Arlington, Texas, December 13, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys faced a crushing 31-0 defeat against the Minnesota Vikings, significantly derailing their playoff aspirations. With a record of 6-7-1, the Cowboys’ chances of entering the postseason for the 2025 NFL season have gone from slim to none. The Vikings’ strong performance, led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, not only secured their own season, but also exacerbated the Cowboys’ struggles with injuries plaguing key players. The franchise will now shift focus towards the offseason to evaluate roster options for the upcoming season.
Dallas Cowboys’ Playoff Hopes Diminish After Week 15 Loss to Minnesota Vikings
Arlington, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff aspirations took a significant hit following a 31-0 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. This loss drops the Cowboys to a 6-7-1 record, effectively ending their postseason hopes for the 2025 NFL season.
Game Overview
The Vikings dominated the matchup, with quarterback J.J. McCarthy throwing for three touchdowns and the defense shutting out the Cowboys. This victory improved Minnesota’s record to 6-8, keeping their slim playoff chances alive.
Impact on Playoff Contention
Prior to the game, the Cowboys had a narrow path to the playoffs, requiring a win against the Vikings and a series of favorable outcomes in other NFC matchups. With this loss, their playoff probability has plummeted to near zero, making postseason participation unattainable for the year.
Injury Report
Injuries have plagued the Cowboys throughout the season. In Week 15, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was sidelined due to a hamstring issue, and cornerback Trevon Diggs was limited with a knee problem. Tight end Jake Ferguson also faced a calf injury, further depleting the team’s roster.
Season Recap
The Cowboys’ season was marked by inconsistency. After a promising start, they suffered a significant setback with a 44-30 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 14, which ended a three-game winning streak. Despite these challenges, the team showed resilience but ultimately fell short of securing a playoff berth.
Looking Ahead
With the season concluded, the Cowboys will focus on evaluating their roster and making necessary adjustments in the offseason to prepare for the 2026 season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What was the final score of the Cowboys vs. Vikings game?
The final score was 31-0 in favor of the Minnesota Vikings.
2. How does this loss affect the Cowboys’ playoff chances?
This loss effectively eliminates the Cowboys from playoff contention for the 2025 NFL season.
3. Which key players were injured in Week 15?
Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, cornerback Trevon Diggs, and tight end Jake Ferguson were all dealing with injuries during Week 15.
4. What was the Cowboys’ record before the Week 15 game?
Before the Week 15 game, the Cowboys had a 6-6-1 record.
5. What are the Cowboys’ plans for the offseason?
The Cowboys will focus on evaluating their roster and making necessary adjustments to prepare for the 2026 season.
Key Features of the Dallas Cowboys’ Near Season End
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score Against Vikings | 31-0 in favor of Minnesota Vikings |
| Current Cowboys Record | 6-7-1 |
| Injured Players | Jadeveon Clowney, Trevon Diggs, Jake Ferguson |
| Playoff Chances | Near zero after Week 15 loss |
| Season Highlights | Inconsistent performance; several notable injuries |
| Offseason Focus | Roster evaluation and necessary adjustments |
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