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Cowboys vs. Vikings live score, updates, highlights from NFL 'Sunday Night Football' game

December 15, 2025
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Cowboys vs. Vikings live score, updates, highlights from NFL ‘Sunday Night Football’ game originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Entering the final quarter of the NFL season, it’s officially do-or-die for the Dallas Cowboys.

Sitting at a precarious 6-6-1 after a damaging Week 14 loss to the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys are clinging to life in the NFC playoff picture. The road to the NFC East crown has become a steep uphill climb, with the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles holding a significant advantage at 8-5. For Dallas, the margin for error has evaporated; it can no longer afford the inconsistent performances that have defined its season.

With the NFC wild-card race stacked — featuring contenders like the Lions, Panthers and Buccaneers — the Cowboys need a near-perfect run to separate themselves. Their remaining schedule features three of four games against NFC opponents with playoff implications. The crucible begins immediately in Week 15 with a pivotal home Sunday Night Football clash against the Minnesota Vikings (5-8).

While Minnesota will almost certainly miss the playoffs, it provides a tough matchup for Dallas. The Vikings’ defense is coming off a game where it shut out the Commanders, forcing three turnovers and giving up just over 200 yards in a 31-0 win. Offensively, while J.J. McCarthy has had his struggles in his first year as a starter, the Vikings still have plenty of weapons to boats, including a top wide receiver duo in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison; with these two, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, the receiving talent is off the charts.

Dallas needs a home primetime win to keep its playoff aspirations alive, while Minnesota is looking to build on the momentum it generated last week.

Follow along for all the action from AT&T Stadium.

STREAM: Watch Vikings vs. Cowboys LIVE with Peacock

Cowboys vs. Vikings score

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Cowboys vs. Vikings live updates, highlights from ‘Sunday Night Football’

Final: Vikings 34, Cowboys 26

11:28 p.m.: Minnesota has the onside recovery, and this game is over,

J.J. McCarthy kneels and the Minnesota Vikings have delivered maybe the final blow to the Dallas Cowboys’ postseason hopes.

Minnesota has its second straight win, advancing to 6-8, while Dallas has its second straight loss. The Cowboys drop to 6-7-1, and with other NFC contenders victories, see their playoff aspirations take a major hit.

Vikings 34, Cowboys 26

11:26 p.m.: Lamb is over 100 yards after hauling in his sixth reception of the game. It’s the second game in the row Lamb has over 100 yards.

Now, Aubrey hits his fourth field goal of the night (out of six tries), and it’s a one-score game again.

But, Dallas needs an onside kick recovery, a score, and a two-point conversion with 19 seconds remaining.

Do you believe in miracles?

11:24 p.m.: The Cowboys are across midfield twice, with Prescott finding Jonathan Mingo over the middle of the field and Dallas is inside the Minnesota 40.

Vikings 34, Cowboys 23

11:21 p.m. FIELD GOAL: With 1:13 remaining, Reichard comes on for a field goal that will make it a two-score game. 

The kicker is ice cold, drilling a 53-yard field goal to extend the Vikings lead to 11. He does the Carmelo Anthony celebration as he basically ices the game for the Vikings.

11:15 p.m.: Jones has another huge run, going for 16 yards down to the Dallas 30.

The Vikings have a first down in a day where the Dallas defense has struggled mightily.

11:11 p.m.: Facing a 3rd & 7 inside their own territory, the Vikings fall just short of the line.

McCarthy hits Hockenson, but his lunge is stopped by DeMarvion Overshown.

Though, on their own 48, the Vikings go for it. Jones takes a carry up the middle, and while it’s short, it gets the first down. The Vikings have a first down with just over three minutes remaining.

11:04 p.m.: After a penalty drew them back, Dallas is once again across midfield. But, on 3rd & 7, Prescott’s pass to Luepke comes up incomplete.

Dallas has to go for it on 4th & 7, and while Prescott connects with Luepke this time, it’s a foot short of the line to gain.

Minnesota takes over on downs, up eight. With 5:20 remaining, a lengthy drive can put the game out of reach.

11:00 p.m.: With under seven minutes remaining, Dallas is across midfield after an eight-yard Flournoy reception.

10:58 p.m.: On the first play of the drive, Prescott finds Pickens on the right side. It goes for 17 yards and a first down.

The next play, Williams rumbles forward for 15 yards to the Dallas 42.

10:57 p.m.: It looked like Turpin had a huge return, but it’s brought back by a holding penalty on C.J. Goodwin.

