Arlington, Texas, December 18, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys faced a devastating blow to their playoff aspirations with a 34-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. This defeat leaves the Cowboys with a record of 6-7-1, drastically reducing their chances of making the postseason. The Cowboys must win their remaining games and hope for favorable results elsewhere. Injuries and inconsistent performances have plagued their season, epitomized by this loss and the impact of linebacker Micah Parsons’ season-ending injury.
Cowboys’ Playoff Hopes Dashed After 34-26 Loss to Vikings
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff aspirations took a significant hit with a 34-26 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. This loss drops the Cowboys to a 6-7-1 record, leaving their postseason chances hanging by a thread.
Game Highlights
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy led the charge, throwing two touchdown passes and adding a rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Jalen Nailor caught both touchdown passes, and running back C.J. Ham contributed a rushing score. Despite the Vikings’ victory, they had already been eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the day. The Cowboys now face a daunting path to the playoffs, needing to win their remaining three games and hope for the Philadelphia Eagles to lose all theirs to secure the NFC East title. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 294 yards, while running backs Javonte Williams and Malik Davis each scored a touchdown. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb had 111 receiving yards. Kicker Brandon Aubrey made three field goals but missed a crucial 59-yarder, which the Vikings capitalized on, pulling ahead with McCarthy’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Nailor. A late 53-yard field goal by Will Reichard sealed the win for Minnesota, despite a final Cowboys field goal and onside kick attempt.
Playoff Implications
The Cowboys’ playoff odds have now dropped to just 1%, with three games remaining in the regular season. To have any chance at a postseason berth, Dallas must win all three games and rely on the Eagles losing their remaining games. Even in this scenario, the Cowboys would need several results around the league to break their way, making the margin for error nonexistent.
Injury Update
In other news, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed his sympathy and support for linebacker Micah Parsons following the Green Bay Packers star’s season-ending ACL injury. Parsons was injured during the Packers’ 34-26 loss to the Denver Broncos and will miss the remainder of the season. Jones shared words of encouragement and referenced former Cowboys star Michael Irvin’s experience with injury and recovery.
Background
The Cowboys entered the season with high expectations but have faced challenges throughout, including injuries and inconsistent performances. Their current record reflects a season that has been marked by missed opportunities and close losses, leading to their current position on the brink of playoff elimination.
Upcoming Schedule
The Cowboys’ remaining games are crucial for any slim chance at the playoffs. They will face the Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants in the coming weeks. Each game is a must-win scenario for Dallas to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Conclusion
The loss to the Vikings has placed the Cowboys in a precarious position, with their playoff hopes now largely dependent on external factors. The team will need to focus on winning their remaining games and hope for favorable outcomes elsewhere to have any chance at postseason play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current record of the Dallas Cowboys?
The Dallas Cowboys currently have a 6-7-1 record.
What do the Cowboys need to do to make the playoffs?
The Cowboys must win their remaining three games and hope for the Philadelphia Eagles to lose all theirs to secure the NFC East title.
Who is Micah Parsons and what happened to him?
Micah Parsons is a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers who suffered a season-ending ACL injury during a game against the Denver Broncos.
What is the Cowboys’ upcoming schedule?
The Cowboys will face the Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants in their remaining games.
What are the Cowboys’ playoff chances after the loss to the Vikings?
The Cowboys’ playoff odds have dropped to just 1%, with three games remaining in the regular season.
Key Features of the Dallas Cowboys’ Season
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Record | 6-7-1 |
| Playoff Odds | 1% |
| Remaining Games | Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, New York Giants |
| Key Injury | Micah Parsons (season-ending ACL injury) |
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