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In the first game since the tragic death of teammate Marshawn Kneeland, the Dallas Cowboys delivered a statement win in Sin City, crushing the Las Vegas Raiders 33-16 in an emotional Monday Night Football matchup. This was the team’s first game since tragic passing of the 24-year-old Kneeland, and the victory was dedicated to his memory, serving as a critical, must-win catalyst for Dallas’s first win since mid-October. Quarterback Dak Prescott, who honored Kneeland with a personalized wristband, anchored the offensive surge with a spectacular four-touchdown performance.
A pivotal moment of the night was the dramatic, early benching of star receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens following a disjointed opening series. While Lamb’s response was strong, including a first half touchdown, it was Pickens who delivered a true career game. Pickens torched the Raiders’ secondary, hauling in nine receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown. His breakout performance is another addition to his breakout season in his first year with the Cowboys.
Leading the charge was Prescott, who rebounded from a shaky turnover in the first quarter to put together one of the most complete games of his season, tossing four touchdowns to four different receivers. He finished with completing 25-of-33 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns; it’s his fifth game this season that he has 3+ touchdowns.
The Raiders’ offense was able to move the ball, sustaining long, methodical drives throughout the night. They consistently moved the ball between the 20-yard lines, however, the story of their demise was a repeated failure to “punch it in” once they reached scoring territory. Las Vegas was stymied by the Cowboys defense inside the 10-yard line on multiple occasions, settling for three field goals and turning the ball over on downs. This crippling inefficiency in the red zone allowed Dallas to build and maintain a comfortable, yet deceptively slim, lead.
Ultimately, the Cowboys secured the 33-16 victory, preserving their playoff aspirations and moving to a respectable 4-5-1 record; Dallas gets Philadelphia, Kansas City and Detroit in the next three weeks with its playoff lives on the line. Las Vegas, on the other hand, moves to 2-8.
The Sporting News followed all the action from tonight’s clash between two historic franchises in Sin City. Check out all the action below.
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11:11 p.m.: On the first game since the passing of Marshawn Kneeland, the Cowboys put together a statement win.
pic.twitter.com/fmLb7EqFQ1
Playing with heavy hearts, the Dallas offense put together a clinic and the defense did enough to stifle the Raiders as the Cowboys advance to 4-5-1.
Next up for the Cowboys is the Philadelphia Eagles.
11:05 p.m.: Facing a 4th & 1 in their own territory, the Cowboys pass rush gets to Smith again and brings him down for a sack.
Dallas takes back over, up 33-15, with 2:30 remaining.
11:01 p.m.: The Cowboys had a 4th & 2 right outside the end zone, but they come up empty.
Prescott tries hitting Lamb on an out-route to the left, but the receiver drops it. If he reels it in, it’s a walk-in touchdown.
Las Vegas takes back over.
10:48 p.m.: Las Vegas attempts an onside punt, but it is recovered by Pickens before hit hits the ground and Dallas takes over inside the 40.
Raiders try an onside kick with a punt
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10:45 p.m. SAFETY: Backed up on the one-yard line, the Cowboys immediately stuff Jeanty on a carry, and he can’t get out of the end zone.
It was Donovan Ezeiruaku, the rookie from Boston College, who made the first contact.
Cowboys defense swarms Ashton Jeanty for a safety!
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The Cowboys now lead by 17.
10:40 p.m.: For the first time since their first drive, the Cowboys have to punt.
Prescott tries hitting KaVontae Turpin on a 3rd & 7, but No. 9 is not able to hold onto the ball.
Dallas downs Tucker at the two-yard line, where Las Vegas will begin its drive.
10:35 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Las Vegas has its first touchdown of the night.
After Smith gives the Raiders a new set of downs, he throws Tucker a screen pass on the right side. Tucker takes it six yards and bulldozes into the end zone.
Tre Tucker crosses the goal line for a Las Vegas TD
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The Cowboys’ lead is back to 15.
10:34 p.m.: On 4th & 4, Smith finds time to scramble to the left and moves the chains with a seveb-yard run. The Raiders are now inside the 10.
10:28 p.m.: Las Vegas keeps on driving, with Smith completing a pass to Lockett on the left sideline for 11 yards to get down to the Dallas 19.
Las Vegas has been in the red zone multiple times tonight but have come away with only three each time. To put up the slightest flight, it needs a touchdown.
To start the fourth quarter, Vegas will face a 3rd & long.
10:25 p.m.: On 4th & 1 with the Raiders nearmidfield, Ashton Jeanty — who has not gotten a ton of carries tonight — muscles his way to the first down marker to keep the drive going.
