4 Takeaways From the Vikings' Win Over the Cowboys

Published: Monday, December 15, 2025 at 4:34 am

Vikings Defeat Cowboys, Ending Dallas' Playoff Hopes

The Minnesota Vikings secured a 34-23 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, effectively ending Dallas' hopes of a late-season playoff push. The game, played on Sunday night, saw a strong performance from Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns.

The Cowboys entered the game with little margin for error, needing a win to stay in contention. However, missed field goals by their kicker, Brandon Aubrey, proved costly, allowing the Vikings to capitalize and extend their lead. Aubrey, despite a strong season, missed two long-range attempts, which the Vikings converted into 10 points.

The Cowboys' offense showed efficiency, but the missed opportunities proved decisive. A bright spot for Dallas was running back Javonte Williams, who continued his strong season with 91 rushing yards and a touchdown. Williams, who is set to become a free agent, is expected to command a higher salary in the offseason.

For the Vikings, the win was a positive step, particularly with McCarthy's performance. The team will now look to get star receiver Justin Jefferson more involved in the offense. The Vikings, already eliminated from playoff contention, will face the Giants in Week 16 and then play spoiler against the Lions and Packers to close the season.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, face a disappointing end to their season, with two meaningless games remaining.

BNN's Perspective: The Cowboys' loss highlights the importance of capitalizing on opportunities and the impact of special teams. While the team made moves to bolster their roster, the missed field goals and the Vikings' strong performance ultimately sealed their fate.

Keywords: Vikings, Cowboys, J.J. McCarthy, Brandon Aubrey, Javonte Williams, NFL, Football, Playoffs, Dallas, Minnesota, Game Recap, Sports, Score, Win, Loss

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