Vikings, Cowboys Clash in Arlington With Playoff Hopes in Balance ARLINGTON, Texas (Interstat) — Two teams clinging to slim postseason hopes will meet Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings visit the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Vikings (5-8) arrive after a dominant 31-0 shutout of Washington last Sunday, a performance they hope can reverse a season-long pattern of inconsistency. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a key player to watch, was efficient in the win, completing 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns while adding 19 yards on the ground. However, Minnesota has lost three of its last four, including a 23-6 defeat at Green Bay and a 19-17 home loss to Chicago. The Cowboys (6-6-1) are looking to rebound from a 44-30 road loss to Detroit on Dec. 4. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 376 yards and a touchdown in that defeat, but the defense struggled. Prior to that, Dallas had won three straight, with Prescott throwing for 10 touchdowns over that span. He remains the focal point of a potent offense that will test a Vikings defense coming off its first shutout of the season. Despite Dallas holding a better record, betting markets favor Minnesota by 5.5 points. The over/under is set at 48.5. A statistical projection from National Statistical forecasts a 32-22 Cowboys victory. The game features a contrast in recent form. Minnesota’s victory was its most complete of the year, fueled by McCarthy and a running game that saw Aaron Jones Sr. rush for 76 yards. Dallas, meanwhile, seeks to rediscover its defensive identity after allowing 44 points. With both teams outside the current playoff picture, the matchup serves as a near-elimination game in the NFC. A loss would severely damage either team’s chances with only three games remaining. For Minnesota, the challenge will be proving its blowout win was a turning point, not an anomaly. For Dallas, the task is protecting its home field and stabilizing a season that has swung between impressive wins and decisive losses. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. CST Sunday. The Vikings visit the New York Giants next Sunday, while the Cowboys will host the Los Angeles Chargers.