The Minnesota Vikings travel to face the Dallas Cowboys in a pivotal late-season NFC showdown on Sunday, December 14, 2025, as the Cowboys fight to keep playoff hopes alive with a win that could vault them into the NFC East race, while the Vikings aim to build momentum under rookie QB J.J. McCarthy amid a rebuilding year. This Week 15 primetime clash at AT&T Stadium revives a storied rivalry, with Dallas seeking revenge after a 40-3 demolition of Minnesota in 2022. McCarthy’s recent breakout (129.2 passer rating vs. Washington, 3 TD, 0 TO) meets the NFL’s worst pass defense (allowing 261.7 ypg, 32nd), but the Vikings’ aggressive blitz scheme (league-high 49.2% rate) could rattle Dak Prescott (1,123 yds vs. blitz, 3rd-most). The Cowboys’ high-flying offense (26.4 PPG, 7th) faces Brian Flores’ hard-charging unit, which pitched a shutout last week. With Dallas clinging to the No. 7 seed and Minnesota out of contention but eyeing 2026 draft capital, expect a slugfest under the lights. Win sims: Cowboys 58%.
Kickoff: 8:20 PM ET (7:20 PM CT).
Broadcast: NBC: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark (field reporter)
Westwood One: Ryan Radtke, Mike Golic
Streaming on NFL+ ($6.99/mo) and Peacock. Pregame coverage begins at 7:00 PM ET on NFL Network.
Venue Location:
AT&T Stadium, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 (32°44’50″N 97°05’41″W). This 80,000-seat retractable-roof behemoth—opened in 2009—features the world’s largest HD video screen (160×72 ft) and luxury Star Suites, creating an intimidating dome-like vibe (roof closed for this game). Accessible via I-30 (exit 29B) or Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, 15-min drive). Parking at on-site lots ($50-75); hotels like the Gaylord Texan Resort (5-min drive) offer game packages. Tickets via Ticketmaster start at $98 (upper level).
Injury Report
Both teams held full practices Thursday, but Dallas’ key absences in the secondary and tight end room raise concerns, while Minnesota’s offensive line and receivers draw watch. Updates as of December 11 (via NFL.com; Friday reports pending).
Minnesota Vikings:
DNP: LT Christian Darrisaw (knee—DNP both days, questionable; elite LT, missed Week 14).
Limited: WR Jordan Addison (Achilles—limited both days, managing prior rupture), TE T.J. Hockenson (shin—DNP Wed to limited Thu, encouraging), WR Justin Jefferson (rest—limited, expected full), RB Aaron Jones (shoulder—limited), S Josh Metellus (shoulder—limited), LG Donovan Jackson (ankle—limited to full), S Theo Jackson (neck—limited to full), DT Levi Drake Rodriguez (neck—limited to full).
Full: QB J.J. McCarthy (NIR—full), CB Jonathan Allen (rest—limited to full).
Impact: Darrisaw’s knee could force Justin Skule at LT, exposing McCarthy to Dallas’ edges (team 15th OL, 25 sacks allowed). Hockenson/Addison upgrades boost weapons.
Dallas Cowboys:
DNP: OT Tyler Guyton (ankle—DNP both days, questionable; high-ankle sprain), TE Jake Ferguson (calf—limited Wed to DNP Thu, concerning for red-zone threat).
Limited: WR CeeDee Lamb (concussion—DNP Wed to full Thu, major positive; 1,123 yds season), CB Trevon Diggs (knee—limited both days, potential return), S Malik Hooker (toe—limited), DE Jadeveon Clowney (hamstring—limited).
Full: QB Dak Prescott (NIR—full).
Impact: Guyton’s ankle weakens RT vs. Vikings’ blitz; Ferguson’s calf thins TE depth (team 24th TE coverage). Lamb’s full practice signals availability, easing Prescott’s load.
No QB concerns; monitor Darrisaw/Ferguson for Friday upgrades.
Player Matchups
This primetime tilt contrasts Minnesota’s blitz-heavy D with Dallas’ aerial attack, where McCarthy’s growth vs. the league’s worst secondary looms large. Key battles:
QB J.J. McCarthy (MIN) vs. Cowboys Pass Defense (worst in NFL, 261.7 ypg allowed): McCarthy (129.2 rating last week, 3 TD/0 TO) exploits Dallas’ shaky zone (32nd in pass D); Cowboys’ blitz (2nd in rate) tests MIN’s 15th OL.
