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Game Preview Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
The Dallas Cowboys visit U.S. Bank Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings on December 14, 2025, in a critical NFC matchup with major postseason implications. Dallas is pushing for seeding at the top of the NFC, while Minnesota is fighting to secure a Wild Card spot in the crowded playoff picture.
This matchup pits one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses against a Vikings team that thrives on defensive pressure and home-field advantage. Both teams have performed well against the spread this season, making this game a prime target for bettors looking for late-season value.
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Odds and Key Information
The Cowboys opened as 2.5-point road favorites, and the total has been set at 47. Early betting action leaned slightly toward Dallas, causing some books to move the line to -3. The total has remained steady, reflecting expectations for a balanced game script with scoring on both sides.
Want to learn how pros spot line movement and market traps? Dive into our NFL betting guide for advanced spread and total analysis.
Dallas Cowboys Outlook
The Dallas Cowboys come into this game playing some of their best football of the season. Dak Prescott leads a top-5 scoring offense, and the team ranks first in red zone conversion rate. CeeDee Lamb continues to shine as a WR1, and Tony Pollard’s recent resurgence has balanced the attack.
Defensively, the Cowboys remain elite. Led by Micah Parsons, Dallas leads the NFL in QB pressures and ranks second in takeaways. Their ability to flip field position and capitalize off turnovers gives them a constant edge, especially against teams that struggle with pass protection.
Explore Prescott’s season-long MVP case in our breakdown of NFL MVP betting and how late-season performance may impact his odds.
Minnesota Vikings Outlook
The Minnesota Vikings have overcome midseason quarterback injuries to stay competitive. Their offense, while not explosive, has leaned on short passing, creative play design, and clock control. Justin Jefferson remains the focal point, and the run game has improved with better offensive line health.
Defensively, Minnesota excels in situational football. They’ve been strong on third downs and in the red zone at home, and their aggressive blitz packages have caused issues for less mobile quarterbacks. The challenge will be containing Prescott and limiting explosive plays over the middle of the field.
For late-season playoff push context, check our coverage of the NFC playoff picture to see where Minnesota fits in.
Key Matchup
The battle between Dallas’ offensive line and Minnesota’s front seven will be pivotal. If the Cowboys can protect Prescott and establish the run early, they’ll force Minnesota to drop back and cover one-on-one—something few defenses have done successfully this season.
On the other side, Minnesota must stay disciplined on offense. Turnovers and stalled drives could create too many short fields for Dallas. To win, the Vikings must control possession and win time-of-possession by extending drives and finishing in the red zone.
Interested in player-focused betting? Our preview of the best NFL prop bets highlights matchups like these for passing yards, TD scorers, and sack props.
Betting Trends
Dallas is 6-2 against the spread in its last eight games, including 4-2 ATS on the road. The over has hit in four of their last five overall. Minnesota is 5-3 ATS at home this season and has covered in four straight December games. The under is 7-3 in the last 10 head-to-head matchups between these teams.
For trend-based insights and week-by-week recaps, check our NFL betting blog to track patterns across spread, total, and team performance.
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Prediction
This matchup favors the Cowboys’ firepower and defensive speed, but Minnesota’s home advantage and defensive pressure cannot be overlooked. Expect a tightly contested first half, followed by Dallas pulling away as their efficiency in the red zone and turnover margin makes the difference.
Final prediction: Cowboys 27, Vikings 20
Spread Pick: Cowboys -2.5
Total Lean: Over 47
Need similar matchups with playoff-level intensity? Read our Sunday Night Football predictions for insights into primetime spread values.
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