Instead of starting past the 50, Dallas will instead start on its own 10.

Vikings 31, Cowboys 23

10:54 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Nailor has his second touchdown of the game and Minnesota extends the lead.

On 1st & goal, McCarthy throws a bullet to Nailor, who was on an out-route, and he walks into the end zone. It’s Naylor’s second two-touchdown game of the season.

The Vikings now lead 31-23

10:53 p.m.: McCarthy now has a big completion to his other tight end.

He lobs one to Hockenson, and the Vikings now have a 1st & goal.

10:51 p.m.: The Vikings have a first down after a McCarthy scramble. He goes for eight yards to the Dallas 40.

The next play, he finds Josh Oliver on a boot leg and it goes for major yardage. The 22-yard reception has the Vikings right outside the 20.

10:48 p.m.: Dallas is inside the 40 after a seven-yard Pickens reception. But, Prescott goes down on 3rd & 4.

It’s still Aubrey range, but he misses his second field goal of the game and the Vikings still lead, 24-23.

End of the third quarter: Vikings 24, Cowboys 23

10:42 p.m.: Williams is back with two big carries. He takes it 10 yards on the first play of the Dallas drive, then nine plays on the ensuing carry, as the Cowboys are already across midfield.

Vikings 24, Cowboys 23

10:38 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: The Vikings have taken the lead.

An eight-play, 73-yard drive ends in a C.J. Ham touchdown on his first carry of the season.

It’s his first carry and his first touchdown of the season.

10:35 p.m.: Jefferson reels in a reception from McCarthy and takes it for another first down, and the Vikings have a 1st & goal.

10:34 p.m.: On 3rd & 1 inside the Dallas 40, Nailor gets blown up on an outside handoff. It’s Wilson, who forced the interception earlier in the game.

The Vikings go for it on 4th & 3, and this time Nailor has a catch for a much larger gain.

This one goes for 23 yards and Minnesota is inside the 15.

10:32 p.m.: Minnesota is across midfield, with McCarthy connecting with Hockenson in the seam for 29 yards and a first down.

Cowboys 23, Vikings 17

10:27 p.m. FIELD GOAL: Dallas kicks a field goal to take a six-point lead.

The Cowboys stalled out after the first down, and instead of making it a two score game it remains at one.

Aubrey hits his third field goal in a row, and McCarthy and Minnesota will get it back with a chance to take the lead.

10:24 p.m.: The Cowboys have a new set of downs right outside of the 20, and Javonte Williams has re-entered the game.

10:20 p.m.: Dallas has another big play courtesy of Lamb.

The superstar gets another target from Prescott and he goes for 30 yards.

A few plays later, a Turpin nine-yard reception has Dallas inside the 30.

10:17 p.m.: McCarthy tries hitting Naylor on 3rd & 9 but it comes up incomplete.

Minnesota has to punt on its first drive of the half.

Dallas has the ball back, up three.

10:16 p.m.: Starting across the 40, McCarthy hands it to Jones and it’s immediately stuffed by the Cowboys.

Cowboys 20, Vikings 17

10:11 p.m. FIELD GOAL: On 3rd & 8 inside the red zone, Prescott finds Turpin for a small gain, but it’s not even close to a first down.

Aubrey comes on to hit his second field goal of the game, this one from 26 yards, and Dallas has the lead back.

10:09 p.m.: Dallas has a big play, with Prescott tossing the ball to Luke Schoonmaker, who takes it 29 yards down to the Minnesota 11.

10:07 p.m.: The second half is underway in Dallas, with Prescott and the Cowboys having possession first.

Halftime: Vikings 17, Cowboys 17

9:53 p.m.: At halftime, it’s a tie game in Dallas.

Two touchdowns and two field goals per side have the Vikings and Cowboys in a 17-17 deadlock.

Dallas, who desperately needs a win, will get the ball first to start the second half.

Vikings 17, Cowboys 17

9:51 p.m. FIELD GOAL: Prescott throws it over Lamb’s head on third down, giving Aubrey time to kick a field goal.

This time, the kicker drills a 37-yarder and the game is tied.

9:48 p.m.: Luepke is having a big game in Williams’ abscence. Here, he takes in a pass from Prescott for 11 yards.

The next play, Pickens gets his first reception of the game for 10 yards, and the Cowboys are right outside the red zone.

9:45 p.m.: Dallas has a new set of downs across midfield. Luepke takes a carry five yards to the Minnesota 46.

