Vikings Defeat Cowboys 34-26, Dashing Playoff Hopes

The Dallas Cowboys fell to the Minnesota Vikings 34-26, significantly jeopardizing their playoff chances as the season nears its conclusion. According to Fox News, the Cowboys now hold a 1% chance of making the postseason, as they dropped to 6-7-1, needing to win their final three games while hoping the Philadelphia Eagles lose all three of theirs.

The game started with a promising opening for Dallas, with Dak Prescott leading a drive capped off by a touchdown run from Javonte Williams. However, the Vikings quickly equalized with J.J. McCarthy throwing a touchdown pass to Jalen Nailor.

The Cowboys took several leads during the game, including a 23-17 advantage in the third quarter after two field goals from Brandon Aubrey. Yet, missed opportunities haunted Dallas; Aubrey missed two field goals, including a crucial 59-yarder late in the game that could have shifted momentum.

The Vikings capitalized on Dallas's mistakes, scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a final touchdown pass from McCarthy to Nailor, solidifying their lead. Dak Prescott completed 23 of 38 passes for 294 yards but failed to throw a touchdown pass, marking only the third time this season he has done so.

CeeDee Lamb led the Cowboys receiving corps with 111 yards, while the Vikings secured the win despite being eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the day. With injuries to key players like Quinnen Williams and Javonte Williams, the Cowboys face an uphill battle as they look ahead to the remainder of the season, needing to turn around their fortunes quickly, as emphasized by various sources including the New York Post and Pro Football Talk.