Playoff Hopes on the Line for Cowboys
FRISCO, Texas — The Cowboys aim to maintain their playoff aspirations on Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium.
Division Standings and Challenges
Currently, the Eagles hold a 1.5-game lead over Dallas in the NFC East. To have a shot at taking the division, the Cowboys need to win all their remaining games while hoping Philadelphia loses at least two of their last four. Though it’s a tall order, the Cowboys will play their next two games at home, where they have performed significantly better this season.
Season Performance Against NFC North
This season, the Cowboys have struggled against NFC North teams, recording an 0-1-1 record after losing to the Bears in Week 3 and tying with the Packers the following week. The Vikings recently ended a four-game losing streak with a decisive 31-0 victory over the Washington Commanders, and they’re looking for their first back-to-back wins this season.
Predictions from Our Staff
Patrik: The Cowboys have shown they are more effective at home than away. After recent victories over last season’s Super Bowl champions at AT&T Stadium, I attribute their loss to the Lions to typical road issues. This match won’t be an easy one to rebound from, though. I’m skeptical of the Vikings’ 31-0 win over the Commanders, as most of those points are unusual for a team that usually averages under 13 points in losses. The Dallas offense must get ahead early to force J.J. McCarthy into difficult situations. I anticipate a score of 28-17, Cowboys.
Tommy: The matchups favor the Cowboys significantly. Dak Prescott has excelled under pressure this season, and given that the Vikings blitz more than any other team, I believe Dallas can navigate this challenge effectively. Rookie J.J. McCarthy has had inconsistent performances but recently excelled. However, he tends to struggle against zone coverage, which the Cowboys deploy frequently. That creates potential for turnovers. Despite the Vikings’ talent, including star receiver Justin Jefferson, I believe Dallas can capitalize and end this game on a high note, predicting a victory of Cowboys 35, Vikings 20.
Kyle: Throughout the season, the Cowboys’ defense has provided opportunities for struggling offenses to find their rhythm. However, this week, the Vikings will face a much more formidable defensive front. Dallas’s defensive setup should be effective at containing key players like Aaron Jones, and Dak Prescott is well-suited to exploit the Vikings’ aggressive blitzing. I confidently predict the Cowboys will win this one 30-23.
Nick: I expect this game to be closely contested. The Vikings have had a season full of surprising wins and perplexing losses, much like the Cowboys. Both teams are on the brink of elimination, but only Dallas has a legitimate chance to win the division, albeit slim. I foresee standout performances, particularly from George Pickens and the linebackers. This will definitely be a nail-biter, but I’m choosing the Cowboys, 28-27, to keep their playoff dreams alive.
