NewNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
The Minnesota Vikings may have been eliminated from the playoffs, but the Dallas Cowboys were technically not advancing heading into Sunday night’s matchup at AT&T Stadium.
The Cowboys’ chances are now at an all-time low after losing 34-26 to the Vikings on Sunday night.
The Vikings are now 6-8 on the season, while the Cowboys fall to 6-7-1. And although they are not technically eliminated, the Cowboys’ playoff chances are now in jeopardy.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) celebrates after a touchdown during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 14, 2025, at AT&T Stadium. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
It was an inauspicious start for the Vikings in this contest, as JJ McCarthy’s first pass attempt was an interception, as it was tipped at the line by Donovan Wilson and Quinnen Williams looked up and hauled it in.
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense had tremendous field position for their opening drive, and although it took 11 plays to go 35 yards, Javonte Williams was able to make it into the end zone for a 7–0 lead.
It also might not have happened without the fake field goal, as Brandon Oubre, one of the most reliable tight ends in the NFL, ran for a first down and fourth down from the Minnesota 29-yard line. However, Oubre’s performance was not as good later in the game.
Super Bowl 2026 odds: Rams, Seahawks remain on top of the board; broncos rise
The Vikings were finally able to get something back after flipping the field on their third drive, when Aaron Jones was pushed out of bounds on an 18-yard reception, and the Cowboys were called for a horse collar tackle for a 15-yard tackle. On the very next play, McCarthy threw a touchdown pass to Jalen Naylor – the first of his two scores in this one – tying the game at seven-seven.
The second quarter brought a wave of aggression on both sides, as Dallas responded with Malik Davis running back a yard out, while McCarthy capped a 75-yard drive with a perfectly executed fake handoff at Dallas’ one-yard line for a walk-off touchdown.
On the ensuing drive, Oubre, who again has one of the most reliable legs in the game, missed his third field goal attempt of the year, this one from 51 yards. After Will Reichardt scored a point, Oubre got some redemption before halftime, as both teams combined for 17 points.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to throw during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 14, 2025, at AT&T Stadium. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
In the second half, the Cowboys finished with a 23–17 lead thanks to two more Aubrey field goals, but they were expecting seven points. McCarthy helped do this by throwing a big pass to Naylor to set up the Vikings in the red zone.
After Justin Jefferson, who struggled in this despite the goal, could not pull off a touchdown pass, C.J. Ham buried a one-yard touchdown to make it 24–23 after the extra point.
Prescott tried to match his second-year counterpart, but the Cowboys were stopped at Minnesota’s 41-yard line. At 59 yards, it’s within range of Oubre, but he misses again. All four of his field goals this season have missed from 50 yards and further.
Now, with the ball near midfield, the Vikings had a chance to extend their lead and got just what they needed. On first-and-goal from the Dallas four-yard line, McCarthy found Naylor again and celebrated with the Vikings leading 31–23.
The Cowboys would turn the ball over on downs on the ensuing drive, and the Vikings saw Aaron Jones pick up multiple first downs to not only keep the clock running, but force Dallas to use all of their timeouts.
Bundle Fox One and Fox Nation to stream the entire Fox Nation library, plus live Fox News, sports and entertainment at our lowest price of the year. This offer will expire on January 4, 2026. (Fox One; Fox Nation)
Click here to get the Fox News app
In the box score, McCarthy was 15 of 24 for 250 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, as Jordan Addison’s 58-yard catch was one of his best throws.
For the Cowboys, Prescott was 23 of 38 for 294 yards, although he never threw a touchdown pass. CeeDee Lamb led all receivers in this game with 111 yards on six catches, but George Pickens was kept quiet for the second consecutive game. He had just three catches for 33 yards.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on x and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter,