RB Aaron Jones (MIN) vs. Cowboys Front 7 (Micah Parsons/DeMarcus Lawrence): Jones (limited shoulder, 83 yds last) vs. Parsons’ disruption (13 sacks); MIN’s 19th rush (117.2 ypg) meets DAL’s 12th run D (107.7 ypg allowed).
WR Justin Jefferson/Jordan Addison (MIN) vs. CB DaRon Bland/Trevon Diggs (DAL): Jefferson (limited rest) vs. Bland’s picks (team-high 5 INT); Addison’s Achilles vs. Diggs’ return (knee).
QB Dak Prescott (DAL) vs. Vikings Blitz (49.2% rate, league-high): Prescott (1,123 yds vs. blitz, 3rd) vs. Flores’ pressure; DAL’s 24th OL vulnerable.
RB Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) vs. Vikings Front (Jonathan Greenard/Darnell Mooney echo): Elliott (900+ yds est.) vs. MIN’s 10th run D (107.1 ypg allowed).
Cowboys Offense Edge: CeeDee Lamb (full practice) mismatches MIN’s man coverage.
Team Records
| Team | Record | Division | Playoff Odds | Key Stats |
| Vikings | 5-8 (.385) | 3rd NFC North | 15% | 22.1 PPG (18th), 23.1 OPP PPG (15th), 348.7 TOT YPG (12th) |
| Cowboys | 6-6-1 (.500) | 2nd NFC East | 45% | 26.4 PPG (7th), 25.5 OPP PPG (24th), 362.6 TOT YPG (8th) |
Vikings: Out of playoffs, focus on McCarthy’s development. Cowboys: Plausible East path, favored by 5.5.
Recent Form
Minnesota Vikings (2-3 in last 5): McCarthy’s equilibrium (51.3 to 129.2 rating) sparks hope, but blitz D pitched shutout last week vs. Commanders.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 7 | vs WAS | W 31-0 | McCarthy 3 TD/0 TO; shutout, D 2 INT. |
| Nov 30 | @ PHI | L 20-27 | 3 TO; 42.9% 3rd-down. |
| Nov 23 | vs SF | W 34-24 | McCarthy 312 yds/3 TD; 55.6% 3rd-down. |
| Nov 16 | @ TEN | W 28-17 | Balanced; D holds Levis to 198 yds. |
| Nov 9 | vs DEN | L 24-20 | 40% 3rd-down; Jones 2 TD. |
Dallas Cowboys (3-2 in last 5): Bounce-back after Turkey Day win vs. KC; offense high-flying, but pass D worst in NFL.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Nov 28 | vs KC | W 31-28 | Prescott 239 yds/4 TD; 53.8% 3rd-down. |
| Nov 23 | @ DET | L 21-28 | Prescott 315 yds/2 TD; D 337 yds allowed. |
| Nov 16 | vs PIT | W 31-28 | Prescott 280 yds/3 TD; 27.3% 3rd-down. |
| Nov 9 | @ MIN | W 40-3 | Prescott 397 yds/3 TD; blowout. |
| Nov 2 | vs NYG | W 24-20 | Prescott 245 yds/2 TD; grind win. |
Series History
Cowboys lead 19-15 overall (34 meetings, including 7 playoffs; DAL 4-3 postseason). Last: Cowboys 40-3 (Nov 20, 2022, Minneapolis). Avg. score: DAL 22.2-19.0 MIN. Trend: Dallas 3 straight regular-season wins; O/U: O 6-4 last 10. December: Cowboys 4-3 SU home vs. Vikings. Playoffs: Iconic 1977 NFC Championship (DAL 23-6 MIN).
Betting Trends
Over 65% action at 47.5 (O 8/10 recent series, both 5-3 O last 8). Vikings +5.5 draws sharps (38% high-limits) as road dogs (4-3 ATS away); Cowboys 7-6 ATS overall (5-2 home). MIN 5-7 ATS season; X chatter 70% pro-DAL post-Lamb news. Stable; watch Ferguson for total dip.
