Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins won't play in the 2016 preseason finale. Getty

The first-place Washington Redskins (5-6) look to take control of NFC East as they host the Dallas Cowboys (3-8) in a pivotal matchup on Monday night.

Washington has won all five games at FedEx Field, with Kirk Cousins throwing 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions in those contests. Over his last three games overall, Cousins has completed 73.8 percent of his passes for 833 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception. In a 20-14 win over the Giants last week, Cousins was 20-of-29 for 302 yards, a passing touchdown and a rushing score.

Tight end Jordan Reed has been Cousins’ go-to option all season long, leading the team in receptions (55), yards (541) and touchdowns (6). Wide receiver DeSean Jackson returned from injury Nov. 8 but has begun to heat up the past two weeks, recording seven of his 12 receptions and notching his only two scores of the season.

Dallas’ defense has remained stout against the pass, ranking No. 5 in passing yards allowed (225.1) despite giving up 23.7 points per game.

The Cowboys' offense is again without Tony Romo after a second collarbone injury will keep the starter out for the remainder of the season. Matt Cassel will be back under center after playing in five games that all resulted in losses. Cassel has completed 63 percent of his passes and has five touchdowns to go with five interceptions. He finished 13-of-19 for 93 yards and a touchdown in relief of an injured Romo on Thanksgiving.

Dez Bryant should be the healthiest he’s been this season as he continues to battle through foot problems that have plagued him all season. The star wide receiver hasn’t been much of a factor since returning from the broken foot suffered in Week 1, tallying just 11 catches for 116 yards and a score over his last three games. In six games, Bryant has 280 yards and two touchdowns.

Washington’s defense shut out Eli Manning and the Giants for three quarters last week and held New York to 33 yards rushing. Dallas ranks No. 29 in scoring offense (18.5 points per game) while the Redskins rank No. 20 in points allowed per game (24.3). The Redskins are working with a bit of a patchwork defensive backfield as Dashon Goldson and Quinton Dunbar battle injuries after Chris Culliver was already lost for the season.

A win for Jay Gruden’s side means the Redskins would sit atop the division all alone with command of their own playoff fate. Despite losing eight of their last nine games, Jason Garrett’s squad remains mathematically alive but have to run the table and get some help to reach the postseason.

Start Time: 8:30 p.m.

TV Channel: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

NFL