10:16 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: The Cowboys pick up right where they let off to end the half.
After a few Pickens receptions get Dallas inside the 5, Prescott hits Ryan Flournoy on the left side for a three-yard score.
4th touchdown pass of the night for Dak Prescott!
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It’s Prescott’s fourth touchdown of the night, each to a different receiver.
10:14 p.m.: Pickens is having a career game. He now reels in a 17-yard pass to get down to the Las Vegas 3.
almost pic.twitter.com/PqfHO6OXY4
Running angry tonight
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10:11 p.m.: On 3rd & 4, Prescott hits Pickens again for what seemed like a simple slant, but Pickens turns it for 21-yards on a nonstop effort.
10:09 p.m.: Pickens had 6 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown to end the first half, and he starts the second half on a good note.
On second down, he reels in a pass from Prescott and is able to stay on his feet for a first down.
10:05 p.m.: On third down, Smith tries finding Bowers on the left sideline, but it is broken up by Cowboys star corner Daron Bland.
Bland has struggled this season, but he comes up with a big pass breakup. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense comes back out after scoring touchdowns on three consecutive drives to end the half.
10:03 p.m.: The second half has begun. Las Vegas, down 15, has the ball first, with the chance to cut into the Dallas lead.
10:00 p.m.: After two quarters, it’s the Dallas offense who reigns supreme.
The Cowboys have 253 yards of offense and have scored on four out of six drives. While Las Vegas has put up 167 yards, it does not have a touchdown to show for it.
9:48 p.m.: FIELD GOAL: Las Vegas puts three more on the board on Carlson’s third field goal, but the Raiders still trail by 15 going into the locker room.
Dallas has three touchdowns (and a field goal) to Las Vegas’ three field goals as the Cowboys lead 24-9.
9:41 p.m.: The Raiders need some points before the half, and they are in striking distance after Smith hits Tre Tucker for 26 yards down to the Dallas 36.
9:34 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Lamb and Pickens spent the first drive on the bench, and now both have a touchdown.
On 1st & 15, Prescott connects with Pickens near the line to gain, and the wide receiver spins away from a defender then runs into the end zone. It’s a 37-yard score and Dallas leads 21-6.
Nice catch and run for a 37-yard George Pickens touchdown!
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Prescott has three passing touchdowns in the first half. Pickens was penalized after the play for unsportsmanlike conduct.
George Pickens was penalized for Unsportsmanlike Conduct after hugging the goal post. pic.twitter.com/af0BeEyYst
9:31 p.m.: Right after the pass interference gives Dallas a new set of downs, Williams busts his biggest carry of the night.
The fifth-year back bursts to the right and picks up 16 yards.
9:30 p.m.: On 3rd & 11, Prescott tries finding Lamb over the middle of the field, but he is covered up by a defender. Though, it is a pass intereference call and Dallas moves 22 yards.
9:24 p.m.: Right when the Raiders looked to be in business, Smith throws an interception.
He tries hitting Bowers on a similar route to their last completion, but this one is tipped by Kenneth Murray and intercepted by Marquise Bell.
Deflected and intercepted by Markquese Bell! Cowboys take over.
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The Cowboys take back over, up 17-6.
9:23 p.m.: Desperately needing to move the chains, Smith connects with Tyler Lockett — who signed after being released by the Titans — for 15 yards to keep the drive moving.
Las Vegas has now been in Dallas territory in all five of its drives.
9:21 p.m.: Bowers has been Smith’s only reliable target tonight. On 1st & 10, he sits on a 16-yard curl route and reels in the catch.
9:15 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: The Cowboys go for it on 4th & 1 inside the red zone, and the play ends in the end zone.
Prescott takes a few steps back after taking the snap and immediately hits Jake Fergusson for a touchdown.
Jake Ferguson scores on 4th down and hits a mime celly
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It’s Fergusson’s seventh touchdown of the season, as he continues to emerge as one of Prescott’s favorite targets.
9:12 p.m.: Once again, Prescott finds Lamb for a deep connection.
This time, he layers the ball to the wide receiver — who was running right to left on a crosser — for 23 yards, and the Cowboys are once again in the red zone.
9:10 p.m.: On 3rd & 3, Prescott connects with Lamb over the middle of the field for 14 yards down to the Las Vegas 47.
9:03 p.m.: Though Las Vegas showed signs of progress, the drive stalls after the Williams sack.
For the first time in five drives, the team is forced to punt, with Dallas starting its next drive at the 21.
