Cowboys (2-7) at Vikings (4-5)
Sunday, 4:25 ET, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: Vikings by 8 1⁄
2
Cowboys’ keys to victory: Dallas needs a lot to go its way. With QB Andy Dalton the presumptive starter as he works his way back from a concussion, the offense should not be nearly as high-octane as when Dak Prescott was under center. RB Ezekiel Elliott has struggled in the run game as of late, but he could get going against an inconsistent Vikings defense. Minnesota has been vulnerable to long pass plays.
Vikings’ keys to victory: Giving the ball to RB Dalvin Cook early and often. They have to control the ball with Cook against a struggling Dallas defense. QB Kirk Cousins can still drop back, but he has to avoid trying to do too much. The Minnesota defense has to make sure Dalton doesn’t get time in the pocket.
Matchup to watch: Cowboys’ Dalton vs. Vikings safeties Anthony Harris, Harrison Smith. Dalton might be able to find his receivers against a Vikings cornerback unit that is going through growing pains. To minimize mistakes and prevent big plays, the Vikings need Smith and Harris to step up. One of those two getting an interception over the top could scare Dallas away from the passing game. If that doesn’t happen, the Cowboys have nothing to lose. Why not take a shot?
Who wins? Though the Vikings are weak in passing defense, the Cowboys have not done enough to prove they can take advantage of that without Prescott. Dalvin Cook remains Dalvin Cook, and the Vikings, who beat the Chicago Bears 19-13 in Week 11, get another victory to put their season back on track.
Vikings 24-14