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Game Preview Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
The Dallas Cowboys travel to Minneapolis on December 14, 2025, to take on the Minnesota Vikings in one of the most anticipated matchups of Week 15. Dallas is locked in a tight NFC playoff race and continues to push for a division title, while Minnesota looks to maintain their wild card position and prove they can hang with the NFC’s elite.
This is a pivotal NFC showdown between a Dallas team loaded with firepower on both sides of the ball and a Vikings team that has remained tough at home. Both teams rank inside the top 12 in scoring, and each defense is capable of forcing turnovers and swinging momentum.
Keep an eye on the NFL odds board for real-time updates on spread shifts and total movement ahead of kickoff.
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Odds and Key Information
The Cowboys opened as slight 2-point road favorites, with the total set at 46.5. Early betting pushed the spread to -3 for Dallas, reflecting the public’s confidence in their balanced offense and dominant pass rush. The total has held steady but could shift based on late-week weather or injury news.
To understand why key numbers like -3 matter so much, explore our full NFL expert betting guide for pro-level insights.
Dallas Cowboys Outlook
The Dallas Cowboys enter this contest with a top-five offense in both scoring and yards per play. Dak Prescott is delivering one of the most efficient seasons of his career, with CeeDee Lamb emerging as a top-three receiver in total production. The Cowboys’ offensive line remains healthy, and Tony Pollard has regained form as a dual-threat back.
Defensively, Dallas continues to dominate. Micah Parsons leads a pass rush that ranks top three in pressures and sacks. The Cowboys force turnovers at a high rate, especially when they get out to early leads and can unleash their pass rush.
Explore the MVP outlook for Prescott and others in our latest NFL MVP odds breakdown.
Minnesota Vikings Outlook
The Minnesota Vikings are once again outperforming expectations thanks to a resilient defense and smart game planning. Quarterback play has stabilized, and the return of Justin Jefferson adds a needed spark to the offense. The Vikings are winning the field position battle and rank top ten in red zone defense.
While their offensive line has struggled in pass protection at times, Minnesota’s quick passing game and pre-snap motion have helped neutralize pressure. At home, they average over 23 points per game and have covered four of their last five.
Check where Minnesota stands in the NFC playoff race as the postseason approaches.
Key Matchup
This game will likely be decided in the trenches. Dallas’ pass rush is elite, and if they get pressure on early downs, Minnesota could struggle to sustain drives. On the other hand, if the Vikings can protect long enough to get Jefferson into space, they can test Dallas deep and force defensive adjustments.
Minnesota’s defense must limit Prescott’s clean pockets. If Dallas stays ahead of the chains, their offensive versatility makes them extremely difficult to stop. Expect early blitz looks and disguised coverage to throw off Prescott’s rhythm.
Looking for betting angles tied to player matchups? Our NFL prop bet preview breaks down key yardage and TD value plays.
Betting Trends
Dallas is 5-2 against the spread in its last seven games and 4-1 ATS against NFC North opponents. The over has cashed in four of their last six road games. Minnesota is 6-3 ATS at home this season and 4-1 ATS in its last five games overall. The under has hit in five of the last seven head-to-head meetings between these teams.
Get more weekly betting patterns in our NFL picks blog to track spreads, totals, and where the public is leaning.
Prediction
Dallas has the edge on both sides of the ball, but the Vikings are dangerous at home and capable of keeping this close. Still, the Cowboys’ pass rush, offensive efficiency, and overall balance make them the more trustworthy side in what could be a postseason preview.
Final prediction: Cowboys 27, Vikings 21
Spread Pick: Cowboys -3
Total Lean: Over 46.5
Want more analysis on playoff-deciding games? Read our Sunday Night Football predictions for the latest insights.
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