9:43 p.m.: The Cowboys will start the drive at the 40 after the kickoff goes out of bounds.

Prescott and co. have 1:48 to work with.

A note: George Pickens still has zero receptions. Let’s see if Dallas can get him involved.

Vikings 17, Cowboys 14

9:40 p.m. FIELD GOAL: The Vikings are unable to find the end zone, with McCarthy’s pass to Hockenson coming up incomplete.

Will Reichard comes on to hit a 29-yard field goal attempt, the first field goal of the game.

The Vikings take the lead for the first time tonight.

9:36 p.m.: At the two-minute warning, Minnesota is threatening to take the lead.

Coming out of the break the Vikings will have a 2nd & 10 at the 11.

9:32 p.m.: On 2nd & 5, McCarthy throws a bullet to Justin Jefferson for his first reception of the game. It goes for 12 yards down to the Dallas 21.

9:30 p.m.: The Vikings are across midfield after Jones takes a 13-yard carry to the Dallas 38. 

The next play, McCarthy hits Jones again, this time for five yards.

9:26 p.m.: Prescott gets crushed on 3rd & 5, going in between two Vikings defenders who stuff the Cowboys star. It was Jonathan Greenard who got to him first.

Aubrey comes on to attempt a 51-yard field goal, and it’s a rare miss. This one is his third of the season.

The Vikings have the ball back with the game tied.

9:22 p.m.: On 3rd & 10, Prescott finds Jake Fergusson for his first reception of the game, but it’s short of the line to gain.

The Cowboys go for it on 4th & 3 at the 50 and come up huge, with Prescott hitting Lamb over the middle of the field. It’s the second 15+ yard reception for Lamb, this one going for 17 yards.

9:20 p.m.: KaVontae Turpin takes the kickoff across the 40, and Dallas will start at the 43.

Vikings 14, Cowboys 14

9:15 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: McCarthy scrambled seven yards but got tackled right before the goal-line. It sets up a 4th & goal, and McCarthy pulls a naked bootleg and griddys it into the end zone.

It’s the second-year quarterback’s second touchdown of the night and it’s 14-14.

9:12 p.m.: The Vikings get into the end zone on a Justin Jefferson touchdown, but an illegal formation penalty takes the score off the board.

Minnesota is now on the Dallas 8.

9:10 p.m.:  On 3rd & 8, McCarthy unleashes a bomb to Jordan Addison, and the receiver reels it in inside the 10. While he does not score, this one goes for 58 yards down to the Dallas 4.

It’s the longest play of the game and Minnesota is in business.

9:07 p.m.: Minnesota gets a first down after three Jordan Mason carries.

The Vikings backup gets a combined 11 yards and Minnesota is across the 30 with a new set of downs.

Cowboys 14, Vikings 7 

9:04 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: For the second tiem tonight, a Dallas running back takes a short carry into the end zone.

This time, with Williams still on the sideline, it’s Davis who gets the score.

The teams have now exchanged touchdowns, and Dallas leads 14-7.

End of the first quarter: Vikings 7, Cowboys 7

8:59 p.m.: On the final play of the quarter, Malik Davis takes a carry up the middle for five yards down to the Minnesota 2.

To start the second, Dallas will have a 1st & goal.

8:57 p.m.: The Cowboys open up the drive with two big plays.

First, Prescott hits Ryan Flournoy for 19 yards, and then it’s CeeDee Lamb over the middle of the field for an even bigger completion.

This one goes for 30 yards and just like that, Dallas is down to the Minnesota 24.

Vikings 7, Cowboys 7

8:51 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: It only took two plays for the Vikings to get on the board.

Right after the Jones play, McCarthy hits Jalen Nailor, who makes an acrobatic catch in the end zone. The receiver was banged up after the play, but got up and walked off in his own power.

It’s Nailor’s third touchdown of the season and it’s 7-7.

8:50 p.m.: Here’s the latest update on Dallas back Javonte Williams, who injured his shoulder in the first quarter.

8:49 p.m.: The Vikings have a chunk play courtesy of Jones.

McCarthy swings one out for the back, who takes it 18 yards. With a horse collar tackle on the end, Minnesota is now at the Dallas 20.

8:45 p.m.: Pinned deep inside their own territory, the Cowboys go three-and-out.

Hunter Luepke takes a carry eight yards but it’s not enough, and the teams have exchanged punts.

8:40 p.m.: On 3rd & 1, Jones gets stuffed again.

It was Shavon Ravel Jr. who got the tackle, and the Vikings have to punt.

