The Dallas Cowboys will host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football this week. The Vikings have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL this season, posting a 5-8 record thus far. The Cowboys own a 6-6-1 record, flashing at times while struggling at others.<\/p>\n
The first key here is that Dallas technically isn\u2019t eliminated from the playoffs yet. It\u2019s highly unlikely they sneak their way in, but it isn\u2019t impossible at the moment. If they lose, that likely closes their case, though, so this is a must-win game for them.<\/p>\n
The Vikings have struggled to consistently produce offensively throughout the 2025 season. They rank 21st in the NFL in points (.350) per play, and that number drops to .293 on the road. They\u2019re averaging only 16 points per game on the road this season.<\/p>\n
J.J. McCarthy has looked awful<\/a> in his first season starting, although he is coming off his best game thus far. Overall, Minnesota is averaging 19.0 points per game with McCarthy at quarterback. He\u2019s scored 22+ points in 3 of his 7 games in 2025.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Our Current Best Offers<\/span><\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n T&Cs apply, 18+<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 2<\/p>\n T&Cs apply, 18+<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 3<\/p>\n T&Cs apply, 18+<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 4<\/p>\n T&Cs apply, 18+<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n One of the biggest keys here is that McCarthy hasn\u2019t found any success<\/a> when pressured this season. He\u2019s averaging only 5.3 yards per attempt with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions when pressured. Granted, the young quarterback hasn\u2019t been good in a clean pocket either, but it\u2019s safer to project the struggles continuing with pressure in his face.<\/p>\n The Cowboys don\u2019t have a good defense, and there isn\u2019t really any way around that. They do get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, though. They currently lead the NFL in pressure rate (32.2%), which is extra impressive because they don\u2019t rank near the top of the league in blitz rate this season.<\/p>\n Dallas made some moves at the trade deadline, and they\u2019re getting healthier on defense. That\u2019s allowed them to perform better than they previously have. Although we\u2019ve seen them struggle against the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions in recent games, they held the Las Vegas Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles to 21 or fewer points in two games before that.<\/p>\n I expect that the Cowboys will continue to struggle against high-level offenses, but that isn\u2019t what they\u2019re facing this week. The Vikings have struggled to find continued success on offense<\/a>, and I don\u2019t expect McCarthy to find a ton of success against a team that is going to pressure him throughout the night.<\/p>\n Where to Bet: Minnesota Vikings under 21.5 points | -115 at DraftKings Sportsbook<\/strong><\/p>\n 2025 NFL Season Betting Record: 22-31<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Our Current Best Offers<\/span><\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n T&Cs apply, 18+<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Underdog\"](\"https:\/\/deadspin.com\/casinos-logos\/350x350\/Underdog-ffffff.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\nClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!<\/h3>\n
![\"ParlayPlay\"](\"https:\/\/deadspin.com\/casinos-logos\/350x350\/parlayplay-ffcf10.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\n100% up to $100<\/h3>\n
![\"OwnersBox\"](\"https:\/\/deadspin.com\/casinos-logos\/350x350\/ownersbox-000000.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\n100% up to $500<\/h3>\n
![\"FanDuel](\"https:\/\/deadspin.com\/casinos-logos\/350x350\/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\n$65 value with just a $10+ deposit<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/div>\nClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!<\/h3>\n