Predicted Score; Dallas Cowboys 28, Minnesota Vikings 24
VIKINGS NOTES:
• QB J.J. McCARTHY completed 16 of 23 att. (69.6 pct.) for 163 yards & career-high 3 TD passes for career-high 129.2 rating in Week 14. Has TD pass in 4 of his past 5 games & 2+ TD passes in 2 of his past 3 on road. • RB AARON JONES had 76 rush yards in Week 14. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 5 of his past 6. Ranks 5th in NFL with 7,454 rush yards since 2017. • RB JORDAN MASON had 52 rush yards & TD in Week 14. • WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON ranks 1st in NFL with 8,242 rec. yards since 2020, 2nd-most rec. yards in 1st 6 career seasons all-time (HOFer Randy Moss; 8,375 rec. yards). Aims for 3rd in row on primetime with 70+ rec. yards. • TE T.J. HOCKENSON had 3rd TD reception of season in Week 14. • TE JOSH OLIVER had career-high 2 TD catches in Week 14. • LB BLAKE CASHMAN led team with 10 tackles in Week 14 & has 10+ tackles in 6 of his past 7 games. • LB ANDREW VAN GINKEL had 1st INT of season & 2 PD in Week 14. Has 5+ tackles in 3 of his past 4. Had 10 tackles & 1.5 sacks in last meeting. • LB ERIC WILSON had 6 tackles, sack & TFL in Week 14. Has TFL in 8 consecutive games, 2nd-longest active streak this season (Will Anderson Jr. – 9 straight games). Has sack in 2 of his past 3 on road. • DL JONATHAN ALLEN aims for 3rd in row on primetime with 5+ tackles. Had sack in last game vs. Dal. (1/5/25 w/ Was.). • DL JALEN REDMOND had 6 tackles, 2 TFL & sack last week. Has TFL in 3 of his past 4 games. • DL JAVON HARGRAVE had 1st FF & FR in 2025 last week. Has 5+ tackles in 2 of his past 3 on primetime. • S JOSH METELLUS has 5+ tackles in 3 of his past 4 on road. • S HARRISON SMITH had 1st INT of season in Week 14. Aims for 3rd in row with PD. Had 7 tackles & TFL in last meeting
COWBOYS NOTES:
• QB DAK PRESCOTT passed for 376 yards & TD in Week 14. Aims for 4th in row with 300+ pass yards & 6th in row with TD pass. Leads NFL with 3,637 pass yards & 334 comp. & tied-2nd with 26 TD passes. Aims for 5th in row on primetime with 250+ pass yards. Had 276 pass yards & 2 TDs in last meeting. • RB JAVONTE WILLIAMS had team-high 67 rush yards & TD in Week 14. Has 80+ scrimmage yards in 3 of his past 4. • WR CEEDEE LAMB led team with 6 receptions for 121 yards in Week 14. Has 553 career receptions & 7,204 career rec. yards & is the 2nd player (Justin Jefferson) in NFL history with 550+ receptions & 7,000+ rec. yards in 1st 6 career seasons. Aims for 3rd in row with 100+ rec. yards. • WR GEORGE PICKENS has 75+ rec. yards in 7 of his past 8 games. Ranks 3rd in NFL with 1,179 rec. yards in 2025. • WR RYAN FLOURNOY had career-high 115 rec. yards & had TD last week. • TE JAKE FERGUSON has 50+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 at home. Ranks tied2nd in NFL among TEs with 7 rec. TDs this season. • DT QUINNEN WILLIAMS has TFL in 2 of his past 3 on primetime. • DE JAMES HOUSTON had sack last week. • DE SAM WILLIAMS blocked a 52-yard FG last week, his 2nd blocked kick in 2025 & had blocked punt in Week 9. Is only player with 2+ blocked kicks & a blocked punt this season. • LB DEMARVION OVERSHOWN co-led team with 7 tackles last week. • CB DARON BLAND tied for team-high 7 tackles & TFL in Week 14. Has PD in 3 of his past 4 at home. Aims for 4th in row on primetime with 7+ tackles. • CB SHAVON REVEL (rookie) had 6 tackles & 1st PD of season in Week 14. • K BRANDON AUBREY made 3 FGs of 55+ yards in Week 14, 1st player in NFL history to do so in a single game. Has converted on 103 career FGs & is 1st player in NFL history to make 100+ FGs in 1st 3 career seasons.
Game Odds
Minnesota Vikings 48.5
Dallas Cowboys – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Saturday, December 13, 2025
