The Dallas Cowboys(5-1) travel to US Bank Stadium on Sunday, to face the Minnesota Vikings(3-3) in prime time. With the Cowboys offense flying high and the Vikings facing a must win game to keep their playoff chances alive, this is shaping up to be a shoot out. Here’s everything you need to know before the game starts.
Vikings Defense
The Vikings defense is confounding to figure out. Their pass rushing has been elite all season, with the returns of both Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter. Expect the Vikings to put pressure on Dak Prescott (or Cooper Rush) all night. However, the Vikings are missing some key players on defense. Michael Pierce will miss yet another game on Sunday. This is bad news for the Vikings rush defense, which has struggled all season. Cam Dantzler will also be stepping in for Patrick Peterson, who was placed on IR with a hamstring injury. The Vikings pass rush should be able to take some of the pressure off of the secondary, but considering how Bashaud Breeland has played this season, the Cowboys receivers might have a big game. Expect the Cowboys to come out strong rushing the ball against the Vikings rush defense. Also, expect the Cowboys to target Cam Dantlzer who has been on the bench for most of this season.
Vikings Offense
The Vikings offense has been elite, when let loose. Kirk Cousins is having his best season in Minnesota. Dalvin Cook will return healthy, after the bye week. They have an elite receiving trio, in Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and KJ Osborn. Their offensive line has improved to average, proving Kirk Cousins is better when protected. What has kept the Vikings back is their offensive play calling. When the Vikings get a lead in any game, they call consecutive run plays until they loss that lead. In what will likely be a shoot out, expect the Vikings to throw the ball often. Considering KJ Obsorn’s game winning touchdown against the Panthers, don’t be surprised if you hear his name often. However, if the Vikings establish any sort of lead, expect them to run the ball a lot. If that happens, it could be the key to the Cowboys getting back into the game.
Cowboys Defense
The Cowboys defense has struggled this season, allowing an average of 6.3 yards per play. With a pressure rate of 23.8%, the Cowboys pass rush just might allow Kirk Cousins to have a big game. With Cook returning healthy, the Cowboys will need to focus on stopping the run as well. Trevon Diggs will also be matched up against Justin Jefferson for most of the game. Diggs has 7 interceptions this season, but also has a PFF grade of 61.9. Diggs may get an interception this game, with Jefferson being the Vikings top receiver. However, don’t be surprised if Diggs gets exposed and exposed often.
Cowboys Offense
The big question for the Cowboy’s offense is if Dak Prescott will play this week. Prescott was limited at practice this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. If Prescott is out, Cooper Rush will make the start for the Cowboys. If Rush is in, expect the Vikings pass rush to do everything they can to put pressure on him. The Cowboys elite receiving trio of Ceedee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Amari Cooper could be to tall of a task for Minnesota’s struggling secondary. Expect the Cowboy’s receivers to have a big game on Sunday. Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard will also be going up against a struggling Vikings pass rush. Overall, expect the Cowboys offense to continue their high flying ways as long as Dak Prescott is playing.
Final Predictions
The Cowboys and Vikings are two similar teams. Both offenses have elite potential and both have defenses with glaring flaws. The difference maker might be the Vikings conservative play calling. That has been the case all season, losing the Vikings close games. Expect the Cowboys to win, 35-34.
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