Here are 10 storylines for the week heading into Sunday night's game in Arlington, with five each for the Vikings and Cowboys.
Vikings
Ending the streak – The Vikings ended a three-game losing skid in dominant fashion on Sunday, smashing the Commanders 31-0. Josh Oliver had a pair of touchdown catches from J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings defense forced three turnovers and limited Washington's offense to just 206 total yards. The Vikings became the first NFL team in 33 years to pitch a shutout just one week after being shutout themselves. Minnesota lost 26-0 to Seattle on Nov. 30
Playoff picture – The last team in the NFC playoff picture that has yet to be eliminated is the Vikings, just below the Cowboys. To say this game is a must-win for both teams is an understatement. The Vikings have been eliminated from winning the NFC North but have the outside of outside chances to win out and get into the playoffs as a Wild Card.
McCarthy's best game– It wasn't about the plays J.J. McCarthy made last week against Washington, but more importantly the ones he didn't. For the first time in his young career, McCarthy did not throw an interception in a game he started. McCarthy was 16 of 23 for 163 yards and three touchdowns. In the three previous games – all losses – McCarthy had thrown two picks in each game and has 10 interceptions for the season.
Jefferson's struggles– Fantasy owners of Justin Jefferson can't be thrilled with his production this season. Still considering one of the NFL's elite receivers, Jefferson is not putting up the massive numbers we've been accustomed to, and the erratic quarterback play has to be a major reason. So far this year, Jefferson ranks 14th in the NFL in catches with 64 and 15th in yards with 810, but just two touchdowns. In the last three games, Jefferson has a combined eight receptions for 63 yards.
Return or Mr. Jones – Aaron Jones has had his success against the Cowboys over the years, as a member of the Packers. In three regular-season games vs. Dallas, Jones has rushed for 100 yards or more in each game with a total of six touchdowns. He also had another three TDs in one game against Dallas at the end of the 2023 season. In four games total, Jones has nine rushing touchdowns. Just last week, Jones had 76 yards rushing against Washington, his second-highest total of the season.
Cowboys
Still a chance – The Cowboys are certainly on the outside looking in at the NFC playoff picture at 6-6-1. The best bet at this point is probably to win the NFC East as they trail the Eagles by 1.5 games with four to play. Philly's overtime loss to the Chargers on Monday night, leaves the door open for the Cowboys, who certainly have the toughest schedule down the stretch. But the next two games are at home, starting with the Vikings on NBC's Sunday Night Football.
Which defense? – Since the trades for Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson and the return of several key defenders at both linebacker and safety, the defense has made a big turnaround, evident by wins over the Raiders, Chiefs and Eagles. However, last Thursday's game reverted back to what we've seen all year as the Lions scored 44 points and made key plays in the fourth quarter when the Cowboys needed to get off the field. Which defense will be on display
Pickens & CeeDee - Some of the best wide receivers in the NFL will be on display Sunday night. While you can argue who is the best amongst the bunch, you can't argue the best duo as both George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb have been the best 1-2 punch in the NFL this year. But last week's game in Detroit did not show that, especially after Lamb left the game with a concussion. His status is up in the air although having the extra rest time between games could help him get back on the field. If he does, the combination with Pickens will be a problem for the Vikings. But Pickens is not coming off his best game by any stretch. He's averaging 90.3 yards per game but only had 30 against the Lions.
Right at home? The Cowboys offense has been about a touchdown better at AT&T Stadium this year than on the road, which is a good thing considering they've got the next two in Arlington. While they're facing a Vikings team that shut out Washington last week, the Cowboys average over 32 points at home in six games at home, from 25 points on the road. Either way, through 13 games, the Cowboys have one of the NFL's most prolific offenses and will need it to shine bright under the lights come Sunday.
Defensive help? – The Cowboys are hopeful cornerback Trevon Diggs can make it back to the field after missing the last seven games due to both a knee injury and a concussion. Diggs has spent the last five weeks on IR but since had his 21-day practice window opened. He doesn't have to be removed from the list this week but is eligible to play assuming the Cowboys create a roster spot for him. Also, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney missed last week's game after recording his first two-sack game of the season the previous week against the Chiefs.
