Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) reacts after catching a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

LAS VEGAS — It was an emotional night for the Dallas Cowboys, capped off with a critical win.

The Cowboys paid tribute to the late Marshawn Kneeland by wearing custom t-shirts with his face during pregame warmups. They sported a special helmet decal to honor him and there was a moment of silence before the game.

The emotions of the moment spilled over onto the field as the Cowboys defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 33-16, on "Monday Night Football."

The Cowboys started the game with a little adversity. Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens began the game on the bench as the Cowboys went three-and-out on their first series. Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby strip-sacked Dak Prescott on the Cowboys’ second possession. The turnover led to a Raiders field goal.

The Cowboys offense turned things around quickly after the early mishap and scored on their next four drives to take a commanding 24-9 lead at halftime. The Cowboys’ fourth scoring drive came after safety Markquese Bell intercepted Geno Smith.

The Cowboys defense forced the Raiders to punt to start the second half. Dallas took over possession of the football, and marched down the field for another touchdown drive to build an insurmountable lead.

Monday was probably the Cowboys’ most complete performance of the season in all three phases. The team’s showing was poetic given the emotional toll the team has experienced since Kneeland's death.

USA TODAY Sports was on the scene at Allegiant Stadium. Here are the highlights from the game:

A moment of silence for Marshawn Kneeland

The Raiders made a nice gesture by having a moment of silence for Kneeland prior to kickoff. Kneeland’s face was displayed on the jumbotron at Allegiant Stadium.

The Cowboys had Kneeland’s jersey hanging up in the visitors locker room. They wore t-shirts that paid tribute to Kneeland and had a special decal on their helmet. Jerry Jones and members of the Cowboys staff wore pins that had Kneeland’s 94 number.

Cowboys don’t start CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens

Lamb and Pickens weren’t on the field during the Cowboys’ opening series. According to the ESPN broadcast, the two wide receivers weren’t on the field due to a coaching decision. The Cowboys offense went three-and-out without their top two receivers.

The receiver duo responded in a big way after the benching. Pickens had six receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone.

Pickens had a game-high nine catches for 144 yards and a touchdown. Lamb contributed with five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Dak Prescott throws three touchdown passes in first half

Prescott threw three touchdown passes to three different players in the first ha as the Cowboys quarterback passed for 185 yards before halftime.

Pickens, Lamb and Jake Ferguson each had a touchdown grab.

Prescott went 25-of-33 passing for 268 yards and passed for four touchdowns to four different players. He led the Cowboys on four straight touchdown drives between the second and third quarters. His four touchdown passes equaled a season-high.

Quinnen Williams leads energized Cowboys defense

The Cowboys came into Week 11 with the worst defense in the NFC.

They acquired defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson at the trade deadline. Both had positive impacts.

Williams produced four tackles, 1.5 sacks and five QB hits. Wilson tallied two tackles in the win.

Donovan Ezeiruaku and the Cowboys defense corralled Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty in the end zone in the fourth quarter for a safety.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dallas Cowboys rout Las Vegas Raiders in emotional 'MNF' victory

Reporting by Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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