9:02 p.m.: In his first game as a Cowboy, Quinnen Williams had his first sack as a Cowboy.
Quinnen Williams gets his first sack as a Cowboy
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He bull rushes the Raiders offensive line and gets to Smith in the backfield for -9 yards.
9:01 p.m.: After a few forward Las Vegas plays, Jeanty has his first big run of the night.
Here, he takes it up the middle for 12 yards down to the Dallas 46.
8:55 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: The Cowboys have the first touchdown of the night, and it’s a common connection: Prescott to Lamb.
The quarterback steps back in the pocket and finds a wide open Lamb in the end zone for an 18-yard score.
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There have been scores on four straight drives.
8:51 p.m.: Now, the teams are exchanging big plays.
Here, a Javonte Williams 10 yard run gets the Cowboys inside the red zone.
8:49 p.m.: To open the Cowboys drive, Prescott connects with Pickens for 19 yards.
The next play, he hits Pickens once again for 15 yards to get the Cowboys deep into Raiders territory.
8:45 p.m. FIELD GOAL: Just like the first time Las Vegas offense made the red zone, a Smith sack set them off. This time, he gets sacked on 3rd & 14 on Las Vegas once again settles for a field goal.
.@Jthouston_4 gets home
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Carlson kicks a 45-yarder, and the third consecutive drive ends in a field goal.
8:42 p.m.: The Raiders have put together three chunk plays in a row.
First, he hits rookie Jack Bech for 19 yards, then Bowers for 16 yards, then Ian Thomas for 21.
Las Vegas is back inside the red zone.
8:37 p.m. FIELD GOAL: Right after the Raiders kick a field goal, Dallas responds.
The Cowboys stall out on a 3rd & 3, and Brandon Aubrey kicks a 50-yarder, and we’re tied at 3.
8:35 p.m.: The Cowboys offense is across midfield for the first time. Prescott connects with Hunter Luepke for 19 yards to get inside the 40.
8:30 p.m. FIELD GOAL: Though it had great field position, the Las Vegas offense comes away with only three points.
Kenny Clark sacked Smith on first down, putting the Raiders behind the sticks, and it gets to a 4th & 12. Daniel Carlson nails a 35-yarder and Las Vegas scores first.
8:27 p.m.: We have our first turnover of the night.
On second down, Crosby got to Prescott behind the line of scrimmage, hitting the ball out of the quarterback’s hand. Las Vegas jumps on the fumble and now has the ball inside the red zone.
Maxx Crosby wrecks the play for a turnover ‼️
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It’s a prime opportunity for the Raiders to draw first blood.
8:23 p.m.: Just like the Cowboys, Las Vegas can’t convert on its first third down.
While Smith is able to evade pressure, he only connects with Michael Mayer for one yard.
On the ensuing punt, Las Vegas downs Dallas inside the five.
8:20 p.m.: The Raiders offense gets going on the first play, and it’s tight end Brock Bowers.
On first down, Smith connects with the brilliant tight end over the middle of the field for a first down.
Good things happen when you throw to Brock Bowers
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Las Vegas is around midfield.
8:19 p.m.: Kneeland’s jersey is also on the Cowboys sideline.
Time to play ! pic.twitter.com/kYcj62noEJ
8:18 p.m.: Both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were kept on the Dallas sideline for the first drive.
CeeDee Lamb & George Pickens were on the sideline for the Cowboys’ opening drive.
The broadcast said it was due to a coach’s decision. pic.twitter.com/nwEY6tU3ZY
Per the broadcast, it was a coach’s decision.
8:18 p.m.: On the first third down, the Las Vegas defense gets a stop on Dallas, forcing them to punt.
Geno Smith and the Raiders offense will take over from the 31-yard line.
8:17 p.m.: We have kicked off in Las Vegas.
Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense gets the ball first.
8:10 p.m.: Moments before kickoff, the Raiders and the NFL paid their respects to Marshawn Kneeland with a moment of silence.
A moment of silence for Marshawn pic.twitter.com/bv1jo09J4g
7:59 p.m.: Prescott is going to be running from one of the best edge rushers in the NFL in Maxx Crosby tonight.
Let’s get it @CrosbyMaxx
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Crosby has five sacks on the season.
7:53 p.m.: The Cowboys boast one of the top passing offenses in football with one of the best wide receiver duos.
Bring out the ‘Boys #DALvsLv | @bswhealth pic.twitter.com/zS8IQzoUUr
Ceedee Lamb and George Pickens look to make an impact in Sin City.
7:45 p.m.: Prescott is giving another tribute to Kneeland. The team captain is wearing Kneeland’s quote, “One Love” on his wrist.
