The Minnesota Vikings head into Sunday’s clash with the Cowboys carrying a losing record, a rookie quarterback still finding his footing, a roster hampered by injuries and only the faintest of playoff hopes.
After dropping four straight, Minnesota finally showed signs of life last week, dominating the Commanders in a 31–0 shutout. But at 5–8, the Vikings remain stuck near the bottom of the NFC standings and face an uphill climb.
Against the Cowboys (6–6–1), the Vikings can only play the role of spoiler. A win at AT&T Stadium would deal a serious blow to Dallas’ postseason hopes.
Here are five things to know about the Cowboys’ Week 15 opponent, the Minnesota Vikings.
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Decision under scrutiny
Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy returned from a concussion and delivered three touchdown passes in Minnesota’s win over Washington last Sunday. His progress remains the central storyline for the Vikings, as the franchise continues to evaluate whether he can be their long-term solution under center.
Just a year ago, the Vikings looked like an offensive juggernaut with Sam Darnold at quarterback. But the front office believed McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in 2024, was ready to take over.
That gamble has yet to pay off.
Darnold, now thriving with the Seahawks, is enjoying a career-best season, while McCarthy has struggled to master the complexities of NFL offenses and the disguises of opposing defenses. His growing pains have been compounded by injuries: He missed all of his rookie season with a knee injury, and in 2025 has already sat out six games due to a high ankle sprain and a concussion.
The numbers tell the story. In seven appearances this season, McCarthy has thrown for 1,082 yards, completing 102 of 182 passes (56%). He has seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions and has been sacked 24 times — evidence of both his inexperience and the team’s protection issues. Meanwhile, Darnold, once viewed as a stop-gap option, exceeded expectations in Minnesota last year, guiding the Vikings to a 14–3 record and a playoff berth. His success only sharpens the contrast with McCarthy’s rocky start, raising questions about whether the Vikings moved on too soon.
Injury concerns
The Vikings have been battered by injuries all season. Safety Theo Jackson and defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez are both nursing neck issues, while running back Ty Chandler has already been ruled out with a knee injury. Minnesota’s losing record isn’t just the product of offensive growing pains, it’s also the result of a roster repeatedly undermined by health setbacks. Key players across multiple positions have missed time, disrupting rhythm and consistency and leaving the team struggling to find stability week after week.
Here are the key injuries for the Vikings this season:
PlayerPositionInjuryJ.J. McCarthyQBConcussion; Right-handChristian DarrisawLTKnee/foot Jonathan GreenardOLBShoulderTheo JacksonSConcussion; NeckAaron JonesRBShoulder; ToeRyan KellyCConcussionDonovan JacksonLGAnkleJosh MetellusSFoot; Knee; ShoulderJosh OliverTEFootAndrew Van GinkelOLBNeckTy ChandlerRBKnee
Staying competitive against the Cowboys will require depth players to step up in a big way for the Vikings.
Odds and series history
For the Sunday night matchup, the Cowboys are six-point favorites over the Vikings, with an over/under of 48.5 points. Historically, the Cowboys lead the all-time series 19–15, including a 4–3 edge in postseason meetings. According to 10,000 simulations run by Dimers’ NFL model, Dallas is projected to win by a score of 27–20. The model gives the Cowboys a 58% chance of victory, while Minnesota sits at 42% underdogs, but not without a path to an upset. If McCarthy can build on last week’s three-touchdown performance, the Vikings could play spoiler and shake up the playoff picture.
Fantasy spotlight: McCarthy’s rookie campaign hasn’t produced many wins for Minnesota, but from a fantasy perspective, he has shown real upside. In favorable matchups, he has quietly ranked as a top-12 fantasy quarterback, and with three such contests remaining to close out the season, he could be a sneaky starter down the stretch. In two games against vulnerable defenses, including last week’s blowout victory, McCarthy delivered fantasy-worthy numbers, proving he can capitalize when the matchup tilts in his favor.
The offense is gone
The Vikings’ offense has been among the league’s least productive, averaging just 19 points per game (26th in the NFL). Their struggles are magnified on the road, where they manage 16 points per contest, with only the Raiders, Titans and Browns scoring fewer away from home.
Minnesota’s production has been equally underwhelming in both phases. They average 100 rushing yards per game (24th) and a mere 171 passing yards per game (30th). Running back Jordan Mason has been the lone bright spot on the ground, posting 630 yards and six touchdowns on 133 carries.
Through the air, Justin Jefferson remains the team’s most dangerous weapon, tallying 810 yards on 64 receptions, though he has reached the end zone just twice all season. Minnesota’s offense fails to generate even two touchdowns per game. Their average of 1.9 touchdowns per contest ranks as the sixth-worst mark in the NFL, underscoring the unit’s inability to sustain drives or finish in the red zone.
Flores shines as DC
Minnesota’s defense has been the team’s stabilizing force, ranking among the league’s best despite the Vikings’ overall struggles. The unit allows just 299 yards per game, the eighth-best mark in the NFL, and has surrendered 281 total points (12th). Their efficiency stands out as well, giving up only 4.9 yards per play, the sixth-best rate in the league.
Linebacker Dallas Turner has emerged as the primary pass-rusher, tallying 5.5 sacks, while Blake Cashman anchors the defense with a team-high 93 tackles. Together, they embody the aggressive, disciplined style that has become the hallmark of Minnesota’s defense.
At the center of it all is defensive coordinator Brian Flores, whose innovative schemes have made him one of the most respected minds in coaching circles. Now in his third season with the Vikings, Flores has already left his mark, guiding the defense to 53 takeaways over his first two years, the third-most in the NFL during that span. Flores also brings valuable head coaching experience, having led the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, further cementing his reputation as a leader capable of building tough, opportunistic defenses.
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