JUMP TO:
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
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
Cowboys vs. Vikings live updates, highlights from 'Sunday Night Football'
7:09 p.m.: Last time out, CeeDee Lamb had six receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions.
Sunday night fit 🔥#MINvsDAL | @Abercrombie pic.twitter.com/sUKaUI1NxU
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 15, 2025
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.
Maybe the calmest doors-opening in the history of Cowboys games at AT&T Stadium pic.twitter.com/zN3MICbWwM
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 14, 2025
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.
The Vikings have been eliminated from postseason contention pic.twitter.com/hTbqyRaKu0
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 14, 2025
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.
J.J. McCarthy and the rest of the Vikings have arrived. Pic.twitter.com/EW4krLvuvO
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 14, 2025
6:01 p.m.: "Sunday Night Football" is back in Dallas.
Waitin' all day 4️⃣ Sunday night
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 14, 2025
🔄Repost to #ProBowlVote @dak | @blockchain pic.twitter.com/b2YsO7wAlL
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