Dak Prescott’s wristband tonight honors Marshawn Kneeland
“One Love RIP 94!” pic.twitter.com/UHL8G1H1JT
7:40 p.m.: Ahead of Monday Night Football, ESPN aired a tribute for the late Marshawn Kneeland.
The Cowboys return to play for the first time since the loss of Marshawn Kneeland.
Michelle Beisner-Buck shares the stories of the player and the person. pic.twitter.com/qhdfkWIGb0
7:36 p.m.: Kickoff is less than an hour away, and Dak Prescott and the Cowboys are looking for a huge win.
4️⃣
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Dallas currently sits at 3-5-1 and sits outside the NFL playoff picture.
7:22 p.m.: To keep up with Dallas’ high-octane offense, Las Vegas is going to need its young pieces to show up.
Quinnen Williams set to make his Cowboys debut
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Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Tre Tucker are just a few of the players that need to have big games.
7:11 p.m.: The Cowboys have a new shiny toy: defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who they acquired from the New York Jets on Nov. 4.
Quinnen Williams set to make his Cowboys debut
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The 2022 First-Team All-Pro and three-time Pro-Bowler looks to bring juice to the Dallas defense, which ranks near the bottom in the NFL in all categories.
6:50 p.m.: Las Vegas has posted its inactives for tonight’s contest.
Inactives for #DALvsLV pic.twitter.com/XXG6Xc58it
6:42 p.m.: Coming off the bye week, the Cowboys defense will have some reinforcements. Alongside new acquisitions Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson, Dallas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is making his season debut.
Agent 0 returns @AGENT0__ | #DALvsLV pic.twitter.com/zj5wG0Lews
Overshown suffered a severe knee injury in Week 14 of the 2024 season (the opposite knee from a previous injury), tearing his ACL, MCL, and PCL. This required extensive surgery and recovery time.
6:35 p.m.: Seven-time Super Bowl winner and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady is in the house for tonight’s matchup.
#Raiders minority owner Tom Brady is in the house tonight for their game vs. the Cowboys: pic.twitter.com/MnZaNMqg1j
Brady has been in attendance for a few Raiders games this year while also balancing his broadcasting schedule.
6:31 p.m.: The Kneeland tributes continue to pour in, with Cowboys’ defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton wearing his player’s jersey upon arrival.
Coach Whitecotton reppin’ 94 pic.twitter.com/zXIUvq7Sis
6:20 p.m.: The Cowboys’ opponent, the Raiders, are also paying their respects to Kneeland tonight. During warmups, Las Vegas players, coaches and staff are wearing shirts with “Call an audible” on the front and the suicide hotline number, 988, on the back.
Raiders players, coaches and staff are wearing warmup shirt with “Call an Audible” on the front and the 988 suicide hotline number on the back pic.twitter.com/ZeT3cdF28j
6:13 p.m.: Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott took a few minutes pregame to say some prayers for Kneeland, only a few hours before the Cowboys kick off in the first game since his passing.
Dak Prescott takes a moment to honor Marshawn Kneeland ahead of MNF.pic.twitter.com/4Lqt8rwHLt
5:36 p.m.: The Cowboys are on site, and some of them are already repping Kneeland t-shirts.
.@dak and the @dallascowboys are honoring their late teammate Marshawn Kneeland with these pregame shirts tonight pic.twitter.com/Z9xY99jxh8
5:18 p.m.: In honor of Kneeland, Dallas will be wearing custom-made t-shirts for warmups.
One Love pic.twitter.com/yQcJYJo9ib
5:10 p.m.: This is the first time the Cowboys will play without Marshawn Kneeland — who tragically took his life only a few days after the team’s last game against the Cardinals — and the team will be playing with heavy hearts.
A locker tonight for the late Marshawn Kneeland.
pic.twitter.com/tDsAiIL0rg
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The Cowboys and Raiders will kick off Week 11’s edition of “Monday Night Football” at 8:15 p.m. ET. This is the second straight game that Las Vegas is in primetime; for Dallas, it is its second time on “Monday Night Football” in three weeks.
This ‘Monday Night Football’ matchup will air on ABC and ESPN.
Fans can also stream ‘Monday Night Football’ on Fubo and the ESPN app. Fubo carries ESPN in its channel lineup, along with a variety of other channels, and is offering a free trial.
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Jake Mozarsky joined The Sporting News as an Editorial Intern in August 2025 after earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. He has previously written for Marquee Sports Network, Chicago This Week, Inside NU and The Daily Northwestern.