Thanksgiving Day throughout franchise history?

The Washington Commanders (4-7) meet the Dallas Cowboys (7-3) on Thanksgiving Day. It’s the first time the two NFC East rivals have met on Thanksgiving Day since 2020, which was embattled head coach Ron Rivera’s first season on the sideline in Washington.

This meeting is between two teams going in opposite directions. The Cowboys are undefeated at AT&T Stadium, while the Commanders have lost two straight and seven of their last nine.

The Cowboys and Lions are the two teams who traditionally play every Thanksgiving. Who has Dallas played the most on Thanksgiving? That would be Washington. While the Cowboys have dominated the Thanksgiving matchups, things have been better lately.

Washington is 4-8 all-time on Thanksgiving Day. Let’s take a look back at Washington’s history on Turkey Day.

Nov. 28, 1968

FILE PHOTO; A feature photo of Washington Redskins reciever Charlkey Taylor (42), tight end Jerry Smith (87), and running back Bobby mitchell (49). Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys 29, Washington Redskins 20

In Washington’s first Thanksgiving game, tight end Jerry Smith caught six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. Charley Taylor also scored on that day.

Nov. 22, 1973

=Washington, DC, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins quarterback #17 Billy Kilmer in action. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright Malcolm Emmons

Washington Redskins 20, Detroit Lions 0

In Washington’s only Thanksgiving game vs. the Lions, Billy Kilmer passed for two touchdowns to give Washington the shutout win.

Nov. 28, 1974

FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins kicker Mark Moseley. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys 24, Washington Redskins 23

Mark Moseley kicked four field goals, but it wasn’t enough as Drew Pearson caught a 50-yard game-winner from Clint Longley to give the Cowboys the win.

Nov. 23, 1878

FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann (7). Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys 37, Washington Redskins 10

This was a rough day for Washington, as Joe Theismann completed only 10 of 24 passes and the defense had no answers for Dallas.

Nov. 22, 1990

FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins receiver #83 Ricky Sanders4. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys 27, Washington Redskins 17

Emmitt Smith rushed for two touchdowns for the Cowboys, while Troy Aikman found Michael Irvin for another. Ricky Sanders and Earnest Byner scored for Washington.

Nov. 28, 1996

Emmitt Smith #22 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball during a game against the Washington Redskins. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport

Dallas Cowboys 21, Washington Redskins 10

Another big day for Emmitt Smith, who rushed for three touchdowns in the Dallas win.

Nov. 28, 2002

Dallas Cowboys 27, Washington Redskins 20

This game is best remembered for Washington punter Bryan Barker’s broken nose. It was Steve Spurrier’s only Thanksgiving game as Washington’s head coach.

Nov. 22, 2012

Nov 22, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) throws a touchdown pass. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Redskins 38, Dallas Cowboys 31

Washington’s first Thanksgiving Day win over the Cowboys. What a day this was. It felt like the beginning of a new era with sensational rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, who threw four touchdown passes. This was the most exciting season in Washington’s franchise history over the last 23 years.

Nov. 24, 2016Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is rushed by Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90). Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys 31, Washington Redskins 26

This was an exciting game in which Kirk Cousins passed for 449 yards and three touchdowns. Cousins was flawless in this game, but Washington’s defense couldn’t stop the Cowboys.

Nov. 23, 2017

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Redskins 20, New York Giants 10

This is the only time the Giants and Washington have played on Thanksgiving. Cousins led the Redskins to a win to end Thanksgiving night. Cousins passed for 242 yards and two touchdowns, while Jamison Crowder had 141 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Nov. 22, 2018

Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) rolls out against the Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys 31, Washington Redskins 23

Colt McCoy passed for 268 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions. Dak Prescott passed for 289 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for one.

Nov. 26, 2020Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Football Team 41, Dallas Cowboys 16

What a day this was for Washington. Under its new moniker, Washington blew open the game in the second half, led by rookie running back Antonio Gibson, who rushed for 115 yards and three touchdowns.

Story originally appeared on Commanders Wire