Jerry Jones is known for his never-ending optimism, but after the Cowboys' big win against the Vikings, he has every reason to think they can compete for a Super Bowl.

Having pitched a perfect game in their dominating win over the Vikings, the Cowboys know the bar is now raised.

Now in his third stint with the Cowboys, Brett Maher has silenced all concerns about the Dallas kicking position. After his record-setting day against the Vikings, he has found his rhythm.

Dak Prescott and his offense devoured the Vikings defense in a way that shows what they're capable of, and in hostile territory against a team that was white-hot before Week 11

Ezekiel Elliott returned from injury against the Vikings and set the tone early for the Cowboys, setting the stage for Tony Pollard to gash Minnesota as both a runner and a receiver.

Plays that might get forgotten include a handful of first-down conversions that led to this blowout.

The weather may have been cold outside, but inside U.S. Bank Stadium the Cowboys were simply on fire in a dominating 40-3 victory over the Vikings.

Though the Cowboys defensive struggles in the run game took up most of the headlines this week, the high-powered Vikings offense will be waiting for them on Sunday in a pivotal NFC clash.

With two games against tough opponents coming up, the Cowboys, and in particular the defense, are about to find out who they are.

The Cowboys had plenty of chances to win last week. The Vikings had plenty of chances to lose. But it didn't work out that way for either team. Let's see some game predictions for this week.

The recipe for a win on Sunday looks pretty similar for both teams. Running the ball will be key for the Cowboys and Vikings, but figuring out a way to get and/or stay balanced is vital.

The sky isn't falling in Dallas, but the Cowboys have the biggest test of the season coming when they face the 8-1 Vikings on the road, and with all eyes on the Dallas run defense

Zack Martin has led the way for most of Ezekiel Elliott's career. And when it comes to toughness, Martin said Zeke embodies the team's identity "wrapped into a player."  

After a tough stretch for the Cowboys' defense, Micah Parsons is determined not to let another performance like those happen again. In his eyes, it simply comes down to trust.

DeMarcus Lawrence isn't dealing with just one injury, revealing there are several he's battling through to remain available and one of the best defenders in Dallas this season.

Here are the 10 most notable 'big facts' to remember ahead of Sunday's 3:25pm CT kickoff on CBS.

Welcome to "The Science Lab", a place where football facts and in-depth analysis always triumph over feelings.

The Cowboys are jumping from the frying pan and into the fire. Plus, a laughing matter, Dak falling on the sword, a special performance and more!

Neville Gallimore knows exactly what's wrong with the Cowboys run defense, and other Dallas defenders are joining him in pointing it out as they try to use the Vikings to get on the 'same page'

Justin Jefferson is having his best season yet. But the Cowboys had success in slowing down the all-world receiver in the past. Can they do it again on Sunday?

Takkarist McKinley has been on the Cowboys radar since he exited UCLA, and he'll now join them in a reunion with Dan Quinn - as Antonio Callaway enters to create more competition at WR.

The Cowboys and Vikings meet again in Minnesota just one season after their nail-biting finish a year ago. Both come off opposite ends of overtime games in what is sure to be a clash of NFC contenders.

Watch Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard's best plays in a 189-yard game in the Week 11 matchup vs. the Minnesota Vikings.

Watch the Dallas Cowboys' top plays vs. the Minnesota Vikings in the Week 11 matchup.

Watch highlights from the Week 11 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams' suplex tackle on Minnesota Vikings RB mirrors his takedown vs. Detroit Lions in Week 7.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams takes Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison to the ground with ease on 3-yard TFL.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott scores again for a second goal-line touchdown rush.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Noah Brown's hitch-and-go route burns Minnesota Vikings for a 35-yard gain.

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard races to a 68-yard touchdown after catching quarterback Dak Prescott's loft pass.

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brett Maher's 60-yard field goal clears the crossbar at the first-half buzzer.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's body control is 100 on a toe-tap grab before halftime.

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard is untouchable on a 30-yard touchdown catch and run.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons engulfs Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins for LB's second sack of the game.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekial Elliot barrels in for a strong touchdown run.

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard as fast as a lightning strike on an 18-yard run.

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard breaks off a 20-yard run one snap after his 18-yard burst.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott pinpoints wide receiver Michael Gallup for an 18-yard gain vs. Minnesota Vikings cornerback Andrew Booth.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons' strip-sack takeaway vs. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins comes on the opening drive.

Views of the Week 11 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Pregame views of the Week 11 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Views of the Dallas Cowboys as they travel to Minneapolis, MN for a Week 11 matchup with the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Views from the Dallas Cowboys practice as they prepare for the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas.

Here are the 10 most notable 'big facts' to remember ahead of Sunday's 3:25pm CT kickoff on CBS.