It takes a great bounce and falls down on the Dallas 3. 

8:38 p.m.: Right after, the Vikings get their first first down.

McCarthy looks left and finds T.J. Hockenson, who takes it 13 yards for a first down.

8:37 p.m.: Minnesota’s next drive starts with a negative play.

Jones gets stuffed immediately by Kenny Clark, who was there in a second. It goes for a three-yard loss.

Cowboys 7, Vikings 0

8:33 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Dallas is on the board.

After Williams extended the drive, he takes the next carry up the middle again, and this time, it ends in the end zone.

Dallas capitalizes off the McCarthy turnover and strikes first blood. It’s 7-0.

8:31 p.m.: Now on the six-yard line after a Ryan Flournoy reception got Dallas into the red zone, Prescott scrambles up the middle on a 3rd & 2. He was just short, setting up a 4th & 1.

The Cowboys go for it, and Javonte Williams takes a carry up the middle for a first down.

8:27 p.m.: The Cowboys go three-and-out on their first drive, and Aubrey’s field goal is a fake, and completed.

Brian Schottenheimer pulls one out of a hat to extend the drive.

8:25 p.m.: McCarthy throws an interception on his first pass attempt of the game.

He tries targeting Justin Jefferson on a curl, but it is deflected by Donovan Wilson at the line of scrimmage and it falls into the arms of Quinnen Williams.

The trade deadline acquisition from the New York Jets has the first turnover of the game.

8:24 p.m.: Aaron Jones Sr. starts off the game with a six-yard carry. The back had 76 yards rushing last week against the Commanders.

8:22 p.m.: Brandon Aubrey has kicked off and we are underway in Dallas.

First-year starter J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings offense have the ball first at the 30-yard line.

8:12 p.m.: With the game moments away, here’s what’s at stake-tonight.

With a win, the Cowboys would advance to 7-6-1 and keep pace in the NFC wild card race. With a loss, they will be almost eliminated from the postseason.

Minnesota was eliminated from the playoffs earlier today, but has a key opportunity to play spoiler.

8:00 p.m.: Kickoff is quickly approaching, with the Cowboys needing to win to stay in the NFC playoff picture.

7:46 p.m.: Minnesota has posted its inactives ahead of “Sunday Night Football.”

7:30 p.m.: Brandon Aubrey has established himself as one of the best kickers in the NFL, consistently drilling 50 and 60 yarders.

7:09 p.m.: Last time out, CeeDee Lamb had six receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions.

He now faces a Vikings defense that is coming off a shutout victory. 

6:50 p.m.: The Cowboys return home for the first time since Thanksgiving, where they beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28.

6:35 p.m.: Minnesota has its playoff hopes hanging by a thread entering Week 15, and they have been cut off before the team even takes the field.

After a 14-win season in 2024, Minnesota has dealt with a quarterback carousel after losing Sam Darnold in free agency; McCarthy struggled to execute on his return, and now the Vikings are officially out of the playoffs in 2025.

6:03 p.m.: The Vikings are on-site, looking for their second straight victory.

6:01 p.m.: “Sunday Night Football” is back in Dallas.

The Cowboys desperately need a win to stay in the NFC postseason race. 

Where to watch the NFL game tonight

Cowboys vs. Vikings start time

  • Date: Sunday, Dec. 14
  • Date: 8:20 p.m.

The Vikings and Cowboys will kick off at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday from AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

This is Dallas’ second “Sunday Night Football” game at home this season.

What channel is Cowboys vs. Vikings on today?

  • TV Channel: NBC
  • Live stream: Peacock

“Sunday Night Football” airs nationally on NBC. Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Chris Collinsworth (color commentator) will be on the call, with Melissa Stark on the sidelines.

Peacock is the premium streaming option for the contest, carrying the national broadcast.

Vikings 2025 schedule

Date Opponent Time (ET) TV Channel
12/14 @ Cowboys 8:20 p.m. NBC
12/21 @ Giants 1:00 p.m. FOX
12/25 vs. Lions 4:30 p.m. Netflix
1/4/26 vs. Packers TBD TBD

Cowboys 2025 schedule

Date Opponent Time (ET) TV Channel
12/14 vs. Vikings 8:20 p.m. NBC
12/21 vs. Chargers 1:00 p.m. FOX
12/25 @ Commanders 1:00 p.m. Netflix
1/4/26 @ Giants TBD TBD

MORE: Where the Cowboys lie in the NFC East picture

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