Vikings take down Cowboys, 34-26

The Dallas Cowboys watched their postseason chances slip further away Sunday night as the Minnesota Vikings spoiled their home-field hopes with a 34-26 victory at AT&T Stadium.

J.J. McCarthy threw for two touchdowns and added a rushing score, while C.J. Ham scored on his first carry of the season, helping the Vikings (6-8) win their second straight game despite already being eliminated from playoff contention.

The Cowboys (6-7-1) now must win their remaining three games and hope defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia goes 0-3 to claim the NFC East.

Quarterback Dak Prescott was 23 of 38 for 294 yards but failed to throw a touchdown for just the third time this season. Javonte Williams and Malik Davis each had 1-yard touchdown runs for Dallas.

McCarthy’s two touchdown passes went to Jalen Nailor, including a creative bootleg play on fourth-and-goal at the one-yard line, where Nailor scored unopposed. Ham’s one-yard run late in the third quarter gave Minnesota a 24-23 lead, and Nailor’s second touchdown catch early in the fourth pushed the Vikings’ advantage to 31-23.

Minnesota’s special teams also made an impact. Brandon Aubrey converted four field goals for Dallas but missed attempts from 51 and 59 yards at home for the first time in his three seasons. On the other side, Will Reichard sealed the win with a 53-yard field goal with 1:08 remaining after Dallas’ late challenge fell short.

The Cowboys had one final chance, with Aubrey’s fourth field goal cutting the deficit to eight with 19 seconds left, but Josh Oliver recovered the ensuing onside kick, ending Dallas’ hopes.

McCarthy, the 2024 first-round pick from Michigan, completed 15 of 24 passes for 250 yards with one interception but improved his record as Minnesota’s starter to 4-4.

Injuries

Vikings: Minnesota was without defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (groin) and tackle Brian O’Neill (ankle).

Cowboys: Dallas dealt with multiple injuries, including Javonte Williams (concussion), LT Nate Thomas (shoulder), and FB Hunter Luepke (concussion). DE Jadeveon Clowney returned after missing one game with a hamstring injury.

Up next

Minnesota: The Vikings will close their season on the road against the New York Giants next Sunday. Dallas: Will host the Los Angeles Chargers in their regular-season home finale.