'SNF' takeaways: Cowboys' playoff hopes plummet

McCarthy now has three TDs in each of his last two games and only one interception on the second play of the game against the Cowboys. Sure, his mechanics still need some work, as his off-balanced TD throw to Nailor showed, but he has certainly looked better lately for a team that can take any momentum he can give it to end a disappointing 2025 season.

Vikings offensive line deserves some credit

Even with offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) inactive for the game, Minnesota did not give up a sack all night for only the second time with McCarthy as the starting QB all season. 

According to Next Gen Stats, McCarthy completed 10 of his 14 passes for 187 yards and a TD on dropbacks longer than 2.5 seconds, producing a positive EPA (Expected Points Added) for the first time in his career.

McCarthy had an unforgettable first half in his debut against the Chicago Bears earlier this season, but a lot of that was due to a lack of protection from his offensive line. Tied for the fifth-most sacks allowed (47) entering Week 15, the Vikings gave their young QB time to operate and it paid dividends.

Brandon Aubrey can do more than kick field goals

Even though Aubrey made four field-goal attempts on Sunday night (37, 26, 41, 41), he also missed from 51 and 59 yards, respectively. Instead, Aubrey ran a fake field goal to perfection on a 4th-and-4 following a three-and-out from the offense, which eventually led to the game's first TD moments later.

It was a rare off night from Aubrey kicking, but he still found a way to make an impact and keep the opening drive of the game alive, even if the rest of the night did